How Is the MPRE Scored?
How Is the MPRE Scored?
How is the MPRE scored? The MPRE is composed of 60 multiple-choice questions, 50 of which are scored and 10 of which are “test” questions (or unscored). Each jurisdiction is able to set their own passing score, but the range is from 75 to 86. The MPRE is scored differently each administration. Therefore, the raw number of questions you need to get correct to pass changes based upon the exam’s difficulty. However, based upon the data of how the MPRE is scored, the overall numbers do not change much from administration to administration. So, how is the MPRE scored?
How is the MPRE scored?
The score range for the MPRE is 50–150. Based upon data from the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ (NCBE) website, for year 2016, the average range of MPRE scores was 92–93.5.
2016 MPRE national score distributions*
* The values reflect valid scores available electronically as of 1/26/2017 on both standard and alternative forms of the MPRE. This graph is taken from the NCBE website!
Here is a chart from the NCBE website:
Percentage of Examinees | |||
MPRE Scaled Score** |
March (Mean = 93.5) | August (Mean = 92.0) | November (Mean = 93.5) |
50 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 1.9 |
60 | 7.6 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
70 | 12.2 | 13.1 | 13.6 |
80 | 19.2 | 18.6 | 20.7 |
90 | 23.3 | 26.4 | 17.9 |
100 | 15.8 | 14.0 | 20.8 |
110 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 |
120 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
130 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.5 |
140 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
150 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
**This data represents scaled scores in increments of 10. For example, the percentage reported for a score of 70 includes examinees whose MPRE scaled scores were between 70 and 79.
It may be surprising to know that just two questions can make the difference between the score of a 75 and 85. In other words, examinees need to fight for every question based upon how the MPRE is scored. So, every question matters! See this post to read more about how the MPRE is scored and how many questions you need to get correct to pass.
So, when you practice, you should try to land in the range of getting 30–35 correct. More specifically, about 32/50 questions correct or about 64% should get you a passing MPRE score in most jurisdictions. If you are consistently scoring within this range you will likely get enough questions right to pass the MPRE. If you are taking a 60 question practice exam, strive to get 39 or 40 correct to ensure that you are obtaining that passing score.
However, if you are consistently scoring on the low end of the range, we recommend dedicating more time to the study process to ensure that you pass. We encourage you to strive to hit the top end of the range. This is so that, regardless of the particular administration’s difficulty, or how the MPRE is scored, you will pass.
If you are nervous about the MPRE we recommend taking it seriously. Click here for a post on how to pass the MPRE on your first try. If you are struggling to pass the MPRE, consider reading our post about what to do after you fail the MPRE.
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