Over the next several years, the bar exam will change for most US states, territories, and the District of Columbia. In most jurisdictions, the current bar exam is known as the Uniform Bar Examination (aka the “legacy UBE”). The new bar exam is called the NextGen UBE. In addition, almost every US jurisdiction requires its applicants to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
This page provides information about the MPRE and the legacy-NextGen transition for students and alumni who intend to sit for the bar exam between July 2026 and February 2028. Regardless of if which exam you will take, we encourage you to meet with our school’s Department of Academic & Bar Success staff for additional information and guidance.
In South Carolina:
Final administration of the legacy UBE: February 2028
First administration of the NextGen UBE: TBD
In Florida
Final administration of the legacy Florida Bar Exam: February 2028
First administration of the NextGen UBE: July 2028
In Georgia:
Final administration of the legacy Georgia Bar Exam: February 2028
First administration of the NextGen UBE: July 2028
In North Carolina:
Final administration of the legacy UBE: February 2028
First administration of the NextGen UBE: TBD
During the UBE transition period, examinees will have a choice: Whether to sit for the legacy UBE or the NextGen UBE. Both exams provide portable bar exam scores, meaning that a qualifying UBE score earned in one UBE jurisdiction may be used to apply for admission to other UBE jurisdictions. To find out if the jurisdiction in which you wish to be licensed administers and/or accepts scores earned through the UBE, visit https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions.
As jurisdictions across the country transition from the legacy UBE to the https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen NextGen UBE, understanding the differences — and the similarities — between the two exams is crucial.
Key Similarities:
Key Differences:
Exam Details:
The NextGen UBE will be administered by select jurisdictions starting in July 2026, with more to follow during each successive administration.
Exam Details:
For guidance as to which exam applies to your jurisdiction (or the jurisdiction in which you’re looking to practice), or for help with bar preparation resources, please contact our school’s Department of Academic & Bar Success staff for additional information and guidance.
The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination that is administered three times per year. Developed by NCBE, the MPRE is required for admission to the bars of all but two US jurisdictions (Wisconsin and Puerto Rico). (Note that Connecticut and New Jersey accept successful completion of a law school course on professional responsibility in lieu of a passing score on the MPRE.) While many examinees take the MPRE while they are still in law school, there is no requirement that you do so.
The purpose of the MPRE is to measure examinees’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers. The MPRE is not a test to determine an individual’s personal ethical values.
Because MPRE requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, examinees are advised to check with the bar admission agency in the jurisdiction to which they seek admission before registering for the MPRE. Passing scores and timelines to take the exam are established by each jurisdiction.
The MPRE is administered at dedicated testing centers and test accommodations requests are made directly to NCBE. Examinees seeking test accommodations for the MPRE must apply for and receive their determination prior to registering and scheduling a test appointment. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the desired MPRE test administration, and no later than the Recommended Submission Date for that administration.
NCBE jurisdiction information page: https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions
Legacy UBE Links:
NextGen UBE Links:
MPRE Links:
Helpful Bar Examiner Articles:
385 Meeting Street
Charleston, S.C. 29403
Phone: (843) 377-2143
Email: info@charlestonlaw.edu
Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
