Definitions & terminology

Methods of licensing new attorneys that do not rely on a traditional bar examination.  Instead, alternative pathways use other methods to assess whether individuals have the minimum competence needed to practice law. Alternative pathways use methods of assessing competence that align with modern research exploring minimum competence in the legal profession. Examples of alternative pathways include:

• Curriculum-based: also called curricular pathways or law-school programs
• Supervised practice: includes both pre- and post-law school graduation
• Hybrid models: also called combined models or combined pathways

A written standardized examination, approved by a state supreme court that is used to assess a lawyer's minimum competence to practice law and to protect the public from the harm of incompetent legal representation. Usually administered over two days. Question formats include multiple choice, short answer, essay, and practical questions. 

The most common exam in current circulation is the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which is used in 41 jurisdictions. UBE scores are portable, although each state sets its own passing score. Differing passing scores means that an individual may pass the bar and obtain a license in one state, but not in a neighboring state. 

NextGen is a new UBE, developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). Launched in July 2026 in Maryland, Missouri, and Washington, NextGen tests both legal knowledge and a practical application of skills in a more realistic legal setting.

Background screening required to prove that an applicant has the honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical standards necessary to practice law.

Also called curricular pathways or law-school programs. Allow bar applicants to complete most or all bar admission requirements while still in law school by completing a defined sequence of coursework that emphasizes experiential and skills-based learning. Options include full diploma privilege, programs that require detailed curricular requirements, and portfolio programs that require applicants to compile a portfolio of legal work that is evaluated by bar examiners.

Also called combined models or combined pathways. Combine written examinations with elements of curricular and/or supervised practice pathways to achieve bar admission.

Options that do not require an exam or use a hybrid of exam and non-exam approaches to attorney licensure. Currently, more than ¼ of states in the U.S. have considered or enacted innovative pathways to licensure.

Minimum competence refers to the knowledge, skills, and professional abilities that new lawyers must possess to practice independently and competently at a novice level. Minimum competence is difficult to define. Recent research has explored what it means to be minimally competent to practice law and has identified components that lawyers must possess to meet this standard, including foundational knowledge and analytical skills, ethics and professionalism, communication and durable skills, and legal practice skills.

A two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination that is administered three times per year. Developed by the NCBE, all jurisdictions except Wisconsin, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico require students to pass the MPRE to be admitted to the bar. In Connecticut and New Jersey, candidates may skip the MPRE if they successfully complete a law school course on professional responsibility.

To ensure that attorneys understand ethical obligations and adhere to appropriate standards of conduct. Examples include educational requirements such as a J.D. (potentially from an ABA accredited law school), character and fitness, and sometimes state-specific requirements, such as the MPRE.

An individual's ability to take their score on a bar examination from one state to another so they do not have to retake the exam. Passing scores differ among jurisdictions. What is passing in one state may not be passing in another. Most states set an expiration age for transferred scores.

• Enacted: States have considered and adopted one or more alternative pathways to bar admission. The alternative pathways program is currently open to applicants.
• Considering: States are considering adopting one or more alternative pathways to bar admission. States may have adopted recommendations or approved an alternative pathway, but the program is still in development and is not yet open to applicants.
• Considered & rejected: States considered but declined to adopt one or more alternative pathways to bar admission.
• Not under consideration: States have not yet considered alternative pathways to bar admission.

The ability to practice law in another state without retaking a bar examination. Reciprocity depends entirely upon the rules of the state in which an individual wants to practice. Some states do not grant reciprocity for any out-of-state attorney. Others, offer reciprocity after an attorney has practiced law in their originating jurisdiction for a certain period — often three to five years. Other states permit motion-based admission. States that have adopted alternative pathways to licensure are considering ways to address portability and reciprocity.

Allows applicants to demonstrate their competence while working under a licensed supervisor for a defined period. Supervised practice may occur pre- or post-graduation from law school.