Washington State Bar Association Considers Diploma Privilege for NextGen Uniform Bar Exam Takers

• The July 2026 Washington bar exam was cancelled due to widespread technical problems.
• Some test-takers with approved accommodations were able to complete the exam without issue.
• Emergency diploma privilege is being considered by the Washington Supreme Court as a remedy for those impacted by the cancelled bar exam.
• Diploma privilege allows individuals who have completed law school to be granted a license to practice law without having to take the bar exam.

The deans of all three Washington law schools have asked the Washington Supreme Court to grant hundreds of would-be exam takers diploma privilege in light of the chaotic test rollout.

The July 2026 Washington bar exam was cancelled due to widespread technical problems. The NextGen Uniform Bar Exam, which was administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), failed for the vast majority of test-takers. Despite this, some test-takers with approved accommodations were able to proceed with their exams as scheduled and complete them without issue. However, many others were left hanging, unsure if they would be able to pass or even finish the exam due to the technical failures.

Emergency diploma privilege is being considered by the Washington Supreme Court as a remedy for those impacted by the cancelled bar exam. The deans of all three Washington law schools have submitted requests to grant hundreds of would-be exam takers diploma privilege in light of the chaotic test rollout. Diploma privilege allows individuals who have completed law school to be granted a license to practice law without having to take the bar exam, providing them with an emergency remedy for those who were unable to complete the exam due to circumstances beyond their control.

Lawyers advising clients in Washington should be aware of the potential for diploma privilege to be granted, which could impact their ability to practice law without taking the bar exam. The cancellation of the July administration of the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam has left many test-takers uncertain about their future as lawyers. Granting diploma privilege would provide a much-needed solution for those who were unable to complete the exam due to technical problems, ensuring that they can continue to serve their clients and practice law without delay.

Lawyers advising clients in Washington should be aware of the potential for diploma privilege to be granted, which could impact their ability to practice law without taking the bar exam.

Source: Original reporting via Above the Law