While there are common ranges of good Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE®) scores, the score you need depends heavily on your goals and state of practice.
Unlike law school exams or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT®), the MPRE isn’t designed to rank students against one another; it’s designed to determine whether you’ve met the minimum score required for admission in your jurisdiction.
MPRE passing scores vary by state. Before you start worrying about whether your practice scores are on par, it’s important to understand the score you’re actually aiming for. Every jurisdiction sets its own passing standard, and knowing that target can help you approach your preparation with greater clarity and confidence.
| MPRE Key Takeaways |
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What MPRE® Score Do I Need to Pass in My State?
There is no one-size-fits-all passing score for the MPRE. You can’t know whether you’re on track until you know the score you need to achieve. For the MPRE, this is heavily dependent on the state or jurisdiction you choose to practice.
The minimum passing score (MPS) for the MPRE ranges from 75 to 86, depending on where you plan to seek bar admission. While some jurisdictions require only a 75, many require an 80 or 85, with 85 being the most common passing standard nationwide.2
| MPS* | Jurisdiction** |
|---|---|
| 75 | Alabama, District of Columbia, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| 77 | South Carolina |
| 79 | New Hampshire |
| 80 | Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Guam, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, 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 |
| Jurisdiction** | MPS* |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 75 |
| Alaska | 80 |
| Arizona | 85 |
| Arkansas | 85 |
| California | 86 |
| Colorado | 85 |
| Connecticut | 80 |
| Delaware | 85 |
| District of Columbia | 75 |
| Florida | 80 |
| Georgia | 75 |
| Hawaii | 85 |
| Idaho | 85 |
| Illinois | 80 |
| Indiana | 80 |
| Iowa | 80 |
| Kansas | 80 |
| Kentucky | 80 |
| Louisiana | 80 |
| Maine | 80 |
| Maryland | 85 |
| Massachusetts | 85 |
| Michigan | 85 |
| Minnesota | 85 |
| Mississippi | 75 |
| Missouri | 80 |
| Montana | 80 |
| Nebraska | 85 |
| Nevada | 85 |
| New Hampshire | 79 |
| New Jersey | 75 |
| New Mexico | 80 |
| New York | 85 |
| North Carolina | 80 |
| North Dakota | 85 |
| Ohio | 85 |
| Oklahoma | 80 |
| Oregon | 85 |
| Pennsylvania | 75 |
| Rhode Island | 80 |
| South Carolina | 77 |
| South Dakota | 85 |
| Tennessee | 82 |
| Texas | 85 |
| Utah | 86 |
| Vermont | 80 |
| Virginia | 85 |
| Washington | 85 |
| West Virginia | 80 |
| Wisconsin | N/A |
| Wyoming | 85 |
| Guam | 80 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | 80 |
| Palau | 75 |
| Puerto Rico | N/A |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | 75 |
Source: NCBE1
*Minimum passing scores are subject to change. Check with your jurisdiction for the latest MPS and registration requirements.
**Wisconsin and Puerto Rico do not require the MPRE. Connecticut and New Jersey accept the completion of a law school course on professional responsibility in lieu of passing the MPRE.
How Is the MPRE Scored?
If you’ve been searching for the magic number of questions you can miss and still pass, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions MPRE candidates ask. The challenge is that there isn’t a single answer.
The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®) uses a process called equating to convert your raw score into a scaled score ranging from 50 to 150. Equating accounts for slight differences in difficulty between exam administrations and helps ensure that scores remain comparable over time.2 Because each exam form is adjusted differently, there is no fixed number of questions you must answer correctly to earn a particular score. However, historical performance data can provide a useful benchmark.
Students pursuing an 85, the most common passing score nationwide, often answer approximately 58% to 62% of scored questions correctly. Since only 50 questions count toward your score, that translates to roughly 29 to 31 correct answers. That number surprises many students who assume they need to get nearly every question right. In reality, the MPRE rewards a solid understanding of professional responsibility concepts, not perfection.
The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, 50 of which are scored and 10 of which are unscored pretest questions. Because the pretest questions are indistinguishable from scored questions, you should answer every question as accurately as you can. Each question has one best answer from four answer choices.3
What Subjects Are Tested on the MPRE and How Are They Weighted?
Not every MPRE topic carries the same weight, which means some topics show up far more often than others. While every topic is fair game, the most heavily tested subjects create more opportunities to earn points, and more opportunities to lose them if they’re a weak spot.
