What Score Do I Need to Pass the MPRE?
What score do I need to Pass the MPRE?
In this post, we’ll give a brief overview of what the MPRE is, including how it is scored, and which jurisdictions require you to pass the MPRE in order to practice law. Then we will provide you with a list of the passing MPRE scores for each state.
What is the MPRE?
The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice exam that tests legal ethics. Most jurisdictions (with the exception of Wisconsin, Maryland, And Puerto Rico) require that students pass the MPRE in order to be eligible to practice law. Further, Connecticut and New Jersey allow students to take a Professional Responsibility class in lieu of passing the MPRE.
The MPRE tests law based on the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, the ABA Model Code of judicial conduct, and majority case law. (See these posts for MPRE tips, sample questions, and more information about the MPRE.)
How is the MPRE scored?
There are 60 questions but only 50 are scored. Ten are “test questions”. There is a chart at the bottom of the post with a breakdown of the average MPRE score.
Do I need to take the MPRE before graduating from law school?
The answer is generally no. However, some states say that you are required to pass the MPRE prior to sitting for the bar exam. Other states have specific requirements (i.e. you can sit for the bar exam once without a passing MPRE score). Check your jurisdiction’s rules.
To be safe, we recommend that students take the MPRE earlier rather than later. We have seen too many students have to delay taking the bar exam because they did not pass the MPRE — and that is not a boat you want to be in if you can avoid it! The best way to avoid any issues is to take the MPRE sooner rather than later!
What score do I need to Pass the MPRE?
The MPRE score scale runs from 50 to 150.
The MPRE score you need in order to complete the requirement for your state depends what state you are in. As of 2015, according to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, here are the current scores needed by state:
- Alabama: 75
- Alaska: 80
- Arizona: 85
- Arkansas: 85
- California: 86
- Colorado: 85
- Connecticut: 80
- Delaware: 85
- District of Columbia: 75
- Florida: 80
- Georgia: 75
- Hawaii: 85
- Idaho: 85
- Illinois: 80
- Indiana: 80
- Iowa: 80
- Kansas: 80
- Kentucky: 75
- Louisiana: 80
- Maine: 80
- Maryland: (MPRE not needed)
- Massachusetts: 85
- Michigan:85
- Minnesota: 85
- Mississippi: 75
- Missouri: 80
- Montana: 80
- Nebraska: 85
- Nevada: 85
- New Hampshire: 75
- New Jersey: 75
- New Mexico: 80
- New York: 85
- North Carolina: 80
- North Dakota: 85
- Ohio: 85
- Oklahoma: 80
- Oregon: 85
- Pennsylvania: 75
- Rhode Island: 80
- South Carolina: 77
- South Dakota: 85
- Tennessee: 75
- Texas: 85
- Utah: 86
- Vermont: 80
- Virginia: 85
- Washington: 85
- West Virginia: 80
- Wisconsin (MPRE not needed)
- Wyoming: 85
- Guam: 80
- Northern Mariana Islands: 80
- Palau: 75
- Puerto Rico (MPRE not needed)
- Virginia: 75
Updated January 2023.
How Many Questions do I Need to Answer Correctly When I Practice to Achieve a Passing Score?
It may surprise you to know that even though the passing score varies depending on what jurisdiction you are in, the difference between, say, a 75 and an 86 may only be two questions! This post reveals about how many questions you should be answering correctly when you practice to pass the MPRE in your jurisdiction.
What is the Average MPRE Score?
The National Conference of Bar Examiners said that the average MPRE score for 2021 (all 3 exams) was 97.6. The highest passing MPRE score required is an 86 (in Utah and California). The lowest is a 75 (the passing score in several jurisdictions).
Looking to Pass the MPRE?
We offer the following services:
- A free MPRE Course that comes with expert instruction, a free outline, free practice questions, and free one-sheet! This course is rated 5/5 stars by our students!
- Real MPRE questions, which are the best way to ensure you are prepared for the questions on test day!
- MPRE private tutoring to help you learn everything you need to pass the MPRE, including an MPRE outline and an MPRE study plan tailored to your individualized needs.
- A variety of excellent and free MPRE resources to help you conquer the MPRE.
