If you’re a law student who is ready to register to take the MPRE exam, but you don’t know precisely how the registration process works, this MPRE registration guide is for you. In most jurisdictions in the USA, you will need to have passed this test before you can be admitted to the bar. Therefore, you need to know as much as possible about how to register and how to take this vital exam.
Since the details about how to register are often confusing, this guide is designed to make it simple to understand how to go about taking this all-important test. It will give you a clearer understanding of all the requirements before you register. So read on and discover everything that you need to know.
The MPRE – What Is It?
The first thing to address in this guide is what the MPRE actually is. MPRE is the abbreviation that is given to the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. This exam is created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (or NCBE) and consists of a single 2-hour exam that is administered three times yearly. It is composed of 60 questions with multiple choice answers.
First administered back in 1980, this test assesses the candidate’s comprehension and knowledge of all the standards relating to the professional conduct required of a lawyer. Luckily, this is a subject that you will have covered thoroughly in law school as part of your Professional Responsibility course.
You must pass this test in order to be admitted to the bar in every US jurisdiction except two (Puerto Rico and Wisconsin). All of the jurisdictions decide on their own passing score, though, so a pass in one jurisdiction may not necessarily be one in another.
Which Jurisdictions Require Lawyers To Take The MPRE?
At the present time, would-be lawyers in all jurisdictions are required to take the MPRE except those in Puerto Rico and Wisconsin. Do note, the requirements for the MPRE will vary between different jurisdictions. For example, two states at the present time (Connecticut and New Jersey) allow candidates to complete a professional responsibility law school course rather than taking and passing the MPRE test, as long as the candidate in question has earned grades of C and C- or higher.
Can I Seek Accommodations When Taking The MPRE?
If you believe you should seek accommodations, this is possible, but medical documentation will be required by the NCBE for the majority of types of accommodation. Some common accommodation types include:
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD
- Visual disabilities
- Psychological disabilities
- Chronic and physical health-related disabilities
If you’re unable to complete your MPRE examination on the designated date because of your religious beliefs, it could be possible to take the test on a different day – usually the Monday that follows the official examination date.
If you do want to seek accommodations when taking the MPRE, you must submit the request as early as possible. The NCBE needs to have sufficient time to let you know whether they have decided to grant your request or not, and accommodations have to be registered for before you register for the test.
What Are The Fees For The MPRE?
There is a fee to pay when it comes to scheduling a test appointment. The cost is currently $135. It has to be paid by credit or debit card to Pearson VUE, who administers the exam. A non-refundable fee of $25 must be paid if you need to reschedule the appointment. An appointment can be rescheduled for another location or time if you access your user account, or if you call Pearson VUE on 888-205-1855. Should your appointment need to be canceled completely, you can do this using your user account or by telephoning the number above. Once your test appointment has been canceled, you’ll receive a refund of $70.
What Is The MPRE Registration Process?
There are six steps to registering for the MPRE test:
Creating your NCBE account
If you haven’t already created your NCBE account, you should do this as the first step in the registration process. You can do this by visiting www.ncbex.org and clicking on NCBE Account. This gives you an option for creating an account. Once you’ve clicked on this option, you must supply your password, email, phone number and security challenge question.
Applying for Accommodations for The MPRE Test (Optional)
If you believe that you need special accommodations for the MPRE test you must apply for them through your own NCBE account before you apply for the test itself. If you don’t need to make an application for any accommodations, you should skip this stage and progress to the next step.
Registering for The MPRE Test
You need to register via your NCBE account for the MPRE test. You can do this by logging into your account and selecting MPRE Registration. Next, follow all the instructions in order to finish this part of your registration process then request the authorization to test.
Receiving Your Authorization to Test Emai
Once you’ve completed your registration process, you’ll receive an email with your Authorization To Test. This is sent by Pearson VUE. This email is sent to your email address within a 24 hour period after you register. If you don’t receive this email, check your spam or junk folder to see if it’s there.
Schedule your Test Appointment
Once you’ve received your Authorization to Test email, you’ll have to schedule your test appointment with Pearson VUE. You’ll also have to pay a test fee. You’ll find instructions telling you how to make payment to Pearson VUE in your Authorization to Test email. You’ll probably have to create a user account with Pearson VUE to finish this step.
Confirming Your Appointment
Once you’ve scheduled your test appointment with Pearson VUE and paid your test fee, you’ll receive an email from Pearson VUE confirming your examination appointment. You’ll also receive an email confirming that you’ve made payment.
Where Is The MPRE Exam Held?
Pearson VUE handles all of the MPRE test center assignments. You can search for any available test center once you’ve received your Authorization to Test email and made your own Pearson VUE user account. Bear in mind, though, that not all Pearson VUE test centers administer the MPRE test.
Any questions that you have about test center locations, appointment scheduling and what you can expect to happen when you get to the test center should be sent to Pearson VUE directly. They can be reached through their website or by calling 888-205-1855.
How Do I Navigate My Pearson VUE and NCBE Account?
You can learn more about how you can navigate your NCBE and Pearson VUE accounts by reading the email from Pearson VUE that confirms your exam appointment. It’s also possible to view any information and update it through your Pearson VUE and NCBE accounts as well as to make any requests you may have for test-related services.
FAQ
It’s natural to have some questions about the MPRE, and here are some of the most common that law students ask before they register for the test:
How Many Times Is It Possible to Take The MPRE test?
There are no limits when it comes to how many times the MPRE test can be taken. However, you should still try to pass on your first attempt. You will have the best chance of doing this if you ensure you’re properly prepared. Dedicating sufficient time to study and taking a preparation course will help you to be ready to ace the exam.
The MPRE is Administered at What Time?
Usually, the MPRE exam will begin at 8.30 am. However, the starting time may vary depending on how many people are taking the test. You should confirm the starting time at your test center by contacting them before the day itself.
How Much Studying Should I Do Before I Take the MPRE?
You should start preparing to take the MPRE around one month before the date of the test. You should spend around four to six hours each week working on the materials for the exam.
What Score Is Considered a Good One for The MPRE?
Scores on the MPRE test range from a high score of 150 to a low score of 50. All jurisdictions establish their own pass score, so a score that may pass in one part of the country may not pass in another.
Registering For The MPRE Test – A Summary
Having read this article, you should now know how to go about registering to take the MPRE test. The next step is to register for the exam and then pass it with flying colors! Once you have passed this key component of the bar exam, you will then be ready to begin your preparation for the MBE (Multistate Bar Examination).