If you're planning to become a licensed attorney in Nevada, you’ve probably noticed two new acronyms showing up in the admission process: FLE and LPE.
Under Nevada’s new attorney licensing system, known as the Nevada Plan, candidates must complete both the Foundational Law Exam (FLE) and the Lawyering Performance Exam (LPE) as part of the process. While both are required components of licensure, they measure very different skills, occur at different points in the licensing timeline, and require different preparation strategies.
If you’re wondering whether you should be focusing on the FLE or the LPE right now, here's what you need to know.
About the FLE and LPE
An easy way to understand the difference between the two exams is this:
The Foundational Law Exam tests legal knowledge. Think: “Do I know the law?”
The Lawyering Performance Exam tests lawyering skills. Think: “Can I use the law like a lawyer?”
The two exams working together reflect Nevada’s goal of creating a licensing process that better mirrors real-world attorney practice.
What Is the Nevada Foundational Law Exam (FLE)?
The Foundational Law Exam is Nevada’s doctrinal knowledge assessment in the following seven legal subjects:
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
The exam consists of:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Closed-book testing
- Computer-based administration at a Prometric testing center
In many ways, the FLE fills the role that the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) traditionally played in attorney licensing by assessing the understanding of core legal doctrines.
When Can I Take the FLE?
One of the most important things to know about the FLE is that it doesn’t require graduation. You become eligible after earning 42 credits at an ABA-accredited law school, which for most students occurs around the third semester of law school.
What this means is that you may be able to take the FLE during your 2L year. It also means that you can likely spread out your licensing requirements by taking the FLE early — reducing the workload that often hits after law school.
What Is the Nevada Lawyering Performance Exam (LPE)?
The Lawyering Performance Exam is Nevada’s practical skills assessment. Rather than testing memorization, the LPE measures how effectively you can complete the types of tasks expected of a newly licensed attorney.
During the exam, a packet of materials is provided that may include:
- Client documents
- Case law
- Statutes
- Rules
- Factual records
Using only the provided materials, you are expected to analyze legal issues and produce written work that addresses the assigned task for three practical scenarios over the course of a single day of testing.
When Can I Take the LPE?
Unlike the FLE, you do not become eligible to sit for the LPE until after earning your J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
The LPE often becomes the last major assessment remaining after you’ve already completed the FLE and potentially much of your supervised practice requirement (SPP).
Nevada FLE vs. LPE: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | FLE | LPE |
| Full Name | Foundational Law Exam | Lawyering Performance Exam |
| Purpose | Tests legal knowledge | Tests practical lawyering skills |
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions | Three performance-based scenarios |
| Open or Closed Book | Closed book | Uses provided materials |
| Primary Focus | Doctrinal law | Legal analysis and work product |
| Eligibility | After 42 law school credits | After graduation |
| Typical Timing | 2L or 3L year | Post-graduation |
| Measures | What you know | How you apply what you know |
How Preparation Differs for Each Exam
Because the exams assess different competencies, your prep strategies should look different as well.
Preparing for the FLE
Quality FLE preparation is all about reviewing foundational subjects and learning Black Letter Law. Because this is a multiple-choice exam, it will serve you well to practice multiple-choice questions to strengthen your doctrinal understanding.
BARBRI Nevada FLE Prep
BARBRI Nevada FLE Prep is specifically designed for Nevada’s Foundational Law Exam and helps you build mastery of the concepts tested on the FLE while still in law school. The course provides structured instruction, subject-focused review, and a study plan tailored to the FLE format.
Check out the BARBRI Nevada FLE Prep course.
Preparing for the LPE
LPE preparation focuses less on memorization and more on performance. Here, it’s important to focus on developing skills in:
- Legal analysis
- Organization
- Time management
- Legal writing
- Working through document files efficiently
Unlike doctrinal exams, improvement often comes through repetition and guided instruction.
BARBRI Nevada LPE Prep
BARBRI Nevada LPE Prep is designed specifically for Nevada’s Lawyering Performance Exam and focuses on practical skill development through coaching, guided exercises, and feedback.
The course supports both recent graduates completing the Nevada Plan and attorneys relocating to Nevada who must complete the LPE as part of the state’s licensing requirements.
Check out the BARBRI Nevada LPE Prep course.
Prepare to Become a Practicing Attorney in Nevada
Although both exams are required under Nevada’s new licensing system, the FLE and LPE serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction between the two can help you build a smarter preparation strategy, complete requirements at the right time, and navigate Nevada's new attorney licensure pathway with greater confidence.
BARBRI empowers your legal learning with prep courses designed for the journey to licensure in Nevada.
Always remember to check the State Bar of Nevada website for the most current admission requirements, eligibility, deadlines, and more.
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