Approaching the California Performance Test and the Multistate Performance Test

In order to put a successful answer together for the California Performance Test and the Multistate Performance test, you must outline your approach.

1. Have a Plan

Have a plan so you can save time and prevent panic. If you know what you are going to do and practice the routine, it becomes second nature to you by test day. #5 below is a good plan you can implement.

2. Practice from Actual PTs

Since the PT tests your ability to extract legal principles from cases and statutes and apply these principles to solve a specific client problem, you will need to practice this skill. Work from past PT questions and use the grading guidelines to evaluate your answers. Review sample PT answers.

3. Allocate Your Time

You must complete the assignment to maximize your points. The bar examiners suggest that you allot 45 minutes to reading the materials and 45 minutes to organizing and writing your response, if the MPT is 90 minutes. In California, allot 90 minutes to reading the materials and 90 minutes to organizing and writing your response.

4. Find Your Baseline

You have no idea how long it will take you to answer a PT until you’ve already done one. After you’ve read one or two PTS to see what they’re like, start practicing writing PTs. First, note how long it takes to read and outline the answer. This is your baseline reading time. Second, proceed to write the response. Once again, time yourself. This is your baseline writing time. Don’t be surprised if it takes longer than the suggested time to get through the materials. Keep practicing and work on writing the assignment within the time period.

5. Follow the Blueprint

Practice this approach until it becomes automatic. Follow each step of the sequence for each PT you take.

a. Skim the Instructions
b. Review the Table of Contents
c. Read the Task Memo
d. Review the Instruction Memo
e. Read the Library and use the rule from the cases to form your outline
f. Read the File and add the relevant facts to your outline
g. Re-read the Task Memo to verify the task
h. Review the Instruction Memo to verify the task formal
i. Write your Response