The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) that tests students’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers and judges. It is administered three times each year in March, August and November.
To be licensed in most jurisdictions, an applicant must take and pass both the MPRE and that jurisdiction's bar exam. The MPRE is scored and scaled nationally, but each jurisdiction establishes its own passing score. Illinois currently requires a minimum scaled score of 80 points on the MPRE. The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar must receive satisfactory proof that the student achieved a passing MPRE score before being recommended for admission to the bar.
For purposes of admission to the bar in Illinois, students may sit for the MPRE at any time either during law school or after graduation. Most law students take the MPRE after completion of the Legal Profession course. Registration and additional information for the MPRE is available on the NCBE website.
Because MPRE requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, examinees are advised to check with the bar admission agency in the jurisdiction to which they seek admission before registering for the MPRE.
Visit the NCBE Website