Let's take a moment to chat about the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)! Many of you are preparing for the last exam of this year, which will be administered November 2 or 3, 2023. (Note: the deadline for registration for the November exam has already passed.) Or you may be looking ahead to next year, when the three exam administrations in 2024 are March 26 or 27, 2024, August 13 or 14, 2024, and November 7 or 8, 2024. The deadline to register for the March exam is December 5, 2023. Since all these dates are rapidly approaching, we thought we should talk about how you should approach this exam. Regardless of whether you are registered or planning to register for an upcoming exam, you can use BarMax to prep!
The National Conference of Bar Examiners administers the MPRE, and each jurisdiction determines what a 'passing score' is. The exam is a two hour, 60-question multiple-choice test on professional responsibility administered three times per year. A lot of students opt to take the test in March, so that they can take a course on professional responsibility in the fall.
Now, how should you go about studying for this exam?
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Grab Your Prep Materials
Thankfully the days of having to pay for MPRE prep ended with the launch of BarMax. We offer law students a free MPRE course that includes outlines, audio lectures, flashcards and multiple choice questions. Listen to the audio lecture, look over the outline, and take the practice questions. BarMax is also currently offering MPRE OPE 1 and MPRE OPE 2 for only $24.99 each! (The same practice exams retail for for $50 in the NCBE online store.)
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Study
Studying for this exam is important. However, you really shouldn't fret about spending an exorbitant amount of time studying since it's still a rule-based exam that is pretty straightforward. Set aside some time to study and review the material. Take those practice questions, then assess whether you need to spend more time studying.
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Learn From Experts
BarMax offers several useful Office Hours in each subject we teach, including the MPRE! To get acclimated with the MPRE, you can’t go wrong with Jennifer Carr’s MPRE Tips & Tricks. You can watch other office hours if you find them helpful. BarMax tutors are also available to help you over any MPRE hurdles.
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Practice
As with everything in life, practice on the MPRE is key. Go over the practice questions available to you. Remember, don't just answer the questions, take the time to really analyze them. Pick apart each question piece-by-piece and figure out why you got it wrong or more importantly, why you got it right. If you don't remember the rule, write it down and add it to a list or stack of flashcards to memorize later. Practice is also the best way to get better at timing.
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Test Day
The MPRE is currently administered by computer at Pearson VUE test sites. Be aware of the rules, regulations and restrictions revolving around test day. There are very strict rules of what you can and cannot bring to the testing site. Make sure to know exactly what time the exam starts, where the exam is, and how to get to your location. Remember to wear layers, as you don't know whether the air conditioner will be on full blast or completely off. Bring a snack or water if you may need it!
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Relax
This is an important exam, but don't make it a bigger deal than it is. Worst-case scenario, you can take the exam again in a few months. Remember that perspective is key. If you go into test day with confidence, chances are you'll come out with a smile.
Remember, if you are currently a 2L planning to take the MPRE after fall semester of your 3L year, try taking a Professional Responsibility or Ethics course in the fall to prepare. Also, use your MPRE prep and study materials as an opportunity to vet potential bar prep course providers. It is up to you to decide what the best bar prep course is. Really see whether you're satisfied with your MPRE course, since it's a great indicator of what to expect from that company's bar exam review course.
And lastly, though you really shouldn't sweat the MPRE, make sure to leave enough time to re-take it just in case. A failing MPRE score could prevent you from getting your bar license even if you pass the bar exam, so don't slack off by taking the last possible MPRE available.
Happy Studying!
