MPRE Scores by State

Alabama has one of the lowest MPRE scores in the nation. The Yellowhammer state (also known as the Cotton State) is among a group of six that mandate a minimum score of 75 in order to test well on the ethics portion of the bar examination. Other areas which stipulate a score of 75 include: Georgia, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.

Alaska’s MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-one states scoring higher and eleven scoring lower. The Last Frontier State mandates all prospective bar exam applicants to have taken the MPRE test not more than eight years prior to an application for admission. Alaska’s next bar exam is on February 21-22, 2023.

Arizona has one of the highest MPRE scores in the country. The Grand Canyon State’s MPRE examination rules require attorneys to achieve a passing score of 85 or higher within two years of a successful bar exam test. Arizona began offering the Uniform Bar Examination in 2012, one year after its inception.

MPRE test scores in Arkansas are some of the highest-ranking in the United States. The Natural State requires applicants to arrange a transfer of MPRE scores to the proper jurisdiction in order to qualify for the bar exam. Arkansas abides by the Uniform Bar Examination.

California is one of two states with the highest minimum required for MPRE scores in the nation, being tied for the country’s top spot with Utah. The Golden State permits students to take the MPRE anytime after completing their first year of law school. There are no time limits for taking the MPRE in connection with an applicant's qualification for admission to practice law in California.

Colorado is one of twenty-states that requires prospective law students to achieve an MPRE score of at least 85. The Centennial State boasts some of the highest test scores in the country. MPRE scores are required to be taken not more than two years prior to the date of an admission application.

Connecticut’s minimum required MPRE score is considered average, with twenty-two states scoring higher and eleven scoring lower. The Constitution State (also known as The Nutmeg State) allows the MPRE to be optional, asserting that either a scaled score of 80 on the MPRE or a grade of “C” or better in an ethics course is required for admission to the bar, either within four years prior to or one year after applying for admission.

Delaware has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The First State (also known as the Diamond State) is ranked sixth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Delaware bar examination rules require the MPRE exam to be taken by January 1 of the calendar year at least four years before an applicant has passed the bar exam.

Florida's minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states scoring higher and eleven scoring lower. The Sunshine State is ranked twenty-seventh for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Florida asserts that the The MPRE and general bar exam must be taken within 25 months of each other.

Georgia has one of the lowest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Peach State (also known as the Empire State of the South) is ranked forty-fifth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Georgia bar examination rules require an MPRE scaled score of 75 or greater prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to Practice Law.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in Hawaii are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The Aloha state is ranked seventh for its test scores compared to other parts of the nation. Hawaii requires the MPRE to not be taken and passed earlier than two years before the Hawaii bar exam, and that the MPRE score must be officially reported to the Board no later than one year after the date of notification of passing the Hawaii bar exam.

Idaho has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Gem State is ranked eighth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Idaho bar examination rules require applicants to achieve a minimum score of 85. The state administers the MPRE exam in March, August and November.

Illinois’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher scores and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Prairie State (also known as “The Land of Lincoln”) is ranked twenty-eighth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Illinois maintains that an applicant doesn’t need to take the MPRE before taking the bar exam, but must have done so and obtained a passing score before they can be recommended for admission to the state bar.

Indiana’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Hoosier state is ranked twenty-ninth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Indiana asserts that a passing MPRE score must be achieved within two years before or after the date the applicant successfully takes the Indiana bar examination.

Iowa’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Corn State (also known as the Hawkeye State) is ranked thirtieth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. In order to be eligible for the state bar exam, Iowa dictates that prospective applicants must score an 80 or above on the MPRE.

Kansas’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Sunflower State (also known as the Jayhawker State) is ranked thirty-first for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. The state of Kansas asserts that an applicant must achieve a scaled MPRE score of 80 prior to or within 180 days of taking the Kansas Bar Exam.

Kentucky’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Bluegrass State is ranked thirty-second for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. In 2017, Kentucky changed its testing requirements which increased a passing score on the MPRE from 75 to 80.

Louisiana’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Creole State (also known as the Pelican State or the Sugar State) is ranked thirty-third for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Louisiana says a passing MPRE score is valid for five years. The state clarifies that an applicant may take the MPRE anytime after successfully completing their required law school course work in legal ethics or professional responsibility.

Maine’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Pine Tree State is ranked thirty-fourth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. In 2006, the Maine Board of Bar Examiners raised the minimum required score on the MPRE from 75 to 80.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in Maryland are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The Free State (or the Old Line State) is ranked ninth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Maryland requires a scaled score of 85 or greater achieved on the MPRE occurring no more than three years before an applicant intends to apply to the state bar.

Massachusetts has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Old Colony State (also known as the Bay State) is ranked tenth for its scores compared to other parts of the United States. Massachusetts allows for MPRE examination results to be valid for an indefinite amount of time.

Michigan has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Wolverine State (also known as the Great Lake State) is ranked eleventh for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Michigan state allows MPRE scores to be valid indefinitely. Applicants are also not required to have graduated from law school in order to take the MPRE, and the exam can be taken an unlimited number of times.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in Minnesota are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The North Star State (also known as the Gopher State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, and the Land of Sky-Blue Waters) is ranked twelfth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Minnesota stipulates that everyone who applies for admission to the Minnesota Bar must take the MPRE and receive a scaled score of 85 or higher.

Mississippi has one of the lowest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Magnolia State is ranked forty-sixth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Although it does not administer the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), Mississippi accepts transfer scores from other jurisdictions. State requirements dictate students must achieve a score of 75 or higher in order to practice law in Mississippi.

