California Switches to National Bar Exam for 2027
California will replace its state-developed bar licensing exam with the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam starting in July 2028, ending an ambitious but troubled effort to create its own testing system. The move follows widespread technical failures during the February 2025 California bar exam, which drew criticism from applicants, legal educators and the judiciary.
The California Supreme Court approved the transition, bringing the state into line with most US jurisdictions that have already adopted the NextGen exam. At the same time, California plans to maintain a state-specific testing component to ensure that new attorneys remain knowledgeable about California law.
For law students, law schools, legal recruiters and employers, the decision represents one of the most significant changes to attorney licensing in years.
Main agreement
- California will begin using the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam in July 2028.
- The decision comes after failing the February 2025 California bar exam.
- The NextGen exam emphasizes practical legal skills rather than memorization.
- California will continue to test applicants on state-specific law.
- The change brings California in line with most states adopting the redesigned national exam.
California ends its independent bar exam experiment
California previously opted to move away from the traditional Multistate Bar Exam in an effort to cut costs and modernize attorney licensing. The State Bar worked with outside vendors to create a new exam using original multiple-choice questions and a technology-driven testing platform.
However, the first administration of the redesigned exam quickly exposed major problems.
Thousands of applicants encountered login failures, software failures, testing delays and other technical problems during the February 2025 exam. Consequently, many candidates questioned the fairness and reliability of the testing process.
The widespread outages generated strong criticism throughout California’s legal community. Law students, professors, law review providers and legal organizations urged the State Bar to reconsider its approach.
After months of consideration, the California Supreme Court approved a return to the national testing framework through the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam.
Why California is Moving to the NextGen Bar Exam
Several factors contributed to the decision.
First, failing the online exam created significant financial consequences. A California State Auditor report later found that the February 2025 exam cost the State Bar at least $5.1 million in additional expenses. The report also estimated about $4 million in lost revenue from exam fees and waived refunds.
Meanwhile, lawsuits followed the troubled test performance.
The State Attorney sued testing vendor Meazure Learning, alleging that the company failed to provide a reliable platform capable of supporting thousands of examinees. Although the company denied wrongdoing, it later agreed to pay $5.25 million and waive an additional payment owed to the State Attorney as part of a settlement.
As a result, California abandoned its plan to hold a separate licensing exam and instead chose to join the national movement toward the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam.
What is the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam?
A modern approach to licensing lawyers
The NextGen Uniform Bar Exam was developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners to better assess the practical skills that young lawyers need in the modern legal practice.
Unlike traditional bar exams that heavily emphasized memorization, the NextGen exam focuses on applying legal knowledge to realistic situations.
Candidates may be required to:
- Analyze customer problems
- Drafting of legal documents
- Conducting legal research
- Evaluate factual scenarios
- Demonstrate professional judgment
- Apply legal reasoning to practical matters
The redesigned exam also shortens overall testing time. It takes approximately nine hours, compared to about twelve hours for the current California exam.
Additionally, the exam will be administered in person, reflecting California’s decision to move away from technology-dependent remote testing.
California will retain a state law component
Although California is adopting the national exam, applicants will still need to demonstrate knowledge of California law.
The California Supreme Court ordered the State Bar to develop a separate testing component specific to California after the implementation of the NextGen exam. That additional section is expected to preserve subject matter testing unique to California practice.
Therefore, prospective attorneys will meet both the national assessment and California-specific requirements before being licensed.
California joins most states
California’s decision puts it alongside nearly every other U.S. jurisdiction that has embraced the redesigned licensing exam.
Only a handful of states have yet to commit to adopting the NextGen exam. Meanwhile, New York, another of the nation’s largest bar exam jurisdictions, also plans to switch in 2028.
Consequently, two of America’s largest legal markets will soon be evaluating attorney candidates using the same national testing framework.
Greater consistency may also simplify preparation for graduates considering careers in multiple jurisdictions.
What the change means for law students
More predictable exam preparation
For law students, the transition creates a clearer path to admission to the bar.
National bar review providers will likely expand on materials designed specifically for the NextGen exam. Additionally, students attending law schools across the country can benefit from more consistent preparation resources.
Rather than focusing primarily on memorizing legal rules, candidates can expect a greater emphasis on analytical thinking and practical advocacy skills.
However, students planning to practice in California should also prepare for the next section of California-specific law.
Law schools can update their curriculum
The new testing format may also affect legal education.
Many law schools have already begun increasing instruction in legal writing, client counseling, drafting, negotiation, and practical problem solving. California’s adoption of the NextGen exam could accelerate those curriculum changes even further.
Academic support programs can also shift from traditional memorization strategies to real-world legal analysis.
Potential impact on law firms and recruiters
The transition could benefit employers across the legal industry.
Law firms often rely on passing the bar as a critical milestone for hiring new associates. A nationally standardized exam can provide employers with greater confidence when evaluating candidates from different jurisdictions.
Recruiters may also find it easier to compare applicants who take similar licensing exams.
Although the California state law component will remain unique, broader national consistency may improve attorney mobility over time.
Timeline of California Bar Exam Changes
2024
- California moves away from the traditional Multistate Bar Exam.
February 2025
- The new test developed by California suffers from significant technical failures.
2026
- California Supreme Court Approves Adoption of NextGen Uniform Bar Exam.
July 2028
- California will administer the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam for the first time.
Future Implementation
- California plans to introduce a separate testing component of the state law after the national exam is launched.
Why does this decision matter?
California administers one of the largest bar exams in the United States. Therefore, changes to its licensing process often affect legal education, bar preparation companies, employers, and law students nationwide.
The state’s return to a nationally recognized testing model also reflects the growing demand for reliable, secure and practice-focused licensure.
Rather than continue an expensive independent testing experiment, California has opted for a framework already adopted across much of the country.
Frequently asked questions
When will California begin using the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam?
California plans to administer the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam starting in July 2028.
Why is California changing the bar exam?
The state approved the change after widespread technical failures, cost overruns and operational problems disrupted the February 2025 California bar exam.
What is the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam?
It is a redesigned bar licensing exam created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners that emphasizes practical legal skills instead of heavy memorization.
Will California still test applicants under California law?
yes. California intends to add a separate state-specific testing component to ensure that attorneys understand California’s legal requirements.
Is the NextGen exam shorter than the current California exam?
yes. The NextGen exam takes approximately nine hours, compared to about twelve hours for the current California exam.
Start your legal career with thousands of verified lawyer jobs. Explore the latest opportunities today at Passage of the Law.
See similar articles:
•15 Best Law Schools: Best Program for Aspiring Lawyers
•Decode the law school rankings
•Law School Profile
Other similar articles:
