The NextGen bar exam is set to debut in a limited number of jurisdictions in July 2026. The last administration of the current bar exam will be the February 2028 administration. The NextGen bar exam will be administered over one and a half days, with two three-hour sessions on day one and one three-hour session on day two. Jurisdictions that administer their own local law components may elect to extend day two for that purpose.
Supplemental Remarks
Illinois Illinois has not yet finalized whether its first administration will be in February or July of 2028.
Hawaii Hawaii does not intend to accept transferred NextGen scores.
Minnesota Minnesota plans to accept transfers of NextGen scores once a NextGen score has been set for Minnesota.
Arizona Online course on Arizona law will be required prior to admission for all applicants.
Georgia The content and format of the Georgia-specific component is to be determined.
Hawaii 15 multiple-choice questions based on the Hawaii Rules of Professional Conduct.
Maryland Prior to bar admission, all applicants must complete the Maryland Law Component, which consists of online outlines of significant distinctions of Maryland substantive law and procedure followed by an online confirmatory quiz.
Missouri Rules require an open-book online test, the Missouri Educational Component Test (MECT), for applicants to complete as a condition of licensure. Review materials are posted to assist applicants.
New Mexico The format of the New Mexico–specific component is to be determined.
Virginia The content and format of the Virginia-specific exam is to be determined.
Washington Washington Law Component (WLC) is an open-book, timed, online multiple-choice test with Washington-specific study materials available online to review prior to and during the test.
