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NextGen Bar Exam Readiness: Six Ways Law Schools Can Help

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NextGen Bar Exam Readiness: Six Ways Law Schools Can Help Students

With the NextGen Bar Exam launching in July 2026, now is the time for law schools to take proactive steps to ensure their students are prepared. The NextGen Bar Exam features a new format with integrated skills-based assessments, a greater emphasis on legal reasoning, and continued reliance on core doctrinal knowledge. While some aspects are evolving, memorization and exam-taking skills remain essential.

Law students and future applicants: if you’re choosing a law school or planning your final semesters, keep an eye out for programs that incorporate these strategies. Schools that are intentional about bar readiness will give you a stronger foundation—not just for the bar, but for legal practice.

We’re sharing six strategic ways law schools can support NextGen Bar Exam readiness—starting as early as November 2025—to give students the tools they need to succeed in this new era of bar testing.

Require Bar-Tested Courses in the Upper-Level Curriculum

The NextGen Bar Exam will still test core doctrinal subjects. To increase exposure and retention, we recommend requiring the following bar-tested subjects that are not always mandatory at every law school:

  • Evidence – A critical subject for both doctrinal and practical skills application.
  • Business Associations (Business Organizations) – Commonly underemphasized but consistently tested.
  • Constitutional Law II and Criminal Procedure – These are especially important if your current Con Law requirement is limited to a first-semester overview.

By integrating these courses into the required curriculum, law schools can ensure students don’t overlook highly tested areas. For a comprehensive list of highly tested MBE topics, we recommend checking out our guide here.

Use Closed-Book Exams in the 1L Year

Despite the NextGen Bar Exam’s focus on lawyering tasks and integrated assessments, memorization remains essential. Much like traditional bar exams, students will still need to recall legal rules, principles, and procedures under time pressure.

To prepare students for this reality:

  • Administer closed-book exams during the 1L year to build the habit of memorization early.
  • Reinforce this approach with regular review sessions and quick-recall exercises.

This strategy helps normalize the expectation that they’ll need to know the law—not just find it.

For tools that help students retain key concepts, our Bar Exam One-Sheets are a great resource.

Incorporate Exam Formats That Mirror the NextGen Exam

The NextGen Bar Exam will include:

  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Integrated question sets based on legal documents and scenarios
  • Written tasks mimicking real-world legal practice

Law schools can prepare students by mimicking these formats in midterms, finals, and capstone courses. For example:

  • Include NCBE-style MCQs in final exams to build test-taking stamina.
  • Introduce fact pattern-based writing assignments that combine legal analysis and client-centered advice.
  • Require integrated performance tasks where students interpret a set of documents to draft memos or emails—similar to the MPT format.

For examples of these formats and how they’re tested, check out our MPT formats and attack outlines.

Offer a Dedicated 3L Bar Exam Readiness Course

A bar prep class in the 3L year is one of the most direct ways to prepare students for the NextGen exam. This course could cover:

  • High-yield subject reviews
  • Skills practice using NextGen-style integrated tasks
  • Timed writing drills
  • Memorization strategies

This class also helps shift the bar exam mindset from “eventually” to “right now,” keeping students focused during their final year.

For students seeking even more support, we offer both private tutoring and comprehensive bar exam coursesspecifically designed with the new exam format in mind.

Expand Legal Writing Requirements

Because the NextGen Bar Exam emphasizes practical skills, legal writing is more important than ever. Law schools should consider:

  • Adding additional legal writing courses in the 2L or 3L year
  • Requiring advanced writing seminars focused on litigation or transactional work
  • Ensuring students get feedback on writing structure, tone, and logic—not just citations

Strong writing skills are vital for the integrated tasks on the NextGen exam, which simulate tasks lawyers perform in practice.

Hold In-Person Simulated Mock Bar Exams

Finally, schools should hold in-person mock bar exams in the months leading up to the real exam. These simulations should include:

  • Multiple-choice sections
  • Written integrated tasks
  • Timed conditions similar to the actual exam day experience

Mock exams are one of the most effective ways to reduce test-day anxiety and improve time management. Plus, they provide valuable data points for students and academic support teams.

We work with schools to conduct simulated bar exams and provide performance feedback, helping both students and institutions track readiness.

