The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) is currently administered in the following jurisdictions:
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
The MPT is developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and each state has the option of adopting this national exam. The MPT is just one of the criteria a jurisdiction may use to determine an individual's competence to practice. Other multistate competency tests written by the NCBE may include the MBE, the MEE, and the MPRE. To determine what tests are required by your jurisdiction, go to our course and exam information section, and click on the website address for your particular jurisdiction.
What are the test dates for the MPT?
The MPT is administered in conjunction with state Bar Exams on the last Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year.The test dates include:
• Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What is the purpose of the MPT?
The MPT is designed to test a student's ability to perform practical everyday tasks of a new lawyer, in the context of a specific problem involving a client. The MPT tests problem-solving skills through factual and legal analysis and the application of this analysis to the performance of the assigned task. Examinees perform tasks such as writing an objective memorandum or brief, a statement of the facts of a case, a witness cross-examination plan, and a closing argument. This is a "closed-universe" exam in that examinees must carefully incorporate information from the "File" and "Library" given in the materials.What is the format of the MPT?
The NCBE offers two 90-minute MPT exams. The number of MPT exams administered will vary by state. Each MPT includes a "File" and a "Library." The file contains various documents designed to be analyzed to determine the facts of the case. The first document in a file is a memorandum, which contains the instructions needed to complete the task. In addition to giving an overview of the situation and assigning a specific task, the memorandum may contain specific instructions about how to perform the task, including, for example, a specific format one must use in preparing the document.The library contains legal authorities (statutes, rules and cases) from which the examinee must determine the law applicable to the performance of the task. The library contains sufficient substantive information to complete the task, but may include irrelevant as well as relevant information.
The MPT is set in a fictional state of the United States in the fictitious Fifteenth Circuit of the United States.
How should I prepare for the MPT?
The best method of preparation for the MPT is practice, rather than specific study. MicroMash provides a complete MPT Review Text (with recently administered MPT's and Point Sheets used by Bar Examiners) in state Bar Review packages if the state administers the exam. Or, you can purchase the MPT Review separately for only $150.There is no correct answer. A passing score therefore depends on your ability to take a systematic approach to the problem, clearly express the issues and strictly follow instructions. Each jurisdiction grades and determines the relative weight given to the MPT.
MicroMash Multistate Performance Test (MPT) Review Text features:
• Corresponding MPT Point Sheets actually used by Bar Examiner and the NCBE
• MPT Introduction, including a detailed explanation of the exam, study and test-taking tips, and other helpful information