July 2026 Bar Exam Update
We know many of you are feeling angry, frustrated, and let down right now. Your feelings are valid. You've invested time, energy, and money into reaching this exam, and having the July 28 administration disrupted and cancelled due to a technical failure at the venue was a major setback. We don't take that lightly.
We want to understand how you were impacted and will continue to explore solutions to the problems you surface. We're sorry for the toll this has taken on you and everyone who has supported you along the way.
Below are some FAQs to help you get oriented.
I was not able to take the July 2026 NextGen Bar Exam because it was cancelled as the result of technology issues, what are my options?
The WSBA is working with the Washington Supreme Court to investigate and research options for applicants. While we continue to explore other alternatives, you have three options at this time.
- Take a make-up exam. The WSBA is working with the NCBE to schedule a make-up exam. It is tentatively scheduled for September 1 and 2, 2026, in Tacoma, WA. No additional fees will be required to be paid to the WSBA. Email admissions@wsba.org to take the make-up exam.
- Transfer your application to the February 2027 administration in Tacoma, WA. No additional fees will be required to be paid to the WSBA. Email admissions@wsba.org to transfer your application.
- Withdraw your application. The WSBA will issue you a full refund of the WSBA application fee and exam fee. Applicants who withdraw need to contact the NCBE for a refund of the technology fee. Email admissions@wsba.org to withdraw your application.
Please inform us of your decision by email to admissions@wsba.org by August 14, 2026.
I withdrew or was disqualified from the July 2026 NextGen Bar Exam prior to July 28, 2026, can I take the make-up exam in September?
No.
I was approved to sit but did not show up and register for the July 2026 NextGen Bar Exam, and would like to take the bar exam in September. Is that possible?
No.
I did not apply for the July 2026 NextGen Bar Exam, but would like to take the bar exam in September. Is that possible?
No.
Do I have to pay anything additional to the WSBA or the NCBE to take the NextGen Bar Exam that will be administered in Washington in September 2026?
No. Eligible applicants who opt to take the September 2026 exam will not be required to pay any additional fees (including application fee, exam fee, or technology fee) to the WSBA or the NCBE.
I am not available to take the September 2026 NextGen Bar Exam in Washington, what are my options?
The WSBA is working with the Washington Supreme Court to investigate and research options for applicants. While we continue to explore other alternatives, you may either
- Transfer your application to the February 2027 administration in Tacoma, WA. No additional fees will be required to be paid to the WSBA; OR
- Withdraw your application. The WSBA will issue you a full refund of the WSBA application fee and exam fee. Applicants will need to contact the NCBE regarding the technology fee.
Please inform us of your decision by email to admissions@wsba.org by August 14, 2026.
Do I have to pay anything additional to the WSBA or the NCBE to transfer my application to the NextGen Bar Exam that will be administered in Washington in February 2027?
You will not need to pay any additional fees to the WSBA. If you transfer to February, instead of taking the September exam, the NCBE will issue a refund of the technology fee which you will then need to pay again in advance of the February exam.
What other support can the WSBA offer me?
The WSBA offers free and confidential consultations/counseling for WSBA members and law students. We are extending that service to the applicants impacted by the July bar exam cancellation. You can schedule an appointment by using the link here: Book an Initial Consultation. We also have resources on our webpage for dealing with stress and anxiety here: Member Wellness Program | Washington State Bar Association.
Will I be reimbursed my fees for the July exam and/or the costs I incurred to take the exam?
The WSBA is working with the Washington Supreme Court to explore all options for applicants, including with respect to costs and fees.
Why was the technology such an important component of this exam?
Unlike the legacy UBE where the exam content is provided to applicants in paper exam booklets, the content for the NextGen UBE is downloaded to a secure testing browser on the applicant’s laptop at the exam site at the start of each exam session. In addition, the answers are uploaded via the internet at the end of each session.
Will the WSBA conduct an independent review and share the results publicly?
We are committed to an independent review of what happened and will be working with the NCBE, ITS, and the Washington Supreme Court to determine what happened and to provide the information to the public.
Why hasn’t the WSBA approved diploma privilege?
We understand how much weight this question carries for applicants right now. Only the Washington Supreme Court has the authority to approve alternative pathways to admission not already authorized in the Admission and Practice Rules, including by diploma privilege. The WSBA will work closely with the Washington Supreme Court on this issue and will notify applicants promptly. A series of meetings are scheduled for the week of August 3.