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The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) is the skills-based portion of the bar exam that is administered in a majority of jurisdictions on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year. It is developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
The MPT consists of two 90-minute performance tests. Some jurisdictions administer both tests, while others administer only one of the two.
Performance tests are designed to evaluate an examinee’s ability to demonstrate essential lawyering skills in realistic situations. The following lawyering skills may be tested on the MPT:
- Problem Solving
- Legal Analysis and Reasoning
- Factual Analysis
- Fact Gathering
- Recognition and Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas
- Communication, Organization, and Management of a Legal Task
Each performance test requires an examinee to perform a legal task based on his or her analysis of documents contained in a “File” and/or a “Library.” Because examinees are provided with all the materials they need to perform the assigned task, the MPT is said to be a “closed-universe” exam. Rather than having to regurgitate substantive information, examinees need to at most be familiar with general concepts (particularly ethical issues) that may aide them in comprehending and organizing the materials provided.
It is important to note that National Conference of Bar Examiners writes the MPT; however, the jurisdiction administering the MPT scores it. Each jurisdiction determines its own policy with regard to the relative weight given to the MPT and other scores.
Take a look at your jurisdiction to see if the MPT will be part of your exam.
For more information about the MPT, visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ web site.
