Washington was among the first states in the country to offer the newly redesigned bar exam. Hundreds of prospective lawyers in Washington State are in licensure limbo after technical issues canceled their plans to take the bar exam this week. “NCBE worked closely with the Washington State Bar Association throughout the response as jurisdiction staff, local technical teams, and convention center technical support investigated and responded to the issue,” an NCBE spokesperson said. “Following further evaluation, the Washington State Bar Association determined it would not continue the July 2026 administration after concluding it did not have sufficient confidence that the technology issues could be fully resolved.” “It’s a significantly improved bar exam, and one better at testing real-world attorney competencies.