The prototype exam is a timed, computer-based exam that participants will take on their own laptops using a test delivery application called SecureClient. The prototype exam consists of multiple-choice questions and short- and medium-length written responses administered in three sessions of three hours each. Questions are displayed in 12-point (16 pixel) Arial font. PC users can make the text size larger or smaller by holding down the Control (Ctrl) key and pressing the plus (+) or minus (-) key; Mac users cannot change the text size without requesting alternative testing arrangements. Participants must request alternative testing arrangements to use other text reader programs on their laptop during the prototype exam.
The prototype exam will be available with alternative testing arrangements for participants who received test accommodations for the most recent bar exam they took that included the MBE. Below is a list of alternative testing arrangements that may be available for the prototype exam, depending on testing location and other factors; it does not represent all accommodations that may be available for future NCBE studies or exams.
IMPORTANT: For the purposes of the prototype exam, NCBE will not evaluate the appropriateness of alternative testing arrangements for the individual’s specific functional limitations in relation to the testing environment. Receipt of alternative testing arrangements for the prototype exam does not constitute evidence of a functional limitation and should not be referenced on accommodations requests for future standardized examinations, including the bar exam or MPRE. NCBE will not consider proof of alternative testing arrangements on the prototype exam when reviewing requests for accommodations on the MPRE, and proof of prototype exam alternative testing arrangements will have no bearing on the approval of MPRE accommodations.
Available alternative testing arrangements for the prototype exam may include the following:
25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Uses SecureClient.
50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Uses SecureClient.
100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Uses SecureClient.
18-point Arial font on laptop, standard testing time
Delivers test form in 18-point font rather than 12-point font. Works with Mac laptops (PCs do not require alternative testing arrangements to adjust text size). Uses SecureClient.
18-point Arial font on laptop, 25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Delivers test form in 18-point font rather than 12-point font. Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. Works with Mac laptops (PCs do not require alternative testing arrangements to adjust text size). Uses SecureClient.
18-point Arial font on laptop, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Delivers test form in 18-point font rather than 12-point font. Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Works with Mac laptops (PCs do not require alternative testing arrangements to adjust text size). Uses SecureClient.
18-point Arial font on laptop, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Delivers test form in 18-point font rather than 12-point font. Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Works with Mac laptops (PCs do not require alternative testing arrangements to adjust text size). Uses SecureClient.
JAWS, standard testing time
Delivers test with Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with JAWS must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Job Access With Speech (JAWS) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides text-to-speech output (listen to the text on a screen) for computer applications on a PC laptop. JAWS for Mac isn’t available because JAWS is a Windows-only screen reader; the Mac equivalent is VoiceOver (see below).
JAWS, 25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Delivers test with Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with JAWS must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Job Access With Speech (JAWS) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides text-to-speech output (listen to the text on a screen) for computer applications on a PC laptop. JAWS for Mac isn’t available because JAWS is a Windows-only screen reader; the Mac equivalent is VoiceOver (see below).
JAWS, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Delivers test with Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with JAWS must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Job Access With Speech (JAWS) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides text-to-speech output (listen to the text on a screen) for computer applications on a PC laptop. JAWS for Mac isn’t available because JAWS is a Windows-only screen reader; the Mac equivalent is VoiceOver (see below).
JAWS, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Delivers test with Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with JAWS must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Job Access With Speech (JAWS) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides text-to-speech output (listen to the text on a screen) for computer applications on a PC laptop. JAWS for Mac isn’t available because JAWS is a Windows-only screen reader; the Mac equivalent is VoiceOver (see below).
VoiceOver, standard testing time
Delivers test with VoiceOver software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with Mac laptops only. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with VoiceOver must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
VoiceOver is an integrated screen reader that comes with the Mac operating system. It is specifically designed to assist users with visual impairments in controlling and interacting with their Mac laptops. The feature is built into all Apple products and provides audible descriptions for everything that appears on the computer screen. By using VoiceOver, users can access their Mac or iOS device through spoken descriptions and keyboard commands. This accessibility feature serves to enhance the user experience for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have dyslexia.
VoiceOver, 25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Delivers test with VoiceOver software. Does not use SecureClient. Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. Works with Mac laptops only. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with VoiceOver must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
VoiceOver is an integrated screen reader that comes with the Mac operating system. It is specifically designed to assist users with visual impairments in controlling and interacting with their Mac laptops. The feature is built into all Apple products and provides audible descriptions for everything that appears on the computer screen. By using VoiceOver, users can access their Mac or iOS device through spoken descriptions and keyboard commands. This accessibility feature serves to enhance the user experience for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have dyslexia.
