Beginning in August 2019, NCBE, in partnership with Pearson VUE, will transition the MPRE from a paper-based to a computer-based delivery platform. There will be no changes to the question format, content, or scoring of the MPRE. The transition to computer-based testing will not affect the format or timing of the score reports released to jurisdictions or score releases to examinees.
For the August 2019 and November 2019 administrations, a limited number of examinees will be selected at random during the registration process to take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center; all other examinees will take the paper-based exam at a testing center administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
The transition will take place according to the following schedule:
- March 2019: All MPRE examinees will take the paper-based exam at a testing center administered by LSAC.
- August 2019: Up to 5,000 MPRE examinees will take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. All other examinees will take the paper-based exam at a testing center administered by LSAC.
- November 2019: Up to 5,000 MPRE examinees will take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. All other examinees will take the paper-based exam at a testing center administered by LSAC. (Examinees who are selected to take the computer-based exam in August and subsequently register for the November 2019 MPRE will be assigned to take the computer-based exam in November.)
- March 2020 and beyond: All MPRE examinees will take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Examinees who are selected to take the computer-based exam will be provided with separate instructions during the registration process.
2019 MPRE Computer-Based Testing FAQs
When is NCBE transitioning the MPRE from a paper-based to a computer-based format?
The transition from paper to computer will occur in phases beginning in August 2019. The MPRE will be completely computer-based beginning in 2020.
When does registration for 2019 MPRE test dates open?
Registration for 2019 MPRE test dates opened on December 10, 2018.
What will the timeline of the transition be?
For the August 2019 and November 2019 administrations, up to 5,000 examinees will be selected at random to take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center; all other examinees will take the paper-based exam at an LSAC testing center. Beginning in 2020, all examinees will take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Which administrations of the 2019 MPRE will be offered via computer-based testing?
Up to 5,000 examinees will be selected at random to take the exam via computer-based testing for the August 2019 exam and up to 5,000 for the November 2019 exam.
Why isn’t the transition happening all at once?
Careful planning has gone into converting the MPRE from a paper-based to a computer-based delivery platform. A phased approach is recommended by experts in testing to help ensure a smooth transition.
Why is NCBE switching to computer-based testing for the MPRE?
Computer-based testing has many benefits, including convenience, increased consistency in testing center environments, and enhanced test security.
How is computer-based testing at a Pearson VUE testing center different from paper-based testing at an LSAC testing center?
There is no difference in the question format, content, scoring, or score release timing of the MPRE. For more information about the computer-based testing experience, visit the MPRE page on the Pearson VUE website at https://home.pearsonvue.com/mpre.
Are the fees and registration deadlines the same for computer-based and paper-based testing?
Yes.
Will computer-based MPRE scores be comparable to paper-based MPRE scores?
Yes. The only difference between the computer-based MPRE and the paper-based MPRE will be the delivery platform. No matter how the test is delivered, NCBE analyzes and equates scores so that they accurately reflect examinee performance and can be compared meaningfully with scores achieved on other administrations of the exam. During the transition to computer-based testing, NCBE will continue to analyze all exam results for accuracy and comparability of scores regardless of the delivery platform.
Is the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) going to switch to computer-based testing?
The MBE is administered by state bar admission authorities and not by NCBE. There are no plans at this time to convert the MBE to computer-based testing.
I’m planning to register for the August or November 2019 MPRE. Can I choose the delivery platform I use to take the exam?
No. As part of the registration process, examinees will be selected at random to take the exam in either a computer-based or a paper-based format.
How will I know if I’ve been selected to take the MPRE via computer-based testing?
You will be notified during the MPRE registration process.
Will there be any changes to the way I request test accommodations for the MPRE?
No. For more information about requesting accommodations for the MPRE, visit the Test Accommodations page on our website at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre/ada-accommodations/.
What if I was selected to take the computer-based exam but I want to take the paper-based exam, or vice versa?
In order to ensure a smooth transition, we cannot accommodate individual requests to take the exam using a different delivery platform.
If I am selected to take the MPRE via computer-based testing, can I test at a Pearson VUE testing center outside of the United States?
No.
