This article originally appeared in The Bar Examiner print edition, Winter 2025-2026 (Vol. 94, No. 4), pp. 34.By Blake Bluemel
The journey to adopting the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam begins when a jurisdiction reflects on their commitment to ensuring a consistent pipeline of competent new lawyers. This sparks a deliberate evaluation process, with NCBE as an engaged and transparent partner.
In the initial stage of jurisdictional outreach, NCBE prioritizes education. When a jurisdiction first expresses interest, NCBE provides comprehensive explanations of the new exam’s purpose and structure. NCBE has held more than 100 in-person and virtual meetings with jurisdictional leaders to help them gain an early understanding of the NextGen UBE’s computer-based content, design, and delivery. The new exam moves beyond recall-based testing to assess how candidates analyze legal problems, interpret sources, and demonstrate essential practical skills. These early exchanges aim to equip decision makers with accurate information to inform their ongoing deliberations.
As NCBE helps jurisdictions explore further, the latter examine how the exam’s task-based structure provides more meaningful insight into a candidate’s readiness for practice. Scenario-based questions, research exercises, and applied analysis components offer a fuller picture of competence than traditional testing formats. Jurisdictions also can evaluate improvements to the candidate experience: clearer instructions, streamlined digital tools, and an examination platform aligned with the technological environment in which new lawyers practice today. To better inform jurisdictions’ decision-making processes, NCBE provides extensive data, sample materials, psychometric evaluations, and showcases of the exam’s design to each jurisdiction.
Jurisdictions also undertake a series of internal evaluations. Leaders assess implications for law schools, candidates, court systems, and administrative processes. NCBE provides structured implementation guidance, planning and educational resources, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement through a series of written materials, webinars, and interactive platform demonstrations. Ultimately, jurisdictions reach decisions grounded in evidence, informed analysis, and their responsibility to protect the public. In all cases, NextGen adoption reflects careful deliberation and a shared commitment to improving legal licensure.
Following adoption, NCBE transitions from a helpful resource to an active partner. Jurisdictions receive onboarding support that includes planning timelines, technical preparation, training opportunities, and resources for legal educators and administrators. Throughout implementation, NCBE remains a consistent collaborator.
These journeys reflect a national movement toward a more authentic, skill-based approach to assessing entry-level competence. NCBE works diligently to support jurisdictions at every stage of that transition.
Blake Bluemel is Jurisdiction Relations Manager for the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
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