The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a two-hour standardized national examination made up of 60 multiple-choice questions developed and administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
Most jurisdictions require a passing score on the MPRE as a prerequisite for admission to the bar. MPRE scores are reported on a scale ranging from 50 (low) to 150 (high). Passing scores are established by each jurisdiction (typically between 75- 86). Pennsylvania’s passing score is at the low end of the range at 75, whereas Delaware is at the top of the range with a passing score of 85. Make sure to consult NCBE jurisdiction information to see what your state requires!
Generally, the MPRE tests your understanding of the law governing the conduct and discipline of lawyers and judges, including:
American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct;
American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Judicial Conduct;
Generally accepted principles (majority view) established in leading federal and state cases, statutes, or regulations; and
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence (to the extent questions of professional responsibility arise in the context of procedural or evidentiary issues).
The MPRE is administered three times per year – typically, in October/November, March and August – at Pearson VUE sites throughout the United States. Test dates can change slightly from year to year. Make sure to check the NCBE's website for the most current exam dates and deadlines. Please note that registration deadlines are often several months in advance of the actual exam dates (e.g., September for the October/November administration, January for the March administration, June for the August administration), so plan accordingly.
Students seeking accommodations on the MPRE must submit all forms and documentation prior to registration and scheduling. NCBE strongly encourages individuals seeking accommodations to apply as early as possible (e.g., August for the October/November administration, December for the March administration, April for the August administration).
Individuals seeking accommodations should refer to the “Recommended Submission Date” published on NCBE's website. Those who do not submit application materials by the recommended date run a significant risk of not being able to test with their accommodations on their preferred test date, at their preferred test time, and/or at their preferred test center location.
It is strongly recommended that students take a commercial bar review course to prepare for the bar exam. Many of the companies that offer commercial bar review courses provide students with a free MPRE course to students. This is a great opportunity for students to test out the commercial bar review company materials. The following list is provided for informational purposes only. It is recommended that students research providers to determine which one(s) best suits their particular needs.
It depends. Many jurisdictions allow you to take the MPRE either before or after the bar exam. Some jurisdictions (e.g., Massachusetts) have an MPRE score report as a filing requirement, meaning you must take and pass the MPRE before you can even apply to sit for the bar exam. You can find out about any specific time restrictions by consulting Chart 6 and /or looking up your jurisdiction’s rules for admission.