MPRE Test Day Policies

The MPRE is administered under strict procedures designed to ensure fairness, security, and consistency for all candidates. The NCBE, together with Pearson VUE testing centers, establishes detailed policies governing admission to the test, identification requirements, permitted items, candidate conduct, and procedures during and after the exam. It is important for you to understand these policies to avoid delays, dismissal from the testing center, or cancellation of exam scores.

Admission to the Testing Center
You should plan to arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Late arrivals may not be permitted to test. If a you arrives more than 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment, the testing center may refuse admission. Although the MPRE itself lasts two hours, the entire testing process, including check-in and security procedures, typically takes about two and a half to three hours from the time of arrival.

Before entering the testing room, you must complete the check-in process and review the NCBE Candidate Rules Agreement, which explains the testing policies and procedures. Pearson VUE staff will also collect a digital photograph and digital signature to verify the candidate’s identity and protect the security of the exam.

Identification Requirements
You must present two forms of original, unexpired identification on the test day. One must be a government-issued primary ID, and the other must be a secondary ID. The name used to register for the MPRE must match exactly the first and last name shown on both forms of identification. If you need to correct your name, the change must be made through the NCBE account system at least 48 hours before the test administration begins.

The primary ID must be government issued and include your name, recent recognizable photograph, and signature. Acceptable forms include an international passport, a U.S. driver’s license, a state identification card, a U.S. military identification card, or a permanent resident card. Candidates who do not possess a qualifying U.S. identification must present a passport issued by their country of citizenship that is printed in Roman characters.

The secondary ID must include your name and either a signature or a photograph. Examples include a university identification card, a credit card, or a library card. Failure to present both forms of identification may result in denial of admission to the test or cancellation of the candidate’s score.

Personal Items and Comfort Aids
Testing centers provide small secure lockers where you must store personal belongings. Except for identification and approved comfort aids, no personal items are allowed in the testing room. Prohibited items include electronic devices such as cell phones and smartwatches, bags, wallets, coats, books, notes, pens, and food or beverages. You may not access stored items during the testing session.

Certain comfort aids, such as medical items or other approved materials, may be permitted without special testing accommodations. The list of permitted aids is provided by Pearson VUE. Testing centers also provide earplugs or noise-reducing headphones for candidates who wish to reduce background noise.

Before entering the testing room, you may be asked to complete security procedures such as emptying your pockets, removing jewelry or hair accessories, rolling up sleeves, and performing a brief self-pat-down. Visitors, family members, and friends are not permitted in the testing center, and studying inside the testing center is prohibited.

Testing Procedures
The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, including 50 scored questions and 10 unscored pretest questions. The pretest questions are mixed throughout the exam and cannot be identified by candidates, so all questions should be answered.

At the testing workstation, the test administrator will log you into the exam system. You will then have up to five minutes to review instructions and certify that you are taking the correct exam. After this period, the exam will begin automatically.

During the exam, you will be provided with an erasable note board and marker for scratch work. These materials must remain in the testing room and must be returned to the test administrator at the end of the session. If additional note boards are needed, you may request them by raising your hand.

Breaks and Conduct During the Exam
There are no scheduled breaks during the two-hour MPRE. If you need to leave the room for a brief unscheduled break, such as to use the restroom, you must raise your hand and wait for instructions from the test administrator. The test clock will continue running during any break. You must take your identification with you when leaving the room and will be required to complete the check-in procedure again upon reentry.

During the test, you must remain at your assigned workstation unless escorted by a test administrator. Communication with other candidates is strictly prohibited. The testing room is continuously monitored by audio and video recording to ensure exam security.

If you experience technical difficulties or other disruptions, you should raise your hand immediately so the test administrator can provide assistance. However, administrators are not permitted to answer questions related to the exam content.

Candidate Agreement and Prohibited Conduct
All candidates must agree to follow the rules governing the MPRE as part of the registration process. The MPRE is a secure examination protected by copyright law, and any attempt to compromise the integrity of the exam is strictly prohibited.

Examples of prohibited conduct include impersonating another candidate, bringing unauthorized items into the testing room, copying answers, sharing test content, disclosing exam questions after the exam, or attempting to obtain advance access to test materials. Violations may result in serious penalties, including dismissal from the testing center, cancellation of test scores, denial of future testing privileges, civil liability, or even criminal penalties.

Disruptions and Score Validity
The NCBE and Pearson VUE take extensive steps to maintain standardized testing conditions. However, if testing disruptions occur or there is evidence that exam security has been compromised, the NCBE may cancel scores to protect the integrity of the examination. In certain situations, affected candidates may be offered the option to retest without an additional fee or receive a refund, unless the disruption resulted from the candidate’s own misconduct.

After the Examination
After completing the test, you must raise your hand and wait for the test administrator to verify that the exam session has ended properly. You must return the note board and marker and present your identification again before leaving the testing room. A testing completion notice will then be provided.

If you experience technical problems or disruptions that significantly affect your testing experience, you must submit a formal written complaint to NCBE within three days of the exam. You may also receive a post-exam survey from Pearson VUE or NCBE to provide feedback on testing conditions.