Illinois 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 Illinois 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.
Illinois has already announced its NextGen passing score: 620 on the 500–750 scale.
Adoption status sourced from NCBE’s decisions-by-jurisdiction page. Registration windows, fees, and character & fitness requirements are set by the Illinois board of bar examiners — always confirm deadlines with them directly.
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.
Illinois FAQs
February 2028 — the administration runs February 22–23, 2028. Registration windows are set by the Illinois board of bar examiners, so confirm deadlines with them directly.
620 on the 500–750 scale.
Yes — Illinois requires the MPRE.
The legacy UBE, where Illinois's cut score is 266 on the 400-point scale. The legacy UBE's final administration nationwide is February 2028.
Pick your administration and weekly hours — we’ll email a week-by-week schedule covering every NCBE-scope topic. No account needed.
One-time payment. Pick the plan that fits your timeline. Start with the free readiness quiz.