The Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

The National Conference of Bar Examiners has produced the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) since 1997.

NCBE offers two 90-minute MPT items per administration. A jurisdiction may select one or both items to include as part of its bar examination. (Jurisdictions that administer the Uniform Bar Examination [UBE] use two MPTs as part of their bar examinations.)

The MPT is designed to test an examinee’s ability to use fundamental lawyering skills in a realistic situation. Each test evaluates an examinee’s ability to complete a task that a beginning lawyer should be able to accomplish. The MPT requires examinees to (1) sort detailed factual materials and separate relevant from irrelevant facts; (2) analyze statutory, case, and administrative materials for applicable principles of law; (3) apply the relevant law to the relevant facts in a manner likely to resolve a client’s problem; (4) identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, when present; (5) communicate effectively in writing; and (6) complete a lawyering task within time constraints. Each jurisdiction determines its own policy with regard to the relative weight given to the MPT and other scores. (Jurisdictions that administer the UBE weight the MPT component 20%.)

Jurisdictions Using the MPT in 2020

NOTE: Oklahoma will begin using the MPT in July 2021, and Pennsylvania will begin using the MPT in July 2022.Delaware and Palau, both of which use the MPT but canceled their exams in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are included in this count of 48 MPT jurisdictions.