Supporting Your Students Starts Now

Preparing students for the NextGen Bar Exam doesn’t require reinventing your entire curriculum—but it does require intentional updates. By integrating doctrinal coverage, closed-book exams, NextGen-style assessment formats, bar readiness courses, robust writing instruction, and mock exams, law schools can equip students with the skills they need to pass.

At JD Advising, we partner with schools nationwide to offer bar exam support, course materials, mock exams, and custom workshops tailored to the new exam. Let’s work together to give your students the best chance at success.

Explore how we support law schools here and reach out to build a customized strategy for your institution.

How Law Students Should Prepare for the NextGen Bar Exam

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How Law Students Should Prepare for the NextGen Bar Exam

If you’re a current law student, there’s no doubt you’ve heard about the NextGen Bar Exam—the updated version of the bar exam set to roll out in July 2026. With its focus on real-world legal skills and an integrated approach to testing, this exam is reshaping how students should prepare. Fortunately, if you start early and strategically, you can put yourself in an excellent position to succeed.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for the NextGen bar exam, including what resources to use (hint: we have some great ones!), how to approach your law school classes, and what changes to expect.

Understand the Format: Review NCBE’s NextGen Example Questions

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has released example questions to give students a preview of what’s to come. Unlike the traditional bar exam, which separates legal topics into distinct sections, the NextGen exam integrates doctrine with lawyering skills like legal research, client counseling, and negotiation.

So why should you look at these sample questions now?

  • They show how legal analysis will be tested in practical, scenario-based ways.
  • They highlight integrated skills you should start developing in law school—like reading fact patterns from multiple perspectives or identifying ethical issues in real-world contexts.

You can find examples directly on the NCBE website, and we strongly recommend setting aside time to work through them early in your law school journey.

Use JD Advising’s NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet

We created a NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet Summary specifically for law students who want a clear, concise overview of the changes and what to expect. This one-sheet breaks down the structure of the exam, outlines the tested subjects and skills, and provides actionable tips on how to begin preparing now. Check out the free NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet here

We designed it to be user-friendly and high-yield—perfect for printing out and keeping in your study binder.

Start Early: Focus on Foundational Concepts and Skills for the NextGen Bar Exam

The foundational subjects and skills tested on the NextGen Bar Exam will vary slightly depending on when you take the exam—especially between 2026 and 2028 and starting in July 2028. To ensure you’re preparing for the correct material, we recommend reviewing the official NCBE content scope here:  https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/content-scope

This page outlines the specific doctrinal subjects (called Foundational Concepts and Principles) and lawyering skillsthat will be tested based on your exam date.

What You Can Do Now

Regardless of when you’re taking the exam, the best thing you can do now is build a strong foundation during your doctrinal courses in law school. Here are some simple but effective ways to start:

  • Take detailed, organized notes in your classes—especially courses like Civil Procedure, Contracts, Evidence, and Constitutional Law.
  • Create and regularly update your own outlines to reinforce what you’re learning.
  • Use our law school outlines to supplement your class materials and ensure you’re covering high-yield topics.
  • Begin developing core legal skills (like writing, analysis, and communication) through clinics, legal writing courses, or by working with one of our law school tutors.

Starting early with these habits will not only help you in law school—it will give you a major head start when it’s time to study for the bar exam.

Practice Skill-Based Learning

One of the hallmarks of the NextGen exam is its emphasis on skills over pure memorization. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to:

  • Analyze legal scenarios
  • Conduct legal research
  • Draft clear, client-focused communications
  • Spot ethical and procedural issues
  • Apply rules in a practical context

We suggest getting in the habit of thinking like a lawyer as early as 1L year. Here are some ways to develop those skills:

  • Participate in legal writing and research assignments with attention to how you’ll be tested on those skills later.
  • Join clinics, externships, or mock trial teams, where you can start applying legal principles in real-world contexts.
  • Use our law school tutoring if you want personalized support to strengthen your legal reasoning and writing skills.

Stay Informed as the Bar Exam Evolves

The NCBE will continue releasing updates, resources, and practice materials as the launch of the NextGen Bar Exam approaches. We’ll also be updating our own materials and courses to reflect the latest developments.

