The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE®) is a required component of the bar admission process in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction. Developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®), the MPRE exam evaluates your understanding of the ethical standards and professional conduct rules that govern the legal profession, focusing on the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Model Code of Judicial Conduct. A passing score demonstrates that you possess the ethical knowledge expected of an entry-level attorney.
As of 2026, Puerto Rico and Wisconsin are the only U.S. jurisdictions that do not require the MPRE examination.
The NextGen Uniform Bar Examination™ (NextGen UBE), launching in July 2026, does not replace the MPRE. The MPRE is a separate ethics exam, and a passing score is still required for bar admission regardless of which bar exam your jurisdiction administers.
2026 MPRE® Exam Dates, Registration, Cost, and Fees
The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination that is administered 3 times per year. This computerized exam is administered in March, August, and November at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. Schedule your appointment and pay the fee to get your preferred date and center. For information on MPRE-specific testing centers, call Pearson VUE (888-205-1855) or visit their online customer service center.
Registration Process
- Create an NCBE account.
- Select MPRE Registration, complete the NCBE portion, and request your “Authorization to Test.”
- Check email for “Authorization to Test” from Pearson VUE (sent within 24 hours).
- Schedule your test appointment with Pearson VUE and pay the $185 test fee by 11:59 p.m. CT on the registration deadline.
- Check your email for “Confirmation of Pearson VUE Exam Appointment” and “Confirmation of Payment” from Pearson VUE.
Check out our detailed guide on MPRE eligibility registration and fees.
Testing Accommodations
If you have a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that requires modification of the testing environment, you must request accommodations when registering for the MPRE through the NCBE. Check the Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List for items that do not require pre-approval.
You must request an accommodation before you request your “Authorization to Test.” If the NCBE accepts your request, an “Accommodation Confirmation” will be posted to your NCBE Account File Cabinet. Contact MPRE Test Accommodations Services ([email protected]) if your determination has not been posted within 25 business days. Be sure your email lists an “Authorization to Test.”
Exam Dates and Registration Deadlines
| 2026 Test Dates | Apply for Accommodations by: | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 11 or 12 | April 23, 2026 | June 11, 2026 |
| Nov. 12 or 13 | July 30, 2026 | Sept. 17, 2026 |
Note: March 2026 MPRE exam has already been administered.
MPRE Exam Cost and Fees
The fee to schedule an MPRE test appointment is $185, payable to Pearson VUE by debit or credit card. This fee includes 1 score report sent to your designated jurisdiction. Additional score reports cost $30 each, and fees may apply for rescheduling or canceling your appointment. Be sure to account for these potential costs when planning your testing schedule.
| MPRE Fees | |
|---|---|
| Action | Fee |
| Schedule | $185 |
| Reschedule | $25 |
| Cancel | $92.50 refund* |
*A refund will be issued only if you cancel your appointment at least 48 hours before the first day of the test administration.
What Is Tested on the MPRE Exam?
You have 2 hours to complete 60 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are ungraded and are being evaluated for future exams. (The ungraded pretest questions are indistinguishable from those that are graded, so ensure to answer all questions.) Each MPRE question includes a scenario, a prompt, and 4 possible answer choices.
Topics and Weightage
| Subject | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Regulation of the Legal Profession | 6-12% |
| The Client-Lawyer Relationship | 10-16% |
| Client Confidentiality | 6-12% |
| Conflicts of Interest | 12-18% |
| Competence, Legal Malpractice, and Other Civil Liability | 6-12% |
| Litigation and Other Forms of Advocacy | 10-16% |
| Transactions and Communications with Persons Other than Clients | 2-8% |
| Different Roles of the Lawyer | 4-10% |
| Safekeeping Funds and Other Property | 2-8% |
| Communications About Legal Services | 4-10% |
| Lawyer’s Duties to the Public and the Legal System | 2-4% |
| Judicial Conduct | 2-8% |
Check out our MPRE Outline for a deep dive into MPRE subjects.
MPRE Scoring
The NCBE converts your raw MPRE score into a scaled score ranging from 50 to 150 through equating, ensuring fairness across test versions. The statistical process accounts for differences in difficulty compared to past examinations. Passing scores are established by each jurisdiction.
See our detailed MPRE pass rates, minimum passing scores, and grading guide.
MPRE Test Day Policies
Some important things to note:
- You may be prohibited from taking the exam if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time.
- You must present a government-issued primary ID and a secondary ID (e.g., credit card, library card, school ID). Both must be original and unexpired.
- You must empty your pockets, remove jewelry and hair accessories, show your ears, roll up your sleeves, and pat yourself down before entering the testing room. Small lockers are provided to store personal items.
- There are no scheduled breaks. If you need to stretch or use the restroom, you must raise your hand and await the test administrator. Your test time will not stop.
Refer to the updated MPRE test day policies for additional information.
Free Study Resources to Prepare for MPRE
Learn to make ethical judgments like a professional attorney and ace the MPRE. Here are some tips on how to prepare:
- Study with practice questions, study guides, and engaging lectures from Themis+UWorld Bar Review’s free MPRE course.
- Review the MPRE Subject Matter Outline.
- Study the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Model Code of Judicial Conduct.
- Memorize MPRE Key Words and Phrases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I take the MPRE?
Most law students take the MPRE after completing their Professional Responsibility course, typically during their 2L or 3L year or the summer in between. Because a passing MPRE score is required for bar admission in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction, it’s important to plan ahead and meet your jurisdiction’s requirements.
When is the MPRE offered?
The MPRE is administered 3 times a year (March, August, and November) at Pearson VUE testing centers. See MPRE Registration, Deadlines, and Fees.
How long is the MPRE?
Candidates have 2 hours to complete 60 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are ungraded and are being evaluated for future exams. (The ungraded pretest questions are indistinguishable from those that are graded, so ensure to answer all questions.) Each MPRE question includes a scenario, a prompt, and 4 possible answer choices.
What score do I need to pass?
Passing scores vary by jurisdiction but typically range from 75 to 86. The NCBE converts your raw score to a scaled score ranging from 50 to 150. See MPRE Scoring.
How difficult is the MPRE?
The MPRE is not as difficult as the overall bar exam and has a higher pass rate. However, its emphasis on legal ethics and professional responsibility demands good memorization skills and a thorough understanding of nuanced rules.
How many times can I take the MPRE?
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the MPRE, but each attempt requires a new registration and fee.
What’s the best resource to prepare for the MPRE?
The most effective MPRE resource combines expert-written questions, in-depth answer explanations, subject-specific outlines, and innovative study tools. Themis+UWorld Bar Review’s free MPRE review course has all these features and more.
Does the NextGen UBE Replace the MPRE?
No. The NextGen Bar Exam does not replace the MPRE. The MPRE remains a separate ethics examination required for bar admission in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction. Candidates taking either the Legacy Uniform Bar Examination (UBE®) or the NextGen UBE should verify their jurisdiction’s MPRE requirements.
