Written by: Scot Goins, Associate Dean of Academic Achievement, Bar Success, and Data Analytics
This morning, I was on a call with a future MPRE taker, and a question arose as to what free resources are available for MPRE preparation. I wanted to take the time to provide you with an up-to-date list of free resources that are available for anyone preparing for the MPRE, as well as provide a sample timeline of what potential preparation should entail in terms of time and a game plan.
Here is a list of highly regarded, free MPRE prep resources available online:
- Kaplan Free MPRE Prep: Delivers targeted resources such as course lectures, bar questions, flashcards, and practice tests.
- BARBRI MPRE Review Course: Offers expert lectures, comprehensive outlines, fill-in-the-blank guides, practice questions with analytical answers, and a flexible online study plan.
- JD Advising Free MPRE Course: Provides lectures, outlines, memorization quizzes, practice questions, flashcards, and detailed study schedules (1-week, 2-week, and 1-month plans) tailored for varying timelines.
- Themis Bar Review Free MPRE Course: Includes practice questions, outlines, study guides, and simulated exams with answer analyses.
- BarMax Free MPRE Course: Features audio lectures, outlines, 159 real MPRE questions from previous exams, and more than 100 flashcards categorized by topic.
- Helix MPRE (AccessLex): Digital and interactive prep materials, including 250 multiple-choice questions and two simulated exams using licensed NCBE questions, plus flashcards and quizzes.
- NCBE Official Resources: The National Conference of Bar Examiners offers free sample MPRE test questions and exam guides directly from the test makers.
Recommended Timeline for MPRE Review and Daily Practice
The ideal study timeline depends on your availability and personal preferences. Most law students dedicate 2–4 weeks and 20–30 total hours to MPRE prep, breaking down to 4–10 hours per week. Below is a recommended three-week schedule, balancing review and practice:
Three-Week MPRE Study Timeline
| Week | Goals & Focus Areas |
| Week 1 | Introduction to the MPRE, review Regulation of the Legal Profession and Lawyer-Client Relationship. Read official rules and commentary; watch video lectures. Begin flashcards and practice with short quizzes. |
| Week 2 | Deep dive into Client Confidentiality, Conflicts of Interest, Competence, and malpractice topics. Allocate time each day to ensure you give yourself time to learn from lectures, work on memorization quizzes, and engage with sets of practice questions. Take time for breaks and review key areas already covered. |
| Week 3 | Focus on Advocacy, Transactions, Judicial Conduct, and professional discipline. Schedule two simulated practice exams. Review answers carefully, targeting your weak spots. Finalize memorization and re-do flashcard decks. Prepare logistics for test day, ensuring rest and readiness. |
Sample Daily Practice Structure
- 30–90 minutes daily, depending on proximity to the test and your existing knowledge
- Split each session between watching lectures, reviewing outlines, working with flashcards, and answering 10–20 practice questions
- Every 4–5 days: Take a longer practice exam or review session focusing on question analysis and error patterns
- Last few days: Prioritize simulated exams and deep review of rules most frequently tested on the MPRE
Pro Tip: Many students find spreading prep over three weeks, aiming for a total of 25–30 hours, delivers optimal results—especially when combined with official NCBE practice questions and regular review of answer explanations. Utilizing the free courses and resources listed above, follow a daily routine of mixed lectures, practice, and review, and try to spread your studying across three weeks for the best results. Regular, short sessions build the deepest understanding, making you ready for the MPRE.
A final caveat: Often, people underestimate what is needed to be successful on the MPRE and fail to devote sufficient time to their study, practice, and review. Ensure that you give yourself a minimum of three weeks to prepare for this exam. This should be a stepping stone on your path to success, versus an anchor that weighs you down.