About the MPRE

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is an examination developed by NCBE that is a part of the Bar Exam overall but administered separately from the MPT, MEE, and MBE. The MPRE covers the ethics portion of the Bar Exam.

The purpose of the MPRE is to measure candidates' knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers. The law governing the conduct of lawyers is applied in bar admissions and disciplinary procedures, as well as through court hearings dealing with appearance, disqualification, contempt and other means of censure, and through malpractice and other civil or criminal matters.

See the NCBE page for more information.

MPRE basics:

  • 2 hours

  • 60-question multiple-choice examination

    • 4 answer choices

    • 2 minutes per question

    • 10 questions are ungraded

  • administered three times per year at Perason VUE testing centers

  • The fee is $150

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Needs To Take the MPRE?

The MPRE is required for admission to the bars of all but two US 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.)

When To Take the MPRE?

The MPRE is offered three times a year (typically March, August, and November). Many students take the exam during their second year of law school and it makes sense to do so after taking LAW-609, Professional Responsibility, in order to capitalize on the material being fresh in your mind.

It is generally best to have completed the MPRE by the time you get ready to study for the bar exam. In any case, plan your MPRE around your intended bar exam so that it isn't a distraction from your studying for the latter.

Registering for the MPRE

2023 Test Dates

Registration for all 2023 MPRE test dates is now open.

Test Administration Recommended Submission Date to Apply for Accommodations Registration Deadline
Fee: $150
March 28 or 29, 2023 December 5, 2022 January 26, 2023
August 9 or 10, 2023 April 24, 2023 June 8, 2023
November 2 or 3, 2023 July 24, 2023 September 12, 2023

Passing MPRE Scores

Different jurisdictions accept different passing scores. The easiest way to find out what score the state you are interested in accepts may be to go to the NCBE interactive NCBE map and click on the state, then scroll down to "MPRE Requirements" to see the passing score. 

The passing score in Arizona is 85, which is equivalent to about 65% correct answers on the test.

MPRE Score Expiration

Different jurisdictions set different rules for the maximum age of MPRE scores, so best check the requirements of your jurisdiction.

In Arizona, an applicant must receive "a minimum acceptable score within eight (8) years of the successful Arizona bar examination or within the time frame for taking the oath of admission after the successful bar examination." See Rule 35(b)(8).

 

Accommodations