Dates and deadlines
The exam is given at Pearson testing centers on two-day windows. Registration and payment must be finished by 11:59 p.m. central time on the deadline, and NCBE accepts no new registrations afterward. NCBE advises scheduling the appointment as soon as you register to get the sites and times you want. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early, and expect to finish 2½ to 3 hours after you arrive.
- November 12–13, 2026: registration closed September 17, 2026
- March 23–24, 2027: register by January 21, 2027
- August 18–19, 2027: register by June 17, 2027
- November 4–5, 2027: register by September 21, 2027
When to take it relative to bar prep
For a July exam, the March administration is the last one before the study period and falls four months ahead of it. The August date falls after a July exam, so a candidate who waits must pass it after the bar and before admission, and should check the jurisdiction's deadline. A February candidate can use the November date.
A law school professional responsibility course is the usual preparation, and some jurisdictions accept it in place of the score: NCBE notes that Connecticut and New Jersey accept successful completion of a law school professional responsibility course in lieu of a passing MPRE score.
What score each state requires
Scores run from 50 to 150, and each jurisdiction sets its own pass mark. 8 require 75, 1 require 77, 1 require 79, 20 require 80, 1 require 82, 21 require 85, 2 require 86. A score can also expire: Alabama accepts 75 for 36 months, New York's 85 is valid four years from the sitting, and Alaska accepts a score taken within 8 years of the application.
MPRE passing scores by number of jurisdictions (NCBE Comprehensive Guide values)
| Passing score | Jurisdictions | Which |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 8 | Alabama, District of Columbia, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and 2 more |
| 77 | 1 | South Carolina |
| 79 | 1 | New Hampshire |
| 80 | 20 | Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and 14 more |
| 82 | 1 | Tennessee |
| 85 | 21 | Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho and 15 more |
| 86 | 2 | California, Utah |
What to do next
- 1
Look up your jurisdiction's passing score and validity window before you register.
- 2
Register by the deadline, then schedule the appointment the same day.
- 3
Take it before bar prep starts, in March for a July exam or November for a February exam.
- 4
Apply for accommodations first if you need them; they cannot be added to an existing appointment.
- 5
Check whether a law school ethics course can replace the score where you plan to be admitted.
Common questions
How many questions are on the MPRE?+
60 multiple-choice questions, 50 scored and 10 unscored, in two hours. Scores run from 50 to 150.
When are the MPRE dates in 2027?+
March 23–24, August 18–19 and November 4–5, 2027. Registration closes January 21, June 17 and September 21.
Which jurisdictions do not require the MPRE?+
Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. Connecticut and New Jersey accept a law school professional responsibility course in place of a passing score.
What MPRE score do states require?+
8 require 75; 1 require 77; 1 require 79; 20 require 80; 1 require 82; 21 require 85; 2 require 86. Alabama requires 75 and accepts it for 36 months, Colorado and New York require 85, and Texas requires 85.
Can I take accommodations on the MPRE?+
Yes, but you must apply and receive the determination before you register and schedule. NCBE says accommodations cannot be added to an existing appointment.