The MPRE is a hurdle every aspiring lawyer must clear. But you don't have to pay a fortune to prepare for it.
The MPRE Prep Landscape
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam is a 60-question ethics test required for bar admission in nearly every US jurisdiction. It covers rules of professional conduct, judicial ethics, and malpractice. Law students typically take it during their 2L or 3L year. Prep options range from free online courses to paid bar review giants. The best courses break down complex rules into digestible chapters and give you realistic practice questions. You need a course that fits your schedule and learning style.
How We Evaluated These Courses
We looked at five factors: content depth, practice question quality, pricing transparency, user experience, and exam alignment. Each course was assessed on how well it teaches the rules, how many practice questions it offers, and whether the interface helps or hinders your study. We also considered whether the course is free or paid, and how easy it is to access materials. No single course wins on every factor. Your best choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how you like to learn.
Here's a quick look at the five MPRE prep courses that stood out in our review.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| BARBRI | Law students who want a trusted brand with extensive practice |
| Open Bar Prep | Self-directed learners who want a free, thorough course without sales pitches |
| Themis | Students who learn best through video lectures and expert instruction |
| Kaplan Test Prep | Students who want a structured course with multiple practice tests |
| Helix Bar Review | Tech-savvy students who want interactive and gamified study tools |
The 5 MPRE Prep Courses Worth Knowing
#1 BARBRI
A screenshot of the BARBRI website.
BARBRI is a household name in bar prep, and its free MPRE course carries that reputation. You get a comprehensive set of lectures, outlines, and practice questions. The course is designed to mirror the actual exam, with licensed NCBE questions. BARBRI's platform is polished and easy to navigate. The downside? It's part of a larger sales funnel for their paid bar review. Still, for a free resource, it's hard to beat the depth. You can enroll and start immediately.
#2 Open Bar Prep
A screenshot of the Open Bar Prep website.
Open Bar Prep is a breath of fresh air. It offers a completely free MPRE course with 24 chapters, 602 practice questions, and four timed exams. The content is written in plain English, not legalese. Each chapter teaches the rule whole, and the questions argue all four choices. You can read without an account, but signing up keeps your progress. The site also provides ten downloadable PDFs for last-minute review. If you want a no-nonsense, self-paced course, this is it.
#3 Themis
A screenshot of the Themis website.
Themis offers a free MPRE review led by Professor Zachary Kramer. His lectures are engaging and packed with hypotheticals. The course includes practice questions, quizzes, and a full-length self-assessment exam. You also get digital flashcards and subject-specific outlines. Themis is known for its bar review, and this MPRE course is a solid introduction to their teaching style. The only catch is that it's free to try, but you may need to create an account. The content is high quality and exam-focused.
#4 Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan's free MPRE Review gives you a downloadable outline and over 300 pages of course material. You get four full-length practice tests and question-based review workshops. The course is designed to be flexible, so you can study on your own schedule. Kaplan also offers a preview of their full bar review course. The interface is straightforward, and the practice questions are challenging. If you like a structured approach with plenty of practice, Kaplan is a strong option.
#5 Helix Bar Review
A screenshot of the Helix Bar Review website.
Helix Bar Review offers a 100% free MPRE course that is entirely online. It includes a 12-section outline, 20 short videos, and 250 multiple-choice questions. You also get two simulated exams with licensed NCBE questions. The course uses interactive flashcards and a game center to make studying more engaging. Helix provides flexible study schedules, so you can choose a 2-week or 4-weekend plan. It's a modern, tech-forward option for students who want a dynamic learning experience.
How to Choose Your MPRE Prep Course
Start by assessing your learning style. Do you prefer reading, watching videos, or doing practice questions? Next, consider your budget. All five courses here are free, but some may require an account or upsell you on paid bar prep. Look at the number of practice questions and whether they include licensed NCBE questions. Check the study schedule flexibility. If you need a quick review, a course with downloadable PDFs might be best. If you have more time, a comprehensive video course could work. Finally, read reviews from other students to see what worked for them.
Automating Your MPRE Study Routine
You can use simple tools to stay on track. Set calendar reminders for daily study blocks. Use a flashcard app like Anki to review key rules. Track your practice test scores in a spreadsheet to see progress. If the course offers digital flashcards, use them during downtime. Automate your PDF downloads to a cloud folder for easy access. These small steps keep you consistent without overcomplicating your prep.
The Bottom Line on MPRE Prep
You don't need to spend hundreds on MPRE prep. The five courses here give you everything you need to pass, from comprehensive outlines to realistic practice questions. Open Bar Prep stands out for its no-frills, free approach with a massive question bank. BARBRI and Themis offer trusted instruction. Kaplan and Helix provide structured, interactive options. Pick the one that matches your study habits and schedule. Then commit to a plan and stick with it. Your future self will thank you.