Ah, professional responsibility. The extra exam that is part of becoming a licensed lawyer, but still, somehow, sits alone and separate from the rest of the bar exam. Well, consistent with the general trend in standardized testing, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has made moves to modernize and generally make the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) more convenient.
All of the changes in the exam have been gathered by the good folks at JD Advising, and so let’s walk through what you can expect from the MPRE in 2020.
One of the biggest changes is now the test will be offered exclusively on computer (accommodations will be available for those who need them). The NCBE has been slowly rolling out the computer-based version of the exam, and in 2020 they’ll finally be ready to go all digital.
When the MPRE is offered is also getting a shake up. The exam was traditionally offered only on Saturdays, but now students will have options! Over the course of 2020, the test will be offered, in various cycles, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Plus, there are two dates available for the spring administration, two for summer, and two for fall. (Check out the dates and registration deadlines here.) Plus, the fall testing has moved from November to October.
And the cost of the test has gone up (an additional $10 over 2019). But with all the extra administrations of the MPRE, the entire experience will hopefully be a little easier for aspiring esquires!