The MPRE is developed by a drafting committee composed of recognized experts in the area of professional responsibility. Before a test question is selected for inclusion in the MPRE, it undergoes a multistage review process that occurs over the course of several years. Besides intensive review by the drafting committee and testing specialists, each test question is reviewed by other experts. All test questions must successfully pass all reviews before they are included in the MPRE. After an MPRE is administered, the statistical performance of each test question is reviewed and evaluated by content and testing experts before the questions are included in the computation of candidates' final scores. This final statistical review is conducted to ensure that each test question is accurate and psychometrically sound.
The performance information provided for the MPRE is a scaled score which ranges from 50 (low) to 150 (high). MPRE scaled scores are calculated by NCBE based on a statistical process known as equating that is commonly used on standardized examinations. This statistical process adjusts raw scores on the current examination to account for differences in difficulty as compared with past examinations. Equating makes it possible to compare scaled scores across test administrations because a scaled score will represent the same level of knowledge/performance from one test date to another. Equating helps to ensure that no candidate is unfairly penalized or rewarded for taking a more or less difficult form of the test. Because the adjustment of scores during equating is examination-specific (i.e., based on the level of difficulty of the current examination as compared to previous examinations), it is not possible to determine in advance of the test how many questions a candidate must answer correctly to achieve a specific scaled score.
The MPRE is required for admission to the bars of all but two U.S. jurisdictions (Wisconsin and Puerto Rico). (In addition, 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 agency in the jurisdiction to which they seek admission before registering for the MPRE.
Registration for the 2024 administrations is scheduled to open later this year. For more information about registering for the MPRE, visit the Registration Information page. For more information about MPRE test accommodations, visit the How to Apply for MPRE Test Accommodations page.
A table of dates and deadlines for the 2023 and 2024 MPRE is available on the Registration Information page.
No. There are no exceptions to the registration deadline.
The MPRE is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers on computers provided by Pearson VUE. There are Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States.
Most candidates will have to travel a relatively short distance to the testing center. In areas where there is high demand for seats or where there are long distances between population centers, some candidates may have to travel farther. It is to your advantage to schedule your test appointment as soon as possible to maximize the locations and times available to you.
No. The MPRE is administered on computers provided by Pearson VUE at its testing centers. You can view a tutorial to learn more about the Pearson VUE testing experience on the Pearson VUE website. No personal electronic items are allowed in the testing room.
You should receive an Authorization to Test email from PearsonVUEconfirmation@pearson.com within 24 hours of completing the NCBE portion of the MPRE registration process. If you do not receive the email within 24 hours, please contact MPRE Registration by submitting a message via the Contact page; select MPRE Registration as the topic.
Review the Registration Information page for more information about rescheduling your appointment.
Review the Registration Information page for more information about canceling your appointment.
You are required to present two forms of original, unexpired identification (no photocopies, digital IDs, or expired IDs) at the Pearson VUE testing center: a government-issued primary ID and a secondary ID. Review the Test Day Policies page for more information about ID requirements.
Yes. Pearson VUE testing centers provide an erasable note board and marker in addition to a digital scratchpad that allows candidates to take notes. You can view a tutorial to learn more about the Pearson VUE testing experience on the Pearson VUE website.
MPRE scores will be released to examinees in the File Cabinet of your NCBE Account approximately five weeks after the examination.
Each jurisdiction determines its own passing score on the MPRE. Any questions about admission requirements pertaining to MPRE scores should be directed to the bar admission agency in the jurisdiction to which a candidate is applying. Contact information for jurisdictions can be found in the Jurisdiction Information section of our website.
You will be asked during the registration process to indicate the jurisdiction to which you want your score reported. NCBE will report your MPRE score to the designated jurisdiction approximately five weeks after the examination. Candidates who have recently registered for or taken the MPRE can see the jurisdiction they selected by viewing the Summary of Request for Test Authorization in their NCBE Account File Cabinet.
Candidates who would like to have their MPRE scores sent to additional jurisdictions must submit a request to NCBE for an MPRE Score Report. All MPRE score services requests must be submitted through the candidate’s NCBE Account.
You can change your consent until 48 hours before the exam; consent cannot be changed at a later date. To change your consent, log in to your NCBE Account and select MPRE Registration.
You can change the jurisdiction you’ve designated to receive your MPRE score until 48 hours before the exam. To change your designated jurisdiction, log in to your NCBE Account and select MPRE Registration.
If you did not have an NCBE Account when you sat for the exam, create an account to request score services. We will locate your score using other pieces of biographic information. You must have provided sufficient biographic information on your answer sheet at the time you tested. NCBE may refuse to provide score services if your scores cannot be identified with confidence.
Candidates who would like their MPRE scores rechecked may request an MPRE Score Verification. Score verification requests must be submitted to NCBE within two months of the original test date. All MPRE score services requests must be submitted through the candidate’s NCBE Account.