Ultimate Guide to MPRE Prep
Your complete guide to Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) prep.
Jurisdictions · Pass Rates · Format · Dates · What to Bring · Scores & Grading · FAQ
*Updated October 2022
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is a standardized exam that has been adopted in every US jurisdiction except for Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) develops and administers the exam, and according to them the purpose of it “is to measure candidates’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers.” The MPRE is separate from the bar exam, and is required for admission to the bar of most jurisdictions.
Which jurisdictions use the MPRE?
All jurisdictions except for Wisconsin and Puerto Rico require the MPRE exam.
Jurisdictions that use the MPRE include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, *Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, *New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the Virgin Islands.
*These jurisdictions will accept the passing of a professional responsibility course in law school in place of passing the MPRE.
For the most updated information regarding which jurisdictions have adopted the MPRE, check the NCBE’s official map.
Scores needed to pass the MPRE vary by jurisdiction. The lowest score needed to pass the MPRE is 75, the highest is 86. Because of this, the National Bar Examiners do not report MPRE pass rates nationwide. The following charts show how many test takers scored at least 80 on the MPRE. This is not the exact pass rate, but it is a good estimate of how many people usually pass.
March 2018 (20,346 takers)
August 2018 (16,651 takers)
November 2018 (20,580 takers)
March 2017 (20,260 takers)
August 2017 (17,326 takers)
November 2017 (20,798 takers)
What’s the format of the MPRE?
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) tests your understanding of established standards of conduct for lawyers. The MPRE is administered three times each year (in March, August, and October). The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and is two hours long.
The test will be taken on a computer. There are computer simulations available by the test administrators that can help you get used to test conditions.
It will be given on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. For each cycle, there will be two potential MPRE test dates to choose from. You can take this exam before the bar, while you are still in law school.
Crushendo offers affordable, comprehensive written and audio outlines for MPRE subjects.
Find test day information here.
Required items
- 2 Photo IDs
Prohibited items
- Any item that can connect to the internet
- Any item that can record audio or video
- Backpacks
- Books
- Briefcases
- Calculators
- Cameras
- Notes
- Phones
- Food or drink
- Pens and Pencils
- Purses
- Radios
- Rulers
- Scratch papers
- Study materials
Individual jurisdictions determine their own passing score. The lowest passing score is 75 and the highest passing score is 86, the requirement in Utah and California.
See MPRE passing scores for each jurisdiction:
| 75 | 77 | 80 | 85 | 86 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | SC | AK | AZ | CA |
| DC | CT | AK | UT | |
| GA | FL | CO | ||
| KY | IL | DE | ||
| MS | IN | HI | ||
| NH | IA | ID | ||
| NJ | KS | MA | ||
| OK | LA | MI | ||
| PA | MD | MN | ||
| TN | MO | NE | ||
| PW | MT | NV | ||
| NM | NY | |||
| NC | ND | |||
| RI | OH | |||
| VT | OR | |||
| WV | SD | |||
| GU | TX | |||
| MP | VA | |||
| WA | ||||
| WY |
How much does it cost to take the MPRE?
There is a $135 registration fee for the MPRE.
How do you register for the MPRE?
First, create an NCBE account, which will create a unique NCBE Number allowing you to then register with the state board of bar examiners. Applicants with qualifying disabilities can apply for accommodations. Each jurisdiction sets its own registrations deadlines, so make sure to check your state board’s website for deadlines.
How do you transfer your MPRE score to another jurisdiction?
MPRE scores can be transferred between jurisdictions. The NCBE provides MPRE score services that will allow you to transfer the scores between jurisdictions for a $25 fee.
When do MPRE scores expire? What’s the time limit for transferring your MPRE score to another MPRE jurisdiction?
Each jurisdiction sets their own expiration dates for MPRE scores. The time limit will vary.