When Does District of Columbia Switch to the NextGen Bar Exam?
- Exam today
- Administers the legacy UBE today
- First NextGen administration
- February 2028
- February 22–23, 2028
- NextGen passing score
- 616
- on the 500–750 scale
- Legacy UBE cut score
- 266
- until the switch (400-point scale)
- MPRE
- Required
District of Columbia still administers the legacy Uniform Bar Exam with a cut score of 266 on the 400-point scale. Its first NextGen administration is February 2028 — February 22–23, 2028.
That date decides which exam you study for. Candidates sitting in District of Columbia before February 2028 take the current exam; from February 2028 onward, the NextGen format applies. If your timeline could cross the switch — say a first attempt on the old exam and a retake after — factor in that the two formats reward different preparation.
District of Columbia has already announced its NextGen passing score: 616 on the 500–750 scale.
Adoption status sourced from NCBE’s decisions-by-jurisdiction page, NCBE’s District of Columbia listing and its 2026 Comprehensive Guide (Charts 7 and 17), checked on September 20, 2026. Registration windows, fees, and character & fitness requirements are set by the Committee on Admissions D.C. Court of Appeals — always confirm deadlines with them directly.
District of Columbia deadlines, fees and requirements
Taken from NCBE’s District of Columbia listing and its 2026 Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements, checked on September 20, 2026. Boards change these without notice, so treat the board’s own site as the final word.
Application deadlines
- February 2027 exam (legacy UBE)
- First filing deadline Nov. 21; no late filing period listed.
- July 2026 exam (for reference)
- First filing deadline March 31. July 2027 deadlines usually follow the same pattern; the board publishes them.
Dates are subject to change. Applicants should check the DC Court of Appeals Committee on Admissions website for updates.
Fees
- First-time takers
- $405 (plus C&F fee)
- Attorneys
- $405 (plus C&F fee)
- Repeaters
- $405 (plus C&F fee)
- Laptop
- fee varies
As listed in NCBE’s 2026 Comprehensive Guide (Chart 7). Where more than one amount appears, the tier depends on filing date or applicant category. NCBE also charges a separate $149 technology fee for the NextGen UBE, paid through the NCBE account.
Fees are subject to change. Applicants should check the DC Court of Appeals Committee on Admissions website for updates.
Score portability
- Transferred NextGen UBE scores: Yes from July 2026, minimum 616.
- Transferred legacy UBE scores: Yes (minimum 266); the legacy UBE runs in District of Columbia through July 2027.
- Maximum score age: 5 years.
State requirement, MPRE and the board
Jurisdiction-specific requirement for NextGen admission: TBA.
MPRE: required, minimum score 75.
Committee on Admissions D.C. Court of Appeals. 430 E St. NW, Rm. 123 Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 879-2710 Fax: (202) 879-2794 Email: coa@dcappeals.gov
Preparing for the NextGen format
The NextGen exam tests 8 foundational subjects through three item types — standalone MCQs (including 6-option select-two), integrated question sets, and performance tasks. BARGO covers all three with exam-format practice, honest availability per subject, and a free diagnostic to find your baseline.
District of Columbia FAQs
Quick answers
When does District of Columbia first offer the NextGen bar exam?
February 2028 — the administration runs February 22–23, 2028. Registration windows are set by the Committee on Admissions D.C. Court of Appeals, so confirm deadlines with them directly.
What is the NextGen bar exam passing score in District of Columbia?
616 on the 500–750 scale.
Do I need the MPRE for admission in District of Columbia?
Yes — District of Columbia requires the MPRE.
What do I take if I sit the bar in District of Columbia before February 2028?
The legacy UBE, where District of Columbia's cut score is 266 on the 400-point scale. The legacy UBE's final administration nationwide is February 2028.
When is the application deadline for the February 2027 bar exam in District of Columbia?
Nov. 21, per NCBE's listing for District of Columbia. The February 2027 sitting in District of Columbia is the legacy UBE. Confirm the exact date and cut-off time with the Committee on Admissions D.C. Court of Appeals before relying on it.
How much does the District of Columbia bar exam cost?
NCBE's 2026 Comprehensive Guide lists $405 (plus C&F fee) for first-time takers, $405 (plus C&F fee) for attorneys and $405 (plus C&F fee) for repeaters, plus fee varies to use a laptop. Where more than one amount is listed, the tier depends on filing date or applicant category. Fees change, so the board's own schedule is authoritative.
Does District of Columbia accept transferred NextGen UBE scores?
Yes, from July 2026, at a minimum transferred score of 616. Scores must be no older than 5 years.
Also first offering NextGen in February 2028
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