Bar Exam Resources

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice exam developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and administered three times per year. The MPRE is required for admission to the bars of all but two US jurisdictions (Wisconsin & Puerto Rico).

The MPRE measures candidates’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers and judges, including the disciplinary rules of professional conduct currently articulated in the American Bar Association's (ABA) 

1. Model Rules of Professional Conduct and 
2. Model Code of Judicial Conduct.

For the MPRE's scope of coverage and the approximate percentage of items that are included in each major area, see the MPRE Subject Matter Outline.

The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions: 50 scored questions and 10 unscored pretest questions. The pretest questions are indistinguishable from those that are scored, so you should answer all questions. Each MPRE question is followed by four possible answer choices.

✔️ NCBE scores the MPRE and reports scores to jurisdictions and examinees. 

✔️ MPRE scores are reported on a scale ranging from 50 (low) to 150 (high). 

✔️ Passing scores are established by each jurisdiction. 

• The passing score in New York is 85.

The MPRE is a fully DIGITAL exam administered on computers provided by Pearson VUE at its testing centers. See below for more information about the Pearson VUE test experience.

NOTES:

1. Connecticut and New Jersey accept successful completion [grade of C/C-, respectively, or better] of a law school course on professional responsibility in lieu of a passing score on the MPRE.
2. Massachusetts requires that bar applicants pass the MPRE PRIOR to applying to sit for the MA Bar Exam!
3. Florida requires that bar applicants pass the MPRE within 24 months of the Florida Bar Exam.

►Be sure to check your bar jurisdiction's website for the most up to date information about the MPRE!

• Plan to arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. 
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, you may be prohibited from testing. 
• The examination is two hours in length. You can expect testing to be completed in approximately 2½ to 3 hours from your arrival time.
• You can view an interactive TUTORIAL that simulates the experience of taking the MPRE on a computer provided by Pearson VUE at its testing centers, allowing you to practice navigating between questions and using some of the features of the testing system, which include a built-in scratch pad for notes, highlighting and strikethrough options for text, displaying remaining test time, and flagging questions for review.
• Additional features of the testing system include adjusting the font size up to 200% larger than the default font, which is Arial 12-point font, and customizing the text color and background color scheme for contrast (the system has 12 different text/background color options). Samples of the font size and color schemes are available in the tutorial.
• Review the MPRE Test Day Policies for a description of test administration policies and a list of what you may and may not bring to the testing center.

✔️ If you plan to sit for the NY Bar Exam and to get licensed to practice law in New York, you may sit for the MPRE before or after the bar exam, but you must pass the MPRE within three years of passing the bar exam.  

✔️ In New York, all applicants must pass the MPRE before they can be certified for admission to the bar—even if they have already passed the bar exam.

✔️ The Bar Success team strongly recommends that all NYLS students complete the MPRE during 2L/3LE year.

✔️ Candidates must apply for Non-Standard Testing Accommodations and receive their determination prior to registering and scheduling a test appointment. Accommodations CANNOT be added to an existing test appointment.

✔️ Detailed explanations of the application process, including Important Dates, FAQs, and Guidelines for Medial Documentation are provided by NCBE.

✔️ Testing Dates for each MPRE [annually in March, August or November] as well as the registration deadlines for accommodated and standard testing are posted on the NCBE website.

✔️ Commercial bar prep vendors provide free MPRE books—look out for their tables on campus throughout the semester and pick one (or several) up.

✔️ You can also sign up online for MPRE prep through their websites.

✔️ The Bar Success Team has additional free MPRE books available in their office, the Hub (E-501).