The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE®) is a required ethics exam for admission to the bar in almost every U.S. jurisdiction. Developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®), the MPRE tests your knowledge of professional conduct standards.
MPRE Structure
The MPRE is a 2-hour, computer-based exam administered at Pearson VUE test centers. It includes 60 multiple-choice questions — 50 scored and 10 unscored pretest items — with no penalty for incorrect answers.
| 2025 MPRE Structure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Length | Format | Delivery |
| 2 hours | 60 multiple-choice questions | Computer-based |
What are MPRE Questions Like?
MPRE questions test whether you can spot ethical issues and take the appropriate action under pressure. Most questions have a short fact pattern followed by multiple-choice options that assess your ability to apply the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to real-world situations — such as identifying a conflict of interest, handling client confidences, or responding to dishonest conduct by another attorney.
Each question:
- Describes a legal or factual situation
- Asks what the lawyer should or may do under the circumstances
- Provides 4 answer choices (A-D), only 1 of which is correct
Most questions follow this format:
| MPRE Example Question |
| Example |
|
A lawyer receives confidential information from a potential client during an initial consultation. The lawyer later takes a case against that potential client involving the same matter. Which of the following is the lawyer's best course of action?
|
| Answer |
| B – A duty of confidentiality attaches even if no attorney-client relationship is ultimately formed. |
What MPRE Questions Test
MPRE questions aren’t just about knowing the rule — they’re about:
- Spotting ethical red flags
- Recognizing the best course of action (not just a good one)
- Understanding what lawyers may, must, or must not do
- Navigating grey areas involving conflicts of interest, confidentiality, competence, and candor
If you’re torn between 2 answer choices, ask yourself: “What would a reasonable, ethical lawyer be required to do here?”
MPRE Topics
The MPRE assesses your understanding of professional conduct standards for lawyers and judges. The exam primarily draws from the following sources:
- American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules governing the ethical responsibilities of lawyers.
- ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct: Outlines the ethical standards for judges.
- Leading federal and state cases: Provides interpretations and applications of professional conduct standards.
- Constitutional principles: Particularly those related to the First and Sixth Amendments, which impact areas including client confidentiality and the right to counsel.
The MPRE does not test state-specific rules or areas of substantive law.
Learn more:
MPRE Topics
The exam covers 10 core categories, each with varying weights:
| MPRE Topic Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Approximate Weight |
| Regulation of the legal profession | 6-12% |
| Lawyer-client relationship | 10-16% |
| Client confidentiality | 6-12% |
| Conflicts of interest | 12-18% |
| Competence, legal malpractice | 6-12% |
| Litigation and advocacy | 10-16% |
| Transactions and communication | 2-8% |
| Safekeeping funds and property | 2-8% |
| Communications about legal services | 4-10% |
| Judicial conduct | 2-8% |
MPRE Registration and Dates
To take the MPRE, you must register through your NCBE account, request authorization to test (ATT), and schedule your exam with Pearson VUE — all by 11:59 p.m. CT on the registration deadline. Late registration is not allowed.
If you’re requesting ADA accommodations, submit your request by the registration deadline. Do not schedule your exam until accommodations are approved — they cannot be added to an existing appointment.
Register early to increase your chances of getting your preferred test center and time.
Exam Dates and Deadlines
| MPRE Exam Dates and Deadlines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exam Date | Registration Opens | Registration Deadline |
| March 26 or 27 | Passed | Passed |
| Aug. 20 or 21 | April 30, 2025 | June 18, 2025 |
| Nov. 13 or 14 | July 30, 2025 | Sept. 25, 2025 |
Fees
| MPRE Fees | |
|---|---|
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Standard Registration | $150 (to Pearson VUE) |
| Rescheduling (same exam window) | $25 (non-refundable) |
| Cancellation (48+ hours in advance) | $80 refund |
| Transfer to another test date | Not available |
How to Register for the MPRE
Registering for the MPRE is straightforward, but it's also time-sensitive. You’ll need to complete the steps below — in order — and meet strict deadlines to secure your spot. Once you receive your ATT email, you’ll have 48 hours to schedule and pay through Pearson VUE. Late registration isn’t allowed, and seats fill quickly.
| 6-Step MPRE Registration Checklist | ||
|---|---|---|
| Step | Action | Details |
| 1 | Create an NCBE account | Go to ncbex.org and create an account. You’ll receive an NCBE number, which you’ll need for registration and scoring. |
| 2 | Apply for accommodations (if needed) | If you qualify under the ADA, submit your request through your NCBE account before registering. Accommodations can’t be added after you schedule. |
| 3 | Request ATT | Log in to your NCBE account, select “MPRE Registration,” and complete the application. This triggers an ATT email from Pearson VUE. |
| 4 | Wait for ATT email | You should receive your ATT within 24 hours. Check your spam folder. If you're approved for accommodations, confirm they’re listed accurately. |
| 5 | Schedule pay within 48 hours | Use your ATT to schedule your test on Pearson VUE. Pay the $150 fee to secure your seat. |
| 6 | Check your confirmation emails | You’ll get 2 emails from Pearson VUE: 1 for your appointment and 1 for payment. Review them for errors — especially if accommodations apply. |
MPRE Eligibility Requirements
With few exceptions, all bar applicants in the U.S. are required to take and pass the MPRE. Most jurisdictions allow you to take the exam before or after earning your juris doctor (J.D.) degree, though many students complete it in their final year of law school.
There are no universal prerequisites, but some states recommend or require that you take a course in Professional Responsibility before registering. You can take the MPRE as many times as needed to pass.
Although you have flexibility on when to take it, many jurisdictions limit how long a passing MPRE score remains valid. Always confirm eligibility and score validity rules with your state’s board of bar examiners.
| Does Not Require MPRE | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Diploma privilege |
| Puerto Rico | N/A |
| California, Utah | Approved course substitute allowed |
MPRE Scoring
Most jurisdictions require a passing score between 75 and 86. Scores are posted to your NCBE account about 5 weeks after the exam. You can send your score to 1 jurisdiction for free. Additional reports are available for a fee through NCBE Score Services.
Learn More
| Minimum Passing Score | Jurisdictions |
|---|---|
| 75 | Alabama, District of Columbia, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Palau, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands |
| 77 | South Carolina |
| 79 | New Hampshire |
| 80 | Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Guam, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia |
| 82 | Tennessee |
| 85 | Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming |
| 86 | California, Utah |
MPRE Score Validity
While most jurisdictions require a passing MPRE score for bar admission, many also impose time limits on when the score must be earned. In some states, your MPRE score must be achieved within a set window before or after taking the bar exam or submitting your application — commonly between 2 to 5 years. Some states allow up to 15 years, while others have no expiration.
These timelines often differ depending on whether you're applying by exam, Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) transfer, or motion, and they may also vary based on your current admission status in another jurisdiction.
Because MPRE validity rules are jurisdiction-specific and subject to change, always confirm current requirements with the board of bar examiners in the state where you plan to apply.
