The state of California itself does not administer or control the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (“MPRE” ). Rather this ethics exam is conducted by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The California MPRE is a separate test than that of the California bar exam administered separately from the California bar exam. The MPRE is also tested 3 times per year, in March, August as well as in November.
We advise you to visit our Ethics Exam/MPRE page for more general information regarding the MPRE, its application process, and for general questions.
California MPRE & California MPRE Reciprocity
The state of California requires MPRE score (which is scaled) of 86 or more to receive a pass. Applicants achieving a score of 79 or greater before January 1, 2008 will also receive a pass. The California MPRE must be passed by bar applicants before they can be admitted. However, there is no time limit to when the MPRE must be passed. This means a bar applicant can achieve a passage rate on the MPRE either before or after they pass the exam. Any scores 86 or more will also be accepted via reciprocity.