Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice exam developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) that is administered three times per year on computers provided by Pearson VUE at its testing centers. The MPRE is required for admission to the bars of all but two U.S. jurisdictions (Wisconsin and Puerto Rico). (Note that Connecticut and New Jersey accept successful completion of a law school course on professional responsibility in lieu of a passing score on the MPRE.) Because MPRE requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, candidates are advised to check with the bar admission authority in the jurisdiction to which they seek admission before registering for the MPRE. Passing scores are established by each jurisdiction. To learn more about jurisdiction requirements, visit the NCBE MPRE home page and select a jurisdiction on the map to view detailed information for that jurisdiction.

The purpose of the MPRE is to measure candidates’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers. The MPRE is not a test to determine an individual’s personal ethical values. Lawyers serve in many capacities: for example, as judges, advocates, counselors, and in other roles. The law governing the conduct of lawyers in these roles is applied in disciplinary and bar admission procedures, and by courts in dealing with issues of appearance, representation, privilege, disqualification, and contempt or other censure, and in lawsuits seeking to establish liability for malpractice and other civil or criminal wrongs committed by a lawyer while acting in a professional capacity.

Accommodations

NCBE is committed to providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations to candidates with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Test accommodations must be requested through NCBE prior to registering and scheduling a test appointment with Pearson VUE. The test fee does not need to be paid until the test appointment is scheduled. For more information or to submit a request, visit MPRE Test Accommodations.

Registration Information

MPRE registration is a multi-step process. To begin the registration process, create an NCBE Account if you do not have one. Log in to your NCBE Account, select MPRE Registration and Test Accommodations, and follow the instructions to request your authorization to test. After you receive an Authorization to Test email, you must schedule an appointment to test with Pearson VUE and pay the test fee to Pearson VUE. It is to your advantage to schedule your appointment to test with Pearson VUE as early as possible to maximize the locations and times available to you. For more information about the MPRE registration process, visit the MPRE Registration page.

MPRE Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

Registration for all 2024 MPRE dates is now open.

MPRE registration is a multi-step process. You must complete the NCBE portion of the registration process, schedule your test appointment with Pearson VUE, and pay the test fee by 11:59 p.m. central time on the registration deadline. Absolutely no new registrations will be accepted after the deadline. It is to your advantage to schedule your appointment to test and pay the test fee within 48 hours of your authorization to maximize the locations and times available to you.

Test Date Recommended Submission Date
to Apply for Accommodations
Registration Deadline
Fee: $160
March 26 or 27, 2024 December 5, 2023 January 25, 2024
August 13 or 14, 2024 April 24, 2024 June 12, 2024
November 7 or 8, 2024 July 24, 2023 September 18, 2024

Tutorial for Taking the MPRE on a Computer Provided by Pearson VUE

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 tutorial.

What to Expect When Testing with Pearson VUE

You can view photos to familiarize yourself with what to expect when taking an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Last updated 2024-01-02