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In conjunction with the adoption of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) in New York, the State Board of Law Examiners was directed by the Court of Appeals to create an on-line course, known as the New York Law Course (NYLC), and an on-line, open book exam on New York specific law, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE).
A candidate seeking admission in New York must take the NYLC, take and pass the NYLE, and take and pass the MPRE, in addition to earning a score satisfying New York’s passing score on the UBE, prior to be being certified to one of our Appellate Division departments for a character and fitness investigation.
In April 2019, the Board launched the latest version of the NYLC. To access the NYLC applicants must create an account by clicking on BOLE ACCOUNT on the menu located on the left. Applicants will be required to view recorded lectures on 12 subjects covered by the NYLC and NYLE. When viewing the lectures the first time, applicants will be required to answer questions during the course of each lecture, to assure that they are attentive to and gaining an understanding of the material presented. Once the embedded question to any given segment is answered correctly, that segment cannot be re-watched until the entire course is completed. Applicants will be able to access all lectures (without embedded questions) through their BOLE account once they complete the entire course.
The Board has prepared comprehensive Course Materials for the NYLC and NYLE. The Course Materials are now available at the below link. All of the questions that will appear on the NYLE will be based on these materials and can be answered by reference to them. Below is a link to a set of 20 sample NYLE questions. The NYLC/NYLE Course Materials are locked in a non-searchable format in accordance with the Board’s misconduct rule prohibiting candidates from electronically searching the Course Materials when taking the NYLE. If a candidate, because of a disability, uses a screen reader to access written material, please contact the Board office by phone (518-453-5990), mail, or fax.
Although the NYLE is an open book exam, it will be a rigorous one. Time will not permit an applicant to research the materials for the answer to every question. Preparation for the NYLE by taking the NYLC and studying the Course Materials will be necessary. The Course Materials, as well as the NYLC itself, will be periodically revised. Please note that the New York Course Materials (NYCM) were updated in October 2021. Applicants for the New York Law Exam (NYLE) should use this latest version in preparing for the NYLE.
The Board expresses its gratitude to the many law professors, practitioners and judges who have assisted the Board in this endeavor. A list of the most current lecturers is available at the below link.
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