The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (“MPRE” ) is an ethics exam administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (“NCBE” ) and not by the state of California. The MPRE is administered separately from the California bar exam and is generally tested three times each year in March, August, and November.
Please visit the Ethics Exam/MPRE page for general information about the MPRE and the MPRE application process.
MPRE for California
California requires an MPRE scaled score of 86 or greater. The score became effective January 1, 2008. Applicants achieving a score of 79 or greater prior to January 1, 2008 are considered to have met the MPRE requirement. Applicants may take the MPRE after completing their first year of study and after registering with the Committee of Bar Examiners. There is no time limit regarding when the MPRE score can be achieved and transferred. Attorneys seeking to take the California Attorneys’ Exam must meet the MPRE requirement.
To avoid delays for admission, applicants that have successfully passed the California bar exam should ensure that: (1) He or she registered with the Committee before taking the MPRE; (2) The correct registration number is included on the MPRE application form, and (3) He or she has requested the score be reported to California and the required minimum score has been achieved at least three months prior to the release of the California bar exam results.
California MPRE Scoring Reciprocity/Transfer
California accepts MPRE scores that were achieved in another jurisdiction.