We recommend subscribing to both the NCBE NextGen page and our JD Advising newsletter to stay informed. We’ll share:

  • Key updates
  • Study strategies
  • Practice resources tailored for NextGen
  • New product launches designed to match the NextGen format

Being proactive means fewer surprises down the line!

Build a Long-Term Bar Prep Strategy with JD Advising

Preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam starts now. If you’re in law school, particularly in your 1L or 2L year, begin laying the groundwork with:

  • Strong outlines
  • Consistent review of foundational subjects
  • Active development of legal skills
  • Familiarity with the new exam format

And don’t forget to take advantage of our NextGen-focused materials like the NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet, our law school outlines, and tutoring services if you need extra support.

We’re here to help you succeed—not just on the exam, but in building the legal skills that will carry you through your career.

Let’s start preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam—together!

✅ Don’t Miss These Resources

NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet Summary

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NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet Summary

The NextGen Bar Exam is coming—and we know that the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created a NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet to help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most. This free, downloadable resource offers a clear, concise summary of what we know so far about the new bar exam format, structure, and content. Whether you’re a law student, a recent graduate, or a school administrator preparing students for success, this one-sheet is designed with you in mind.

What’s Covered in the NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet?

Our NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet is a high-yield, printable resource that outlines:

  • The structure and timing of the new exam
  • A breakdown of the new subject areas and skills tested
  • How the question formats are changing (goodbye standalone MBE questions!)
  • A list of legal doctrines and skills expected to be tested
  • How the NextGen exam integrates real-world lawyering tasks
  • What this means for bar prep strategy moving forward

This is everything we know about the exam—organized into a single, easy-to-reference page. And as more details emerge from the NCBE, we’ll update this one-sheet to keep you in the loop.

Why Use a One-Sheet for the NextGen Bar Exam?

At JD Advising, we’re known for our high-quality, concise study tools—and this one-sheet is no exception. We created it to help you:

  • Visualize the exam structure at a glance
  • Understand how the NextGen Bar Exam differs from the current Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)
  • Start thinking about how your bar prep needs to evolve
  • Share reliable, up-to-date information with classmates or students

It’s perfect to print, post by your desk, or save as a digital reference throughout your bar exam journey.

Who Should Use the NextGen One-Sheet?

If you’re asking yourself whether the NextGen Bar Exam affects you—here’s a quick breakdown:

  • First-year law students in fall 2024 or later will almost certainly take the NextGen Bar Exam.
  • Law school administrators and academic support staff can use this one-sheet to inform curriculum planning.
  • Tutors and professors can use it to align their instruction with upcoming exam requirements.
  • Repeat takers and recent grads might still be on the UBE—but it’s important to know what’s changing and when.

Download the Free NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet

Ready to dive in? Fill out the form below to receive a PDF of your copy of our NextGen Bar Exam One-Sheet.

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Stay Ahead of the Curve with JD Advising

The rollout of the NextGen Bar Exam doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. We’re here to support you with accurate, up-to-date resources that simplify your prep and keep you informed. In addition to our one-sheet, we offer:

Stay tuned—our NextGen offerings will continue to expand as more details are released.

How to Pass the NextGen Bar Exam

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How to Pass the NextGen Bar Exam

The NextGen Bar Exam is set to transform how law graduates demonstrate their readiness to practice. If you are preparing for this new exam format, you may be feeling both excited and anxious about what lies ahead. The good news is that with the right strategies, materials, and mindset, you can position yourself to succeed. At JD Advising, we have been closely following these changes and have put together practical tips on how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam.

What Makes the NextGen Bar Exam Different?

The NextGen Bar Exam is designed to better reflect the realities of modern legal practice. Unlike the traditional bar exam, which emphasizes rote memorization and multiple-choice testing, the NextGen Bar Exam focuses on lawyering skills, critical thinking, and application of legal knowledge in practice-based contexts.

Key features include:

  • Skills-based assessments: You will analyze client problems, draft documents, and apply legal reasoning in ways that mimic real practice.
  • Integrated subjects: Instead of testing standalone doctrinal areas, the exam weaves multiple subjects together, requiring you to spot issues and apply the law in context.
  • Less memorization, more application: Success depends on understanding how to use the law rather than simply recalling it.

If you want to learn how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam, the first step is understanding these key differences.

