Failing the MPRE is like failing your driver’s license test; it’s not the end of the world, but it is embarrassing.
Passing the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is required for admission to practice law in almost all U.S. states and territories except Puerto Rico and Wisconsin. South Carolina requires a scaled score of 77. Designed for first-time test takers, this blog post is divided into four parts: 1) how to create a National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) account, 2) how to register for the MPRE, 3) a brief overview of the MPRE, and 4) study materials and study tips to prepare for the MPRE.
I. Creating your NCBE Account
First, you need to create an NCBE account. You can create an account here. Once you create an account, you will be issued a unique NCBE number. You will need your NCBE number to register for an exam date, time, and location. You can locate your NCBE number once you log on and access
Once you have your NCBE account, you can log on and access your dashboard. On the dashboard page, you can select “MPRE Registration.” From there, follow the on-screen instructions. If you need accommodations for the MPRE, select the “MPRE Test Accommodations” tab and follow the instructions. On average, the NCBE takes at least 25 business days to process special requests. My advice: don’t wait until the last second to request testing accommodations.
After you take the MPRE, your score will be available on the “File Cabinet” tab on your dashboard. The NCBE releases scores approximately five weeks after the day of your examination.
II. Creating a Pearson Vue Account and Registering for the MPRE
The NCBE administers the MPRE at Pearson Vue testing centers. After you create an NCBE account, you need to create a separate account with Pearson Vue. Create an account here, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have an account, you can register for the day, time, and location to take your exam. After you select your day, time, and location, you will then pay the registration fee. In 2024, the NCBE will raise the testing fee to $160.00. After you complete your registration and pay the examination fee, you will receive instructions on what to bring to the testing center. Remember, your test preparation includes reviewing what you can and cannot bring to the testing center.
My advice: register early. The North Charleston testing center fills up quickly. Save this website for information regarding test registration and fees.
III. Overview of the MPRE
The MPRE is a two-hour, 60 question multiple-choice exam administered three times per year. In 2024, the MPRE will be offered in March, August, and November. Click here for information regarding the registration deadline. Of the 60 given questions, only 50 questions are scored. However, you will not know which questions are scored and which questions are not. Every jurisdiction that requires an MPRE score sets a minimum passing score. Click here to see the current passing MPRE scores by jurisdiction.
The MPRE tests students on legal rules contained within the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the official comments. There are also a few questions that test your knowledge of the Model Rules of Judicial Conduct. An online version of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the official comments are located here. You will be assessed on several topics including regulation of the legal profession, the lawyer-client relationship, confidentiality, safekeeping funds and property, judicial conduct, and more. This chart lists each subject tested and the average percentage of questions per subject.
My advice: Read the official comments. The comments provide invaluable information related to the rules. Often, the MPRE test writers create questions that relate to the official comments.
IV. Study Materials
Like any other legal exam, the MPRE tests your ability to apply legal rules to a given set of facts. You may be tempted to “phone it in” and apply your own common sense. That is a mistake. Your common sense will only take you so far. Instead, you must learn the model rules and the official comments.
A great place to start is the textbook your professor assigned during your Professional Responsibility course. You can also access Barbri for a free MPRE course. To access the free Barbri course, login to your Barbri account and enroll in the MPRE course. The Barbri course contains module videos, outlines, practice questions, and simulation MPRE exams. Finally, the Barbri materials also contain a series on the Judicial Code of Conduct. Finally, check with Student Affairs for copies of the Barbri MPRE study book. Themis also has a free MPRE course that you can try. My advice: use the Barbri study book and the online course together. Also, don’t forget to study the Judicial Code of Conduct and understand the different standards that judges are held to compared to attorneys.
The library also contains the following helpful materials:
- Lisa G. Lerman, Ethical Problems in the Practice of Law: Model Rules, State Variations, and Practice Questions, 2023 and 2024 eds. 2023. Call Number: KF306 .L46 2023
- Renee Jefferson, Professional Responsibility: A Contemporary Approach, 5th ed. 2023. Call Number: KF306 .P43 2023
- W. Bradley Wendel, Professional Responsibility Examples and Explanations, 5th ed. 2016. Call Number: KF306 .W46 2016.
- Steven Emanuel, Law in a Flash, Flash Cards Part 1 and Part 2. Call Numbers: KF306 .E47 2010 vol. Part 1; KF306 .E47 2010 vol. Part 2.
- West Academic Database Collection: Leah Christensen, The Weekend MPRE: Complete Preparation for the MPRE in Only a Weekend’s Time, 3d ed. 2022
- West Academic Database Collection: Leah Christensen, A Short & Happy Guide to the MPRE, 2d ed. 2023.
Remember, learning the ABA Model Rules and the Official Comments takes time and practice. Do yourself a favor by taking time to learn the materials and completing practice tests. I recommend doing practice problems and full-length timed practice tests. When you get a question wrong, read the explanation why. Finally, give yourself time to ask your professional responsibility instructor any questions that you have. If you have any questions about library study resources, stop by the Circulation Desk and ask one of our librarians. Good luck!
Justin Hites
J.D. Candidate 2024
Charleston School of Law
Sol Blatt Jr. Law Library Research Fellow
Moot Court Advocacy Board
Judicial Board Member
The Barrister 