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If you’re preparing to write the MPRE and don’t know where to start, read on to learn more about how to create the best MPRE study schedule.
Like most exams, when studying for the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), you should prioritize both knowledge and application.
Since the MPRE exam tests aspiring law students' understanding of established standards relating to the professional conduct of lawyers, there is a significant element of memorization required for this exam. This guide will answer all of your MPRE study concerns.
The MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination) exam is one of several tests law students must complete for bar admission. The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice exam that tests knowledge of ethical standards and professional conduct for lawyers. It is required for bar admission in most U.S. jurisdictions except Wisconsin and Puerto Rico.
The MPRE exam is two hours long and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. Students have around two minutes to complete each question; however, some may take less or more time.
While there are 60 questions on the MPRE, only 50 are scored, and the remaining 10 are unscored pretest questions. However, you won’t be able to distinguish which questions are unscored, so you should treat them all like they’re being scored. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers.
MPRE scores are graded on a scale from 50 to 150. The required passing score depends on your jurisdiction.
Considering this range, you might be wondering how the MPRE is scored. Scores are calculated using a method known as equating. This process adjusts your raw scores by comparing the differences in difficulty in previous examinations.
Scores are released around five weeks after the examination date and will be posted on your NCBE account.
The MPRE tests your knowledge of the laws surrounding the professional conduct of lawyers and judges. You’ll need to know the disciplinary rules of conduct according to the ABA and principles and rules regarding law discipline.
The NCBE provides a subject matter outline for the MPRE, which contains the following topics:
You should study for the MPRE for one month, dedicating approximately 20-30 hours of total preparation time. This typically breaks down to four to six hours per week of consistent study.
Many students also opt to take a professional responsibility course before the MPRE, which can help reduce the time required to prepare for the exam.
The most important thing to bring to the MPRE is your identification. You’ll need two forms of original, unexpired ID: government-issued primary and secondary ID. Ensure that the name on your ID matches the name you used to register.
Your primary ID must include a recent photo, signature, and first and last name. Primary ID forms include:
Your secondary ID must include your first and last name and a signature or recent photo. Secondary ID forms include:
You won’t be allowed any personal items in the testing room except for certain permitted comfort aids, such as bandages, casts, EpiPens, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.
You can bring personal items with you, but they must be stored outside the testing room. You may bring a sweater in case of cold temperatures, but you may be asked to roll up your sleeves.
While there is no scheduled break during the exam, you should also bring water or food for when you finish.
Compared to other law exams, such as the LSAT, the MPRE is generally considered relatively easy. For most students, the difficulty lies in knowing how to properly apply the rules to scenarios, which is why practice exams are key!
Luckily, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), the administrators of the MPRE, have created a comprehensive list of the significant subject matter you can expect to find on the exam.
Most of the questions you’ll be asked will be based on the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Model Code of Judicial Conduct.
To pass the MPRE, you'll have to understand these rules and how they work. This is why we recommend you follow a two-step study process that involves memorizing the rules and then practicing applying them.
While this may seem overwhelming, most students find it unnecessary to spend too much time memorizing the Model Code of Judicial Conduct; these rules tend to be more logical and easier to follow.
As such, you should focus most of your studies on thoroughly grasping the Rules of Professional Conduct. Once you feel comfortable with all of these rules, you should move on to completing several practice questions and exams.
NCBE offers free practice questions that can be a good starting point in your practice. Once you’ve completed these questions, NCBE also has full simulated MPRE exams and an official study aid with 210 past MPRE questions that you can purchase through their website.
Keeping track of the materials and practice sessions you should include in your study schedule may seem daunting. Here is a visual example of what your two-step study schedule might look like.
Since the majority of law students dedicate two to four weeks to studying for the MPRE, this schedule will follow a three-week study period of studying 8-10 hours per week:
This study schedule follows the most logical study sequence: first thoroughly reading the rules and keywords, then memorizing and deconstructing them, and finally putting them into practice.
You can adjust this schedule accordingly depending on the time you’ve allotted to study for the MPRE. During your practice sessions, you will gain a better understanding of whether or not you know how to deconstruct the rules correctly.
If you consistently answer questions incorrectly, don’t worry; it’s an easy fix! You’ll have to review the rules again to find what you’re missing or seek external help to get you on the right track. It’s also suggested that all students read each rule's comments to understand better how they’re applied in real life!
Download your MPRE study schedule below!
The MPRE is a difficult exam, but here are some tips to help you get through it!
Read on to find your answers to any remaining questions about creating the most efficient MPRE study schedule.
Most students study for the MPRE for one month, allocating 20-30 hours of total preparation time. This typically breaks down to four to six hours per week of consistent study.
Yes, it’s possible to study for the MPRE in one week, but it’s not recommended. If you choose only a week to prepare, incorporate many practice tests into your study schedule.
To pass the MPRE on the first try, you should set aside enough time to review and practice all of the rules, following our two-step study suggestion. You should also use the right resources to achieve your target score more easily!
Yes, a 97 is a good MPRE score. The mean scaled MPRE score is 96.6. This places your score slightly above average among all test-takers.
A good MPRE score is anything higher than the mean scaled score of 96.6. Achieving a score higher than this signifies that you scored higher than most MPRE test takers.
A month is typically more than enough time to prepare for the MPRE. If you set your schedule for longer than this, you risk procrastinating or studying ineffectively by covering little material over a long period, inhibiting your memorization skills.
No, the bar exam is generally more complex. The MPRE is only two hours long, whereas the bar exam spans two days. The bar exam also tests more subjects and consists of several exams.
To achieve a passing score of 85 on the MPRE, you need to answer approximately 60% of the scored questions correctly, which translates to about 30 out of the 50 questions that are actually counted toward your score.
You can take the MPRE at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country. However, there is no guarantee that you can take the exam in the same state where you reside, as you’re assigned a testing center once you register.
You can, however, choose to report your score to any jurisdiction, no matter where you sit to take the exam.
When studying for the MPRE, your main goal should be to do so as easily and effectively as possible! You’ll already be stressed about completing your JD and the stress of passing the bar exam.
Considering your MPRE will likely be the easiest milestone in your legal journey, ensure you create an effective study schedule, like the one illustrated here, to avoid procrastination and make the experience as stress-free as possible!
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
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