Topics and Skills Tested on the NextGen Bar Exam

One of the most important steps in learning how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam is knowing what the test actually covers. From July 2026 to February 2028, the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) will focus on both Foundational Concepts and Principles and Foundational Lawyering Skills.

Foundational Concepts and Principles

These are the core doctrinal areas you’ll need to master and apply throughout the exam:

  • Business Associations
  • Civil Procedure
  • Constitutional Law
  • Contract Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Evidence
  • Real Property
  • Torts

Foundational Lawyering Skills

Alongside doctrinal knowledge, the exam emphasizes the skills lawyers use every day, including:

  • Legal research
  • Legal writing
  • Issue spotting and analysis
  • Investigation and evaluation
  • Client counseling and advising
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Client relationship and management

The exam integrates these topics and skills. For example, you might apply Civil Procedure while conducting legal research and then draft a memo explaining your findings. Or you might analyze a Contract Law dispute while practicing negotiation skills on behalf of a client.

Additional Knowledge Areas for Context

Other areas of law will also appear on the exam to provide context for skills-based testing. Examinees will be given the necessary legal resources (such as statutes, regulations, or case law) for these questions. From July 2026 through February 2028, both Family Law and Trusts & Estates will appear on every exam in skills-focused questions. You won’t need to memorize these subjects in depth, but you should be ready to apply them when resources are provided.

By recognizing that the NextGen Bar Exam blends doctrine with practice, you can create a targeted study plan that emphasizes application over rote memorization.

Build a Strong Foundation in Doctrinal Subjects

Even though the NextGen Bar Exam reduces the emphasis on memorization, mastering foundational subjects remains crucial. If you want to know how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam, start with a strong base in subjects like Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.

We recommend:

Use Targeted Study Materials to Pass the NextGen Bar Exam

Not all study materials are designed for the NextGen exam format. To maximize your preparation, use resources that emphasize skills-based practice and application. We suggest:

  • Enrolling in Bar Exam Courses built for the NextGen Bar Exam.
  • Working with realistic practice problems that mimic the new exam structure.
  • Considering private tutoring for tailored strategies and accountability.

These tools are especially valuable for repeat takers, who may need to shift from memorization-heavy approaches to skill-based preparation.

Create a Study Schedule That Works

A smart study plan is essential when figuring out how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam. You’ll need to balance doctrine review, skills practice, and timed performance. Consider:

  • Starting early: Review subjects and practice skills months before the exam.
  • Using active learning: Write essays, draft sample documents, and analyze practice files instead of just reading outlines.
  • Practicing under timed conditions: Build stamina for the exam environment.

If you’re balancing work and study, check out our bar exam tips for busy students to design a realistic schedule.

Practice Lawyering Skills Through Realistic Exercises

Because the NextGen Bar Exam emphasizes application, practice is key. If you want to know how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam, you should:

  • Simulate client interviews with peers.
  • Analyze statutes and case law under time pressure.
  • Draft memos, briefs, or client letters regularly.
  • Review MPT-style outlines to sharpen information management.

The more you practice applying law to practical problems, the more confident you’ll be on exam day.

Stay Balanced During Bar Prep

Preparing for the bar exam can be stressful, but success also depends on maintaining your mental and physical health. Make sure you:

  • Schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout.
  • Keep up with sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Join a study group or work with a tutor for accountability.

At JD Advising, we remind students that resilience and confidence are just as important as study hours when learning how to pass the NextGen Bar Exam.

Final Thoughts: How to Pass the NextGen Bar Exam

The NextGen Bar Exam may feel unfamiliar, but it is entirely manageable with the right plan. By focusing on doctrinal foundations, lawyering skills, and targeted study materials, you can prepare effectively and walk into exam day ready to succeed.

If you’re looking for support, explore our resources:

With the right preparation, you can pass the NextGen Bar Exam—and we are here to help you every step of the way!

NextGen Bar Exam vs. UBE Subject Matter on The New Bar Exam

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NextGen Bar Exam vs. UBE Subject Matter on The New Bar Exam

In July 2026, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (“NCBE”) will premier its new test, the NextGen Bar Exam. Understanding the forthcoming changes in the bar exam is essential for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals. In this post, we’ll take a deeper dive into the subjects that will appear on the NextGen Bar Exam.

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