Before you even begin your bar prep, take the time to understand the next generation of the bar exam known as the NextGen UBE. This isn’t just another exam. It’s been reimagined to really put your practical legal skills to the test. So knowing what’s required to land a passing bar exam score is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
How will your performance be evaluated? What does a passing score look like? How will your score travel with you?
Your success hinges on mastering the new rules of the game. With decades of experience and a proven track record of helping more students pass the bar than all other providers combined, BARBRI is your definitive guide to both the legacy UBE and NextGen UBE.
Here, we’ll break down NextGen scoring and score portability to provide the clarity and confidence you need for this new exam.
What to Know About NextGen UBE Scoring
Understanding the scoring structure is a good first step toward building your successful bar exam strategy. The NextGen UBE reports a single number on a scale from 500 to 750. Each jurisdiction establishes its own passing score within this range, but that number is derived from three distinct question types, each carrying a different weight.
Scoring Breakdown
- Standalone multiple-choice questions make up 49% of the overall score
- Integrated question sets make up 21%
- Performance tasks account for 30%
NextGen Score Portability Explained
NextGen UBE scores are designed to be portable to other jurisdictions, but how does this work?
The answer depends on where you plan to practice. Each jurisdiction sets its own minimum passing score within the 500-750 range. A score that earns you a license in one state might not be sufficient in another. This variability makes understanding score portability—the ability to transfer a passing score from one jurisdiction to another (so you don’t have to take another bar exam to become licensed elsewhere), essential for your career mobility.
This makes score portability one of the most powerful features of the UBE system. But how does this work with the NextGen UBE?
The core concept remains, but the specifics are determined by each jurisdiction. A jurisdiction can choose to accept NextGen UBE scores earned in other jurisdictions, but it is not required to. As a result, you will want to verify the policy of any state where you may plan to practice in the future.
For up-to-date policy information, visit your jurisdiction’s page on the NCBE website.
Note: Jurisdictions that do not elect to participate in score portability may administer the NextGen UBE without accepting scores for transfer.
How Long Does a NextGen UBE Score Last?
Each jurisdiction also establishes its own rules for how long it will accept a transferred NextGen UBE score. This time limit can range from two to five years, depending on the state’s policies. During the transition period between the current UBE and the NextGen UBE, jurisdictions may accept both the current UBE and NextGen scores for portability purposes, with current UBE scores remaining valid until the time limit set by each participating jurisdiction.
The Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements offers additional information on the time limit for transferring UBE scores in each jurisdiction. You may also want to consult the admissions office of the specific jurisdiction for details. Understanding the policies for any jurisdictions you may wish to practice in is critical for your career plans.
How is NextGen Graded?
The grading process for the NextGen UBE is a collaborative effort between the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and individual jurisdictions. This hybrid model is designed to ensure both standardization and local control.
In a nutshell, multiple-choice questions will be scored by the NCBE and written responses will be graded by jurisdiction graders. Let’s delve a little deeper into what this will mean for your grade...
For the written components—the integrated question sets and performance tasks you encounter—your responses will be graded by two different NCBE-trained, jurisdiction-appointed graders using detailed, uniform grading rubrics provided by the NCBE. Any significant discrepancy in the scores they assign will be resolved by the jurisdiction, ensuring fairness and reliability in the evaluation of your work. The NCBE will then perform the final scaling and equating to produce your single score, which will ultimately be reported to you by your jurisdiction.
Stay Ahead to Master What’s Ahead
There is a lot to digest when it comes to NextGen. That’s why BARBRI is aligned with the NextGen UBE to provide you with the latest information and updates about the new bar exam as they become available.
We’re ready to meet you where you are in your understanding and preparedness with cutting-edge tools and support. The BARBRI NextGen UBE prep course will help you learn, retain, and pass the bar confidently.
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