Missouri’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Show Me State is ranked thirty-fifth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Missouri maintains that MPRE scores do not expire and must be submitted no later than one year after the date of the written notification that the applicant passed the Missouri bar exam.

Montana does not administer the MPRE examination. Instead, it requires applicants to take the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). The Treasure State (also known as Big Sky County) has a minimum required UBE score that is considered average, with twenty-one states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. Montana is ranked thirty-sixth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country.

Nebraska has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Cornhusker State (also known as the Beef State) is ranked thirteenth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Nebraska bar examination rules require applicants to achieve a minimum score of 85 to be eligible for the state bar examination.

Nevada has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Silver State (also known as the Battle Born State and the Sagebrush State) is ranked fourteenth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Nevada bar examination eligibility requires applicants to score at least an 85 on their MPRE.

New Hampshire’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered slightly below average, with forty-eight states mandating higher marks and one allowing for lower grades. The Granite State is ranked forty-second for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. New Hampshire maintains that all prospective bar exam applicants must prove that they have obtained a score of at least 79 on the MPRE.

The minimum MPRE test scores required to be eligible for the New Jersey Bar are some of the most low-ranking in the country. The Garden State is ranked forty-seventh for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. New Jersey allows prospective applicants to either achieve a minimum score of 75 on the MPRE or pass an approved law school course on ethics with a "C-" or better.

New Mexico minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Sunshine State (also known as the Land of Enchantment) is ranked thirty-seventh for its test scores compared to other parts of the country.The New Mexico Bar mandates a minimum score of 80 on the MPRE exam in order to practice law in the state.

New York has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Empire State is ranked fifteenth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. New York State obligates applicants to score an 85 or higher on the MPRE to be eligible for admittance to the state bar exam.

North Carolina’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Old North State (also known as the Tar State) is ranked thirty-eighth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. North Carolina asserts that applicants must achieve an MPRE scaled score of 80 or greater. They must also pass the MPRE either within 24 months prior to the first day of the written North Carolina bar exam or 12 months afterwards.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in North Dakota are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The Tar Heel State (also known as the Old North State) is ranked sixteenth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. North Carolina requires individuals to score an 85 or higher on the MPRE.

Ohio has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Buckeye State is ranked seventeenth for its scores compared to other parts of the United States. The Ohio MPRE requirements mandate a score of at least 85 for prospective bar exam applicants in the state.

Oklahoma has one of the lowest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Sooner State is ranked forty-eighth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. The state recently raised its mandatory minimum MPRE score from 75 to 80 on January 1. MPRE scores in Oklahoma are available for an unlimited amount of time.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in Oregon are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The Beaver state is ranked eighteenth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Oregon state requires an MPRE scaled score of 85 or greater prior to admission to the bar in addition to taking and passing both the Oregon bar exam and the MPRE within 24 months of one another.

Pennsylvania has one of the lowest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Keystone State is ranked forty-ninth for its scores compared to other parts of the United States. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires a minimum passing score of 75 in order to be eligible for admission to the bar exam.

Rhode Island’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Ocean State (also known as Little Rohdy) is ranked thirty-ninth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Rhode Island utilizes the Uniform Bar exam. The state mandates a minimum score of 80 to be admitted to the bar.

South Carolina’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered to be the lowest in the country, as every other state administering the exam dictates a higher passing score must be obtained. The Palmetto State is ranked forty-third for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. A minimum score of 77 is required in South Carolina for admittance to the stature bar.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in South Dakota are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The Mount Rushmore State is ranked nineteenth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. South Dakota requires a minimum score of 85 on the MPRE in order to qualify for a passing score as well as acceptance to the state bar exam.

Tennessee's minimum required MPRE scores are considered to be slightly above average, with twenty states mandating higher marks and twenty eight allowing for lower ones. The Volunteer State is ranked twenty-fourth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Tennessee asserts that applicants must achieve a score of 82 or higher to be eligible for admission to the bar.

Texas has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Lone Star State is ranked twentieth for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Texas stipulates that a score of 85 or greater is needed prior to obtaining a license to practice law in the state and MPRE scores are valid indefinitely.

Utah is one of two states with the highest minimum required for MPRE scores in the nation, being tied for the country’s top spot with California. The Beehive State requires that students achieve a minimum MPRE score of 86 in order to be permitted to take the Utah state bar examination.

Vermont’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Green Mountain State is ranked fortieth for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Vermont requires applicants to achieve a minimum score of 80 on the MPRE to be eligible for the state bar exam.

Virginia has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Old Dominion State is ranked twenty-first for its scores compared to other parts of the country. A minimum scaled score of 85 must be obtained on the MPRE in order for applicants to qualify for the state bar exam.

Washington has one of the highest required minimum MPRE scores in the nation. The Evergreen State (Chinook State) is ranked twenty-second for its scores compared to other parts of the country. Washington state administers the MPRE through the Uniform Bar Code Examination (UBE). The state mandates applicants achieve a minimum score of 85 to be eligible for the bar exam.

West Virginia’s minimum required MPRE scores are considered average, with twenty-two states mandating higher marks and eleven allowing for lower ones. The Mountain State is ranked forty-first for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Prospective bar exam applicants in West Virginia must achieve a minimum score of 85 to be eligible for the test.

The minimum MPRE test scores required in Wyoming are some of the most high-ranking in the country. The Equality State is ranked twenty-third for its test scores compared to other parts of the country. Wisconsin state mandates all prospective bar examination applicants to score at least an 85 on the MPRE to qualify for eligibility.