An unhandled error has occurred. Reload X
Skip to main content

MPRE - Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination Practice Test

187 questions available

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a critical, nationally standardized assessment required for bar admission in the vast majority of U.S. jurisdictions. Developed and administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), this 60-question, two-hour exam evaluates a candidate's knowledge and understanding of the professional conduct rules governing lawyers, primarily the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and related judicial ethics principles. Passing the MPRE is not merely an academic exercise; it is a fundamental gatekeeping mechanism that ensures all entering attorneys possess a baseline competency in the ethical obligations essential to protecting clients, preserving public trust, and maintaining the integrity of the legal system. Success on the MPRE validates an examinee's readiness to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in practice, from maintaining client confidentiality and managing conflicts of interest to understanding duties to the courts and the public. This certification is a non-negotiable prerequisite for a legal career, directly impacting licensure and professional mobility across states.

Certification exam
60 Exam questions
2 hours Time Limit
Professional Level
Practice bank
187 Practice Questions
3 hours 7 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bar to clear Scaled score; passing score varies by jurisdiction (typically 75–86 out of ~150). Official passing score. Aim higher in practice before you book.
Official objectives from NCBE
NCBE187 practice questionsBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-07-22

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)

A lawyer's advertisement on a billboard includes the statement, 'Recognized as a 'Super Lawyer' by State Monthly Magazine.' Under Model Rule 7.1, which of the following conditions must be TRUE for this advertisement to not be misleading?

Competence, Legal Malpractice, and Other Civil Liability

A former client threatens a malpractice claim after a missed expert deadline. The lawyer offers to refund all fees if the former client signs a release that day. The lawyer does not advise the former client in writing to seek independent legal counsel, though the former client is a business owner. Is the settlement proper?

Regulation of the Legal Profession

A lawyer admitted in State A is suspended there for knowingly misusing client funds. The lawyer is also admitted in State B, where she has no active cases, and decides not to report the State A discipline because State B will probably learn through national databases. What is the best analysis?

Regulation of the Legal Profession

A busy immigration lawyer lets an experienced paralegal meet alone with new clients, choose which visa category to pursue, and quote the odds of approval. The lawyer reviews final forms before filing but does not review the advice given in intake. The paralegal does not appear in court and never signs pleadings. What is the main ethics problem?

Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)

Arrange the following steps in the proper ethical order for a lawyer who is negotiating a settlement on behalf of a client. Start with the step the lawyer must take first. 1. Communicate all settlement offers to the client promptly. 2. Advise the client of the lawyer's own assessment of the offer's risks and benefits. 3. Abide by the client's decision whether to accept the settlement. 4. Explain the material terms and consequences of the settlement offer to the client.

Why This Certification Opens Doors

Achieving a passing score on the MPRE is a mandatory step toward bar admission and a foundational credential for any legal professional. It demonstrates to state bar authorities, employers, and clients that you have mastered the ethical framework that underpins the practice of law. This examination is universally recognized by the legal industry as a core benchmark of professional readiness. Success directly facilitates career advancement by enabling licensure, while failure creates a significant barrier to entry into the profession. In an era where ethical lapses can derail careers and damage institutional reputations, proven competency in professional responsibility is not just an administrative hurdle-it is a key differentiator that signals commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

Exam Blueprint

Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.

01Conflicts of Interest
12-18%
02Litigation and Other Forms of Advocacy
10-16%
03The Client-Lawyer Relationship
10-16%
04Client Confidentiality
6-12%
05Competence, Legal Malpractice, and Other Civil Liability
6-12%
06Regulation of the Legal Profession
6-12%
07Communications about Legal Services
4-10%
08Different Roles of the Lawyer
4-10%
09Safekeeping Funds and Other Property
2-8%
10Transactions and Communications with Persons Other Than Clients
2-8%
11Lawyers' Duties to the Public and the Legal System
2-4%

Exam Details MPRE | $125 USD | 2 hours

Exam Code MPRE
Vendor NCBE
Exam Cost $125 USD
Passing Score Scaled score; passing score varies by jurisdiction (typically 75–86 out of ~150).
Time Limit 2 hours
Exam questions 60
Question TypesMultiple Choice (MBE and MPRE), Essay (MEE — 6 questions, 30 min each), Performance Test (MPT — 2 tasks, 90 min each)
Retake Policy UBE: retake policies set by individual state bar boards; most allow unlimited attempts. MPRE: offered 3 times per year (March, August, November); may be taken unlimited times.
Exam Format Multi-component exam administered over two days
Online Proctoring Available
Available In
English

Study Resources

NCBE Official Practice Exams
NCBEFree
Official NCBE practice MBE questions and released MEE/MPT materials
View
MBE Subject Matter Outline
NCBEFree
View

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the MPRE, and does it vary?

Yes, the passing score is set by each individual jurisdiction, not by the NCBE. Jurisdictions require a scaled score typically ranging from 75 to 86. It is crucial to check the specific requirement for the state(s) where you intend to seek admission. The MPRE score is reported on a scale from 50 to 150.

When should I take the MPRE relative to the bar exam?

Most candidates take the MPRE during or after their law school professional responsibility course, often in their second or third year. It is strongly advised to pass the MPRE before sitting for the bar exam, as a passing MPRE score is a prerequisite for bar admission in most states. Scheduling it well in advance avoids last-minute complications in the licensing process.

What is the primary source of law tested on the MPRE?

The MPRE is primarily based on the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It also tests the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct and relevant case law concerning the regulation of the legal profession. The NCBE provides a detailed outline specifying the rules, canons, and legal principles covered.

How is the MPRE structured, and what is the format?

The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination. Of the 60 questions, 50 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest questions. The questions are scenario-based, requiring application of ethical rules to practical situations involving lawyers, judges, and clients. The test is administered three times per year at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide.

If I fail the MPRE, can I retake it?

Yes, there is no limit on the number of times you may retake the MPRE. You must register and pay the fee for each administration. It is prudent to analyze your score report to identify weak areas and adjust your study strategy before retaking the exam.