How long to prepare
What the exam covers
The exam covers regulation of the legal profession, the client-lawyer relationship, client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, competence and other duties to clients, litigation and other forms of advocacy, transactions and communications with others, different roles of the lawyer, safekeeping funds and property, communications about legal services, lawyers' duties to the public and the legal system, and judicial conduct. Check NCBE's current subject outline for weights.
How to answer
Read the call carefully. Many questions ask what a lawyer may do, must do or should do, and those differ. A lawyer may act where the rules permit, and must act where the rules require. The answer is often the option that follows the Model Rules even if it is not the most profitable or convenient.
Rules that are easily confused
Confidentiality and privilege are different, as are conflicts that can be waived by informed consent and those that cannot. Trust account rules, fee rules, and duties on candor to a tribunal each have their own detail. Make a one-page sheet of each.
Free and paid courses
Many providers offer free MPRE courses, and paid options add more questions or a schedule. A free course can be sufficient if it follows the current rules and includes practice questions. Compare the question count and explanations, and use official NCBE sample questions to see the real style.
Scoring and what to expect
Your score is scaled from 50 to 150. Raw percentage does not translate directly, and unscored questions do not affect your result. Take practice sets at a pace of about two minutes a question.
The day of the exam
NCBE says to plan on about two and a half to three hours from arrival. Bring the required identification and follow the testing center's rules. Do not cram new rules the night before.
Common questions
How many hours should I study for the MPRE?+
A common range is about 20 to 40 hours over two to four weeks, less if you just finished professional responsibility and more if it has been a while. Adjust after a practice set.
Are free MPRE courses good enough?+
They can be if they follow the current Model Rules, include practice questions and explain answers. Add official NCBE sample questions to see the real style.
How long is the MPRE?+
Two hours, with 60 multiple-choice questions, of which 50 are scored. NCBE suggests planning on about two and a half to three hours from arrival.
What to do next
- 1
Take a 30-question practice set to find your level.
- 2
Plan two to four weeks with a question target each day.
- 3
Use official NCBE sample questions once.