NextGen UBE Scoring and Grading

The NextGen UBE produces a single official score, reported on a scale ranging from 500 to 750. Each jurisdiction chooses the minimum passing score within that range, which means you must always check local rules before setting your own target number. Although the score appears as a single figure, it is built from several different question types, each carrying a different weight in the overall calculation. Standalone multiple-choice questions account for the largest share at 49 percent of the exam. Integrated question sets contribute 21 percent, while performance tasks make up the remaining 30 percent. Together, these components form a blended score meant to reflect both doctrinal knowledge and applied lawyering skill.

Every question type has its own point structure. Standalone multiple-choice questions can be either select-one or select-two formats. Select-one items award between 0 and 1 point. Select-two items award between 0 and 2 points, and partial credit may be earned when an examinee selects one correct option but not both. Integrated drafting sets use medium-answer responses worth up to 8 points each, also with partial credit available. Counseling sets combine select-one and select-two multiple-choice items with short-answer responses worth up to 2 points. Partial credit is available both for the short-answer components and for select-two questions.

Performance tasks, which are designed to mirror real-world lawyering, carry higher value. Standard performance tasks use longer-answer responses worth up to 24 points, with partial credit given in full-point increments. Legal research performance tasks include a mix of select-one, select-two, short-answer, and medium-answer formats. Some of these items are double-weighted, so any points earned count twice toward the performance task score. Short- and medium-answer responses, as well as select-two multiple-choice items, may earn partial credit.

Scoring and grading follow a divided-responsibility model. NCBE scores all multiple-choice questions directly. Written components, however, are graded by jurisdiction-appointed graders who use a shared digital grading platform and detailed rubrics prepared by NCBE. These rubrics guide graders through the precise expectations for each response because you are evaluated on your individual performance rather than relative to other test takers. Graders review only the scripts assigned to their jurisdiction. To maintain consistency, grader training is provided by NCBE, jurisdictions monitor grading quality, and all written responses are dual-graded with final reconciliation handled by jurisdiction grading leads.

Once all items have been scored or graded, NCBE performs the scaling and equating process. This step aligns the difficulty of the exam across administrations and ensures that scores are comparable from one exam period to another. After equating, NCBE calculates each candidate’s final scaled score and transmits the results to the jurisdiction, which then reports the score to the candidate. Official NextGen UBE scores are portable, and NCBE manages the transfer of scores between jurisdictions. Because rules change, examinees planning to transfer a score should confirm the current requirements directly with the relevant state bar association.