Research and Data Requests

NCBE develops and administers assessments and conducts research related to testing and measurement, bar admissions, and legal licensure. Through this work, NCBE maintains data and other research materials that may be useful for external research projects.

NCBE receives a range of inquiries related to research collaboration, data access, and other research materials. To help ensure that requests are reviewed consistently and directed appropriately, NCBE uses a centralized submission and review process. This process is intended to help NCBE evaluate requests in terms of alignment with NCBE’s mission, feasibility, confidentiality, and resource constraints.

NCBE’s Approach to External Requests

NCBE welcomes inquiries from researchers and organizations whose work aligns with NCBE’s mission and research priorities. At the same time, requests for data, research materials, or collaboration often require substantial review, coordination, and staff support. For that reason, NCBE is selective in the requests it is able to consider and typically gives priority to proposals from established organizations, institutions, or research groups that bring relevant expertise, strong methodological skills, and, where applicable, data resources that can meaningfully inform a research collaboration with NCBE.

NCBE may be less likely to approve requests that

• fall outside NCBE’s mission or research priorities;
• lack sufficient methodological detail or rigor;
• request data or materials that NCBE does not maintain, cannot share, or is not authorized to disclose;
• request copyright-protected assessments or items;
• substantially overlap with existing or planned NCBE work;
• present confidentiality, privacy, legal, security, or operational concerns;
• require extensive staff involvement or customized support that is not feasible; or
• offer limited broader value beyond the immediate needs of the requestor.

Submission and Review Process

NCBE uses an online form to receive requests for research collaboration, data access, and other research materials. Requests are evaluated by appropriate NCBE staff through a centralized review process. 

To support efficient review, requestors should be prepared to provide the following information:

• a description of the project and its purpose
• the research questions or objectives
• the specific data, files, or materials being requested
• the proposed study design and analytic approach
• the anticipated significance or value of the work
• a project timeline and dissemination plans
• the names, titles, affiliations, and roles of all project team members
• a description of any role NCBE staff would be expected to play

NCBE may follow up for clarification or additional information if needed. Submission of a request does not guarantee approval, data access, or research collaboration. If NCBE approves a request, access to data or materials may be subject to additional requirements, including appropriate agreements, confidentiality protections, data security conditions, and any other terms NCBE determines are necessary.