One thing that surprises many students is how concentrated the exam can be. For example, Conflicts of Interest and The Client-Lawyer Relationship together can account for nearly one-third of scored questions. That’s a significant portion of the exam tied to just 2 subject areas.1
The MPRE subject matter outline lists the exam’s 12 topics and their approximate weights on each exam form. Since the MPRE consists of 50 scored multiple-choice questions, we can estimate how many questions per subject will contribute to your score.
| Subject | Weightage | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation of the Legal Profession | 6-12% | 3-6 |
| The Client-Lawyer Relationship | 10-16% | 5-8 |
| Client Confidentiality | 6-12% | 3-6 |
| Conflicts of Interest | 12-18% | 6-9 |
| Competence, Legal Malpractice, and Other Civil Liability | 6-12% | 3-6 |
| Litigation and Other Forms of Advocacy | 10-16% | 5-8 |
| Transactions and Communications with Persons Other than Clients | 2-8% | 1-4 |
| Different Roles of the Lawyer | 4-10% | 2-5 |
| Safekeeping Funds and Other Property | 2-8% | 1-4 |
| Communications About Legal Services | 4-10% | 2-5 |
| Lawyers’ Duties to the Public and the Legal System | 2-4% | 1-2 |
| Judicial Conduct | 2-8% | 1-4 |
Source: NCBE4
How Should I Interpret My MPRE Score?
In March 2026, the average MPRE score was 97.4 on a scale from 50 to 150, up from 93.9 in March 2025. Since most jurisdictions require a passing score between 80 and 85, the average test-taker earned a score well above the minimum requirement.
That’s an important distinction because the MPRE isn’t designed to rank students against one another. Unlike the LSAT or law school exams, your goal isn’t to outperform your peers, but to earn a passing score for your jurisdiction. Consistently exceeding your target range in practice is often a stronger indicator of readiness than any single score.
| MPRE Mean Scaled Scores | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
| March Exam | 95.6 | 94.9 | 97.1 | 93.9 | 97.4 |
| August Exam | 96.0 | 96.9 | 97.0 | 96.3 | - |
| November Exam | 97.2 | 98.0 | 95.6 | 96.7 | - |
Source: NCBE5
The NCBE does not publish official MPRE score percentiles. However, it does publish statistical information that helps summarize candidate performance.
| MPRE Scaled Score Statistics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Exam Window | Examinees | Mean Scaled Score | Standard Deviation | Maximum | Minimum | Median |
| 20265 | March | 19,651 | 97.4 | - | - | - | - |
| 20255 | March | 20,239 | 93.9 | 19.2 | 145.0 | 55.0 | 93.0 |
| August | 20,109 | 96.3 | 18.3 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 93.0 | |
| November | 20,606 | 96.7 | 18.4 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 93.0 | |
| Total | 60,954 | 95.6 | 18.7 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 93.0 | |
| 20246 | March | 21,029 | 97.1 | 19.6 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 96.0 |
| August | 18,094 | 97.0 | 18.6 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 96.0 | |
| November | 19,736 | 95.6 | 18.6 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 95.0 | |
| Total | 58,859 | 96.6 | 19.0 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 96.0 | |
| 20237 | March | 20,184 | 94.9 | 19.2 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 94.0 |
| August | 19,005 | 96.9 | 19.7 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 96.0 | |
| November | 21,275 | 98.0 | 18.8 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 97.0 | |
| Total | 60,464 | 96.6 | 19.2 | 146.0 | 55.0 | 95.0 | |
| MPRE Scaled Score Distributions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | ||
| Percent of 2025 Examinees5 | March | 2.9% | 6.7% | 13.8% | 19.9% | 20.3% | 16.9% | 9.4% | 5.2% | 3.3% | 1.5% |
| August | 1.4% | 4.7% | 11.6% | 19.8% | 20.9% | 19.7% | 12.0% | 5.3% | 3.1% | 1.5% | |
| November | 2.1% | 4.9% | 11.2% | 19.0% | 21.4% | 18.9% | 12.4% | 5.5% | 3.3% | 1.2% | |
| Percent of 2024 Examinees6 | March | 1.8% | 5.7% | 10.4% | 20.8% | 17.7% | 18.0% | 11.8% | 7.1% | 3.7% | 2.9% |
| August | 1.7% | 5.0% | 10.2% | 18.0% | 21.0% | 19.2% | 13.1% | 6.3% | 3.7% | 1.7% | |
| November | 1.8% | 5.6% | 13.9% | 17.1% | 20.9% | 19.9% | 10.1% | 5.5% | 3.5% | 1.6% | |
| Percent of 2023 Examinees7 | March | 2.4% | 6.0% | 13.4% | 19.7% | 20.4% | 17.1% | 9.8% | 5.7% | 3.5% | 1.9% |
| August | 2.1% | 5.1% | 13.0% | 16.3% | 22.2% | 17.1% | 10.6% | 7.9% | 3.1% | 2.5% | |
| November | 1.5% | 4.2% | 9.9% | 19.2% | 21.5% | 16.8% | 12.3% | 8.9% | 3.4% | 2.3% | |
When Are MPRE Scores Released?
Waiting for your MPRE score can feel like the longest part of the process. Fortunately, score release timelines are generally predictable.
