The NCBE (National Conference of Bar Examiners) will premier the NextGen Bar Exam in July 2026

The Florida Supreme Court approved the transition from the MBE (Multistate Bar Exam) to the NextGen in July of 2028. Let’s discuss this new Bar format and why this change is necessary.

What Will The New Format Of The Florida Bar Exam Be?

Beginning in the summer of 2028 the NextGen Bar exam will replace the MBE. The MBE is currently Part B of the General Bar Exam for Florida. There will still be a Florida-specific component of the General Bar Exam (currently Part A). Florida is still planning how to adjust the Florida-specific exam to work best with the NextGen test.

Why Is The Florida Bar Exam Changing?

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners recommended this change to the Florida Supreme Court who, in turn, approved the recommendation. The NextGen exam is more modern and will reflect the way that law and law school subjects are evolving especially for new lawyers. The MBE will ultimately be completely replaced by the NextGen exam. Florida is the 21st jurisdiction to commit to the NextGen Bar Exam. 

What Is The Difference between the MBE and the NextGen Bar Exam?

MBE

Subjects

1. Civil Procedure
2. Constitutional Law
3. Contracts
4. Criminal Law and Procedure
5. Evidence
6. Real Property
7. Torts

Administration

• The MBE is administered on paper. A laptop is not permitted. 
• Administered over two 3 hour sessions in one day.
• All Multiple Choice Questions

MBE Sample Test Questions

NextGen

Subjects

Foundational Concepts and Principles

1. Business Associations
2. Civil Procedure
3. Constitutional Law
4. Contract Law
5. Criminal Law
6. Evidence
7. Family Law (July 2028)
8. Real Property 
9. Torts

Foundational Lawyering Skills

1. Legal Research
2. Legal Writing
3. Issue Spotting and Analysis
4. Investigation and Evaluation
5. Client Counseling and Advising
6. Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
7. Client Relationship and Management

Administration

• The NextGen can be taken on your own laptop at in-person proctored testing sites. 
• Three 3 hour sections are administered over one and a half days. Two sections are proctored on day one. 
• ~40% Multiple Choice, ~25% Integrated Question Sets, ~33% Longer Performance Tasks

NextGen Bar Exam Question Examples

*The NextGen is still under development.

Is The NextGen Bar Exam Going To Be Easier?

While it looks like more knowledge and preparation is going to be necessary to do well on the NextGen, this test has been designed by using years of research and feedback. It will not include Conflict of Laws, Trusts and Estates, and Secured Transactions which are subjects deemed to be less necessary for new attorneys. Because this exam will focus more on skills and abilities instead of memorization, it is likely to be easier for many Bar applicants. 

Conclusion

Yes, the Florida Bar Exam is changing format in July of 2028. While this exam appears on paper to be more comprehensive, it adopts a new focus on skills and abilities rather than your just your ability to memorize copious amounts of text and lecture. This change may just open up the lawyering field to many more capable and unique applicants.