Published on September 14, 2023

NCBE Releases National Mean for August 2023 MPRE

Press Release

MADISON, WISCONSIN, September 14, 2023—The national mean scaled score for the August 2023 MPRE was 96.9, 0.9 points higher than the August 2022 mean of 96.0. The August 2023 mean reflects the performance of 19,005 examinees, 786 more than the August 2022 examinee count of 18,219. 

The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination administered three times per year at Pearson VUE testing centers. It is required for admission to the bars of most US jurisdictions. The purpose of the MPRE is to measure candidates’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers. Passing scores are set by individual jurisdictions and range from 75.0 to 86.0 on a scale of 50 to 150.

A chart showing MPRE mean scores 2019-2023. In March 2019-2023 the mean score was 93.8, 95.8, 99.0, 95.6, and 94.9. In August 2019-2023 the mean score was 93.4, 98.6, 96.0, 96.0, and 96.9. In October/November 2019-2022 the mean score was 97.0, 98.8, 97.5, and 97.2. The chart includes the following note: Comparability of results may be limited due to fluctuations in examinee counts.
19,005 examinees. In October/November 2019-2022 there were 22,165; 16,607; 19,804; and 19,584 examinees. The chart includes the following note: The values in this chart reflect valid scores available electronically as of 9/13/23.

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About the National Conference of Bar Examiners

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1931. NCBE promotes fairness, integrity, and best practices in bar admissions for the benefit and protection of the public, in pursuit of its vision of a competent, ethical, and diverse legal profession. Best known for developing bar exam content used by 54 US jurisdictions, NCBE serves admission authorities, courts, the legal education community, and candidates by providing high-quality assessment products, services, and research; character investigations; and informational and educational resources and programs. In 2026, NCBE will launch the next generation of the bar examination, ensuring that the exam continues to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent entry-level legal practice in a changing profession. For more information, visit the NCBE website at https://www.ncbex.org