The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has officially released its recommended passing score range for the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam (NextGen UBE), which debuts in some jurisdictions in July 2026. The NCBE is recommending that jurisdictions consider setting their passing score between 610 and 620 on the new 500–750 scale.
For decades, BARBRI has successfully guided students through every change to the bar exam, and this next evolution is no different. The NCBE’s announcement enables us to provide the additional clarity you need to prepare effectively for this new test and simply sharpens the target we already help you aim for.
Let’s break down what this new passing score means and how you can position yourself for success on the NextGen UBE with BARBRI.
The New Standard: A Recommended Score of 610–620
The NCBE’s recommended passing score range is the result of an exhaustive, multi-year research process designed to ensure the fairness, validity, and equity of bar admissions.
How Does the New Range Compare to the Current UBE?
The NCBE has confirmed that the 610 to 620 range on the NextGen scale directly corresponds to the legacy UBE passing score range of 260 to 270. It demonstrates that the NCBE is committed to maintaining a stable and consistent standard for what it means to be a qualified entry-level lawyer. The bar isn’t being raised or lowered; it’s being recalibrated for a new, more modern exam.
What this means for you is that the effort and knowledge required to pass remain consistent, even as the format of the bar exam changes.
How the Score Recommendation Came to Be
The NCBE’s recommendation is backed by a robust body of evidence and expert judgment. A Passing Score Advisory Panel, composed of judges and bar examiners, reviewed the psychometric research to ensure it was sound.
The evidence includes several key components:
- Psychometric Scaling: Data from prototype NextGen exams was used to establish the new 500–750 score scale, ensuring it was statistically sound.
- Concordance Analyses: The NCBE directly linked performance on the current UBE to performance on the NextGen UBE. This ensures that a passing score on one exam is equivalent to a passing score on the other, providing stability during the transition.
- Standard-Setting Studies: Over 80 legal professionals from 43 jurisdictions participated in studies to define the performance level of a minimally qualified candidate. This process roots the passing score in the real-world expectations of the legal profession.
- Outcome Modeling: The NCBE analyzed how different passing scores might affect pass rates. This modeling helps jurisdictions understand the potential impact of their policy decisions.
This thoughtful approach ensures that the recommendation is not just statistically defensible but also aligned with the legal profession’s view of entry-level competence.
What This Means for Jurisdictions + YOU
While the NCBE provides a strong recommendation, each jurisdiction retains the authority to set its own passing score for the NextGen UBE. This is consistent with the current model. However, the NCBE’s transparent, research-based guidance provides a framework to encourage consistency across the country. It's designed to create a seamless transition for everyone involved: jurisdictions, law schools, and most importantly, you.
This announcement removes a significant piece of uncertainty for examinees. Knowing the target score range allows you to prepare with greater focus and confidence—and with a clear, defined number in mind.
If you plan to take the NextGen bar exam, here’s what you can expect.
BARBRI: Your Partner for NextGen UBE Success
With the passing score target now in focus, the question becomes: how will you prepare to meet and exceed it? The NextGen UBE tests a combination of foundational doctrine and essential lawyering skills. It requires a new approach to preparation.
For over 50 years, BARBRI has been the leader in bar preparation. We don’t just react to changes in the exam; we anticipate them. That’s why we took the best bar review course on the market and made it better, yet again, in 2025.
Our redesigned curriculum aligns with the latest in proven learning methodologies to promote better outcomes for both legacy bar exam takers and NextGen takers. For NextGen, our curriculum has evolved to align with the exam’s focus on skills like legal research, client counseling, and negotiation.
The NCBE has done its part by providing a clear, evidence-based standard. Now, it’s your turn to prepare. The best way to ensure you walk into the NextGen UBE with confidence is to prepare with the best. BARBRI has been the trusted partner for generations of lawyers, and we are ready to guide you to success on this new exam.
Learn about our personalized NextGen UBE prep and sign up for NextGen Prep Preview to get an interactive sneak peek of our NextGen prep course.
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