What is the MPRE? A Guide to the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination 

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) may be the bar exam’s forgotten little sibling but it’s an important test of your knowledge of the Ethics rules regarding the practice of law. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) administers the MPRE to measure understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers.  

For jurisdictions that require it, applicants need not take the MPRE before taking the bar exam, but they must do so and obtain a passing MPRE score before they can be admitted to the bar. 

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the MPRE.

About the MPRE 

Lawyers serve in many capacities, including as judges, advocates, and  counselors. 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. Courts also refer to these standards in lawsuits seeking to establish liability for malpractice, and other civil or criminal wrongs committed by a lawyer while acting in a professional capacity.  

What to Expect on Exam Day 

The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions: 50 scored questions and 10 unscored questions. Each question on the MPRE is followed by four possible answers. You’ll have two hours to complete the exam. 

The MPRE’s questions are largely based on the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct, but they also cover relevant court decisions as well as procedural and evidentiary rules.

 MPRE States and Jurisdictions 

Although most states administer the MPRE independently of the bar exam, the MPRE is required for admission to the bars of all but two U.S. jurisdictions (Wisconsin and Puerto Rico). The Connecticut and New Jersey Bars accept the completion of a law school course on professional responsibility in lieu of the MPRE.

Preparing for the MPRE 

Preparing for the MPRE is pretty straightforward. You'll need both a strong familiarity with the rules and principles of professional conduct, as well as an understanding of the format of the MPRE. 

How Hard is the MPRE? 

The MPRE can be deceptively tricky. While many students consider the MPRE to be the easiest component of bar admission, it is not to be taken lightly. The MPRE will test you on your knowledge of the ethical rules as well as the exceptions to those rules. Approaching the MPRE with too much confidence can lead you to overlook the nuances of a lawyer’s professional responsibility.  

Although the MPRE might seem like a walk in the park compared to the UBE, you don’t want a failed MPRE standing between you and a law license. To get yourself in the mindset of a practicing attorney, enroll in the free BARBRI MPRE prep course.  

When Do I Need to Start Studying for the MPRE? 

Every learner is different. However, a good benchmark is to devote three weeks or 25-30 hours of study time. Learn more about studying for the MPRE. 

MPRE Study Tips 

The MPRE is similar to other standardized tests you have taken, and there are no big secrets to succeeding on the exam. However, here are a few tips that might make your MPRE preparation a little easier to navigate. 

• Check out the NCBE’s list of common terms used in MPRE prompts, as well as the MPRE Subject Matter Outline. These are great resources to ensure you know what’s coming. 
• Read through the ABA Model Rules, which are the heart of the MPRE, in addition to taking an MPRE prep course. 
• Do as many practice questions as possible and take several full-length practice exams. There's no better way to familiarize yourself with a standardized test than to simulate the conditions of the actual test. 
• Focus on the attorney in the prompt. MPRE questions will often include multiple actors and actions to throw you off. Always keep in mind that the exam is testing your knowledge of a lawyer’s professional responsibilities. 

MPRE Registration 

The MPRE is offered three time per year, typically in March, August, and November. To register for one of the three MPRE test dates, you’ll need to create an account on the NCBE website. 

MPRE Scores 

The MPRE is scored based on a scale ranging from 50 (low) to 150 (high). Each jurisdiction sets its own minimum passing score. Minimum passing scores range from 75 to 86. Check out the free BARBRI Bar Exam Digest for jurisdiction-specific information regarding minimum MPRE score requirements.  

Learn more about how the MPRE is scored.

Pass the Bar Exam with BARBRI Bar Review 

BARBRI Bar Review is a proven, comprehensive program built to help you feel fully prepared and confident going into the bar exam and MPRE. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the bar exam journey by helping you create a personalized study plan that meets your unique learning needs. Best of luck!