If you're planning to become a lawyer in Texas, you've probably heard about the NextGen Bar Exam and may be wondering what it means for your path to licensure.
The short answer is yes. Texas has announced plans to adopt the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam, with the first administration expected in July 2028. That means today's law students should begin preparing for a new version of the licensing exam that places greater emphasis on practical legal skills and real-world problem solving.
When Will Texas Begin Using the NextGen Bar Exam?
Texas is expected to administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning in July 2028, replacing the current Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).
If you expect to graduate before then, you will likely take the current version of the bar exam. Students graduating closer to 2028 should monitor updates from the Texas Board of Law Examiners, as implementation details may evolve.
What Is Changing?
The NextGen Bar Exam is designed to better reflect the skills new lawyers use in practice.
Candidates can expect greater emphasis on:
- Legal research and analysis
- Client counseling
- Drafting and writing
- Practical lawyering skills
- Integrated legal reasoning
The new exam will continue to test foundational legal knowledge while placing more focus on applying that knowledge in realistic scenarios.
What Should Texas Law Students Do?
While the exam format is changing, the fundamentals of successful preparation remain the same.
Students should continue building:
- Strong legal analysis skills
- Clear legal writing
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Practical application of legal rules
These skills will benefit candidates regardless of which version of the exam they ultimately take.
Stay Informed
As Texas finalizes implementation details, it's important to stay current with official announcements and understand how any changes affect your graduation timeline.
For more information about becoming licensed in Texas, visit BARBRI's Texas Bar Exam Guide and How to Become a Lawyer in Texas resources.
Prepare for Success With BARBRI
Whether you're taking the current UBE or preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam, BARBRI's bar review courses are designed to help you build the legal knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to succeed. Learn more: https://www.barbri.com/bar-review-course
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