If you already know Nevada is where you want to practice law, you now have the opportunity to complete an important licensing component while still in law school. With the introduction of the Nevada Plan (Nevada Comprehensive Licensing Examination) in January 2026, you no longer have to wait until graduating from law school to start completing Nevada's licensing requirements.
Under the Nevada Plan, you can become eligible to take the Foundational Law Exam (FLE) component as early as your 2L year. While that may sound great, deciding when to actually take the FLE deserves some planning.
Here's how it works and what to consider.
When May the Nevada FLE Be Completed?
The number to remember is 42 credits. You are eligible to take the Foundational Law Exam once you’ve earned at least 42 credits at an ABA-accredited law school. (Note: Applicants from other law schools must be approved by Nevada's Functional Equivalency Committee.) For many students, that eligibility comes in the second year of law school.
That makes the FLE different from a traditional bar exam timeline in which you typically focus on preparing for the licensing exam after graduation.
While you may earn enough credits to satisfy FLE eligibility as a 2L, there still may be subjects on the exam that you haven't yet encountered in law school. That doesn't automatically mean you need to postpone the test. It does mean, however, that you'll want enough dedicated FLE preparation time to learn or refresh all seven subjects tested rather than relying solely on your completed coursework.
Why Take the FLE While Still in Law School?
If you're eligible and you know that Nevada licensure is your goal, taking the FLE during law school is worth considering.
Depending on your individual course schedule, some foundational subjects may be relatively fresh in your mind. Rather than returning to every first-year and upper-level subject after graduation, you can build your FLE prep around what you already know and identify those subjects that need a bit more attention.
But earlier isn't automatically better.
The right time is when you can realistically balance FLE prep with classes, exams, journals, clinics, work, and other law school responsibilities.
You Don’t Have to Take the FLE Before the Lawyering Performance Exam (LPE)
The FLE is just one piece of Nevada's new comprehensive licensing system. The Nevada Plan includes the Foundational Law Exam, Lawyering Performance Exam, and Supervised Practice Program (SPP), with the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and Character and Fitness review required as part of the licensing process as well.
Learn more about the Nevada Plan components.
What to Know About FLE + LPE Timing
Beyond being able to take the FLE during law school, another helpful feature of the Nevada Plan is that there is flexibility in the sequence of completing each component. The FLE is not required to be taken before the LPE.
You should, however, understand the overall completion window before deciding how early to begin your preparation.
The required licensing components operate within a six-year eligibility window tied to passing the LPE: three years before and three years after the year in which you pass it. It’s important to note that if you don't complete all required Nevada Plan components within the applicable period, you may have to retake components that fall outside the permitted timeframe.
In other words, don't view the FLE as an isolated test. Think about where it fits into your larger Nevada licensure timeline.
So, Should You Take the Nevada FLE While in Law School?
There's no universal answer, but you can make the decision more concrete for your personal situation.
Taking the FLE during law school may make sense if:
- You've completed the required 42 credits.
- You're planning to pursue Nevada licensure.
- You've already encountered a significant portion of the seven tested subjects or have time to learn what you haven't studied.
- You can carve out dedicated FLE prep without compromising your law school coursework.
- The administration date works well with your academic schedule.
- You've fully considered how the exam fits within your overall Nevada Plan timeline.
You might choose to wait if you're eligible but haven’t studied some of the tested subjects, you're entering an especially demanding part of the semester, or adding FLE preparation to your plate would significantly compete with other academic priorities.
When you decide you’re ready, the BARBRI Nevada FLE Prep course has you covered. It’s specifically designed to help you develop a deep understanding of all subjects tested on the FLE while reinforcing key concepts and their application. Our Nevada FLE Prep fits seamlessly alongside your existing coursework and commitments while helping you move toward FLE success.
Get started with BARBRI Nevada FLE Prep today.
FLE FAQs
1. Can I Take the Nevada FLE Before Graduating from Law School?
Yes. You don't need to have your J.D. before sitting for the FLE. Eligibility occurs once you have earned at least 42 credits at an ABA-accredited law school or a school approved by the Functional Equivalency Committee.
2. Do I Have to Finish All Seven FLE Subjects in Law School Before Taking the FLE?
There is no requirement that you complete particular courses corresponding to the seven FLE subjects tested:
- Federal Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
You will, however, want to prepare for all seven subject areas to be truly FLE-ready.
3. Do I Have to Take the FLE Before the Nevada LPE?
No. The Nevada State Bar expressly states that the FLE does not have to be taken prior to the LPE.
4. Can I Take the FLE Outside Nevada While I'm in School?
Yes. The FLE is administered at Prometric testing centers throughout the United States, and candidates aren't required to take it in Nevada. International testing isn't available.
5. How Many Times Can I Attempt to Pass the Nevada FLE?
There is no limit on FLE attempts, as long as they are within the applicable eligibility timeframe.
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