Your MPRE score will typically be posted to your NCBE account within 5 weeks of your testing date and will remain available until the next test administration. For example, if you take the MPRE in March, your score will generally remain accessible until the August administration.2
Once your score becomes available, save a copy for your records.
If you need access to a score that is no longer visible in your account, you’ll need to contact MPRE Score Services.2
How Do I Get My MPRE Score?
When you register for the MPRE, you’ll designate the jurisdiction that should receive your score. The NCBE automatically reports your results to that jurisdiction.2
Many students assume their score automatically follows them wherever they apply for bar admission. It doesn’t. If your plans change or you decide to seek admission in another jurisdiction later, you may need to request an additional score report through MPRE Score Services.2
How Long Does My MPRE Score Last?
Your jurisdiction determines how long your MPRE score remains valid. In some jurisdictions, such as California8 and Washington, D.C.,9 scores do not expire. In others, you may have a specific time frame to complete additional licensure requirements.
For example, New York candidates may take the MPRE before or after the bar exam; however, their score is only valid for 4 years from the date of testing.10 In Texas, a passing MPRE score is valid for 5 years from the testing date.11
If you’re planning to delay bar admission, change jurisdictions, or pursue admission in multiple states, it’s worth confirming your jurisdiction’s rules now rather than assuming your score will remain valid indefinitely.
MPRE Testing Accommodations
The NCBE provides testing accommodations for qualified candidates with disabilities. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the NCBE approval process and generally require supporting documentation.
If you believe you’ll need accommodations, start the application process as early as possible. Gathering documentation and obtaining approval can take time, and requests must typically be submitted before the applicable registration deadline.
Most accommodated test-takers receive scores within the same general reporting window as other examinees, although timelines can vary depending on the accommodation and testing administration.
2026 MPRE Dates and Registration Deadlines
| Test Administration | Accommodations Deadline | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 11-12 | April 23 | June 11 |
| Nov. 12-13 | July 30 | Sept. 17 |
Understanding what the MPRE tests is only half the challenge. Preparing with realistic practice questions can help you become more familiar with the way professional responsibility concepts are tested. Every UWorld question undergoes 17 rounds of drafting, legal review, editorial review, and exam-standard validation before being added to the QBank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the MPRE curved or scaled?
What are good and average MPRE scores?
How hard is it to score 85 on the MPRE?
A score of 85 is the most common passing standard in the United States, which is why many students use it as their target score.
While there is no exact raw-score conversion, historical data suggests that candidates pursuing an 85 often answer approximately 58% to 62% of scored questions correctly. Because the MPRE uses scaled scoring, the exact number varies by exam administration. We recommend studying with Themis + UWorld MPRE Review to improve your chances of passing.
How many questions can I miss on the MPRE?
What is the MPRE fail percentage?
The MPRE fail rate varies by jurisdiction and testing administration. In 2025, approximately 16% to 21% of examinees scored below 80 across the three testing windows. Because 85 is the most common passing score nationwide, the percentage of examinees who did not achieve a passing score in their jurisdiction was higher.
Can I use my MPRE score in another state?
How do I report MPRE scores to a jurisdiction?
Does the NCBE charge score service fees?
Yes, the NCBE charges candidates for score services related to MPRE score reports, unofficial score transcripts, score verification, and related requests. Refunds are not provided for any reason. Visit the NCBE website for more information.
References
- National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2026, April 28). NCBE releases national mean for
March 2026 MPRE. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbex.org/news-resources/ncbe-releases-national-mean-march-2026-mpre - National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2025). Preparing for the MPRE. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre/preparing-mpre - National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2023). MPRE Subject Matter Outline (PDF).
Retrieved from
https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/MPRE_Subject_Matter_Outline.pdf - National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2025). Statistics. Retrieved from https://thebarexaminer.ncbex.org/statistics/
- National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2024). 2024 Statistics: The Multistate Professional
Responsibility Examination (MPRE). Retrieved from
https://thebarexaminer.ncbex.org/2024-statistics/the-multistate-professional-responsibility-examination-mpre/ - National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2023). 2023 Statistics: The Multistate Professional
Responsibility Examination (MPRE). Retrieved from
https://thebarexaminer.ncbex.org/2023-statistics/the-multistate-professional-responsibility-examination-mpre/ - National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2025). Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission
Requirements: Chart 10. Retrieved from
https://reports.ncbex.org/charts/chart-10/ - National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2025). Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission
Requirements: Chart 6. Retrieved from
https://reports.ncbex.org/charts/chart-6/ - The New York State Board of Law Examiners. (2025). Multistate Professional Responsibility
Examination (MPRE). Retrieved from
https://www.nybarexam.org/MPRE/MPRE.html - The Supreme Court of Texas. (2010). Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas
(PDF). Retrieved from
https://www.txcourts.gov/All_Archived_Documents/SupremeCourt/AdministrativeOrders/miscdocket/00/00-9016.pdf
