The Utah Supreme Court has approved the use of the NextGen Bar Exam beginning with the July 2028, exam. The NextGen Bar Examination, currently in development by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, was developed using data from a three-year evaluation by the Conference. 

The Utah Board of Bar Commissioners recommend the adoption of the NextGen exam, noting that the new exam “is the logical and sensible evolution” of the Bar exam.  The new exam focuses on an assessment of nine foundational concepts and seven foundational skills that research shows are crucial to the practice of law.

“We are excited to take this step forward,” said Emily Lee, the Utah State Bar’s Deputy Counsel for Admissions. “Using the NextGen exam will improve access to the profession.”