VoiceOver, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Delivers test with VoiceOver software. Does not use SecureClient. Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Works with Mac laptops only. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with VoiceOver must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
VoiceOver is an integrated screen reader that comes with the Mac operating system. It is specifically designed to assist users with visual impairments in controlling and interacting with their Mac laptops. The feature is built into all Apple products and provides audible descriptions for everything that appears on the computer screen. By using VoiceOver, users can access their Mac or iOS device through spoken descriptions and keyboard commands. This accessibility feature serves to enhance the user experience for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have dyslexia.
VoiceOver, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Delivers test with VoiceOver software. Does not use SecureClient. Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Works with Mac laptops only. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with VoiceOver must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
VoiceOver is an integrated screen reader that comes with the Mac operating system. It is specifically designed to assist users with visual impairments in controlling and interacting with their Mac laptops. The feature is built into all Apple products and provides audible descriptions for everything that appears on the computer screen. By using VoiceOver, users can access their Mac or iOS device through spoken descriptions and keyboard commands. This accessibility feature serves to enhance the user experience for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have dyslexia.
Dragon Professional Speech, standard testing time
Delivers test with Dragon Professional Speech software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC and Mac laptops. A participant testing with Dragon Professional Speech software must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Dragon Professional Speech is a powerful voice-to-text software that enhances word processing for individuals with physical disabilities. With fast transcription speed and compatibility with various applications, it offers accurate dictation directly into a microphone.
Dragon Professional Speech, 25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Delivers test with Dragon Professional Speech software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. A participant testing with Dragon Professional Speech must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Dragon Professional Speech is a powerful voice-to-text software that enhances word processing for individuals with physical disabilities. With fast transcription speed and compatibility with various applications, it offers accurate dictation directly into a microphone.
Dragon Professional Speech, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Delivers test with Dragon Professional Speech software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. A participant testing with Dragon Professional Speech must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Dragon Professional Speech is a powerful voice-to-text software that enhances word processing for individuals with physical disabilities. With fast transcription speed and compatibility with various applications, it offers accurate dictation directly into a microphone.
Dragon Professional Speech, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Delivers test with Dragon Professional Speech software. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. A participant testing with Dragon Professional Speech must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Dragon Professional Speech is a powerful voice-to-text software that enhances word processing for individuals with physical disabilities. With fast transcription speed and compatibility with various applications, it offers accurate dictation directly into a microphone.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, standard testing time
Delivers test with/compatible with ZoomText Magnifier with text to speech functionality enabled. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
ZoomText is screen magnification software for Windows that allows users to customize screen settings and track location. ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is for low-vision users, offering magnification, reading aloud, and document reading. ZoomText Mac is third-party magnification software with enhancement options.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, 25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Delivers test with/compatible with ZoomText Magnifier with text to speech functionality enabled. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
ZoomText is screen magnification software for Windows that allows users to customize screen settings and track location. ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is for low-vision users, offering magnification, reading aloud, and document reading. ZoomText Mac is third-party magnification software with enhancement options.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Delivers test with/compatible with ZoomText Magnifier with text to speech functionality enabled. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
ZoomText is screen magnification software for Windows that allows users to customize screen settings and track location. ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is for low-vision users, offering magnification, reading aloud, and document reading. ZoomText Mac is third-party magnification software with enhancement options.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Delivers test with/compatible with ZoomText Magnifier with text to speech functionality enabled. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC and Mac laptops. Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
ZoomText is screen magnification software for Windows that allows users to customize screen settings and track location. ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is for low-vision users, offering magnification, reading aloud, and document reading. ZoomText Mac is third-party magnification software with enhancement options.
Microsoft Read Aloud, standard testing time
Delivers test using the Read Aloud feature of your PC laptop. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with Microsoft Read Aloud must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Read Aloud uses the text-to-speech ability of your Windows device to play back written text as spoken words.
Microsoft Read Aloud, 25% extended testing time (extra 2.25 hours)
Delivers test using the Read Aloud feature of your PC laptop. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 2.25 hours of testing time over two days, with a lunch break between sessions on day one and no built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with Microsoft Read Aloud must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Read Aloud uses the text-to-speech ability of your Windows device to play back written text as spoken words.
Microsoft Read Aloud, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
Delivers test using the Read Aloud feature of your PC laptop. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with Microsoft Read Aloud must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Read Aloud uses the text-to-speech ability of your Windows device to play back written text as spoken words.
Microsoft Read Aloud, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
Delivers test using the Read Aloud feature of your PC laptop. Does not use SecureClient. Works with PC laptops only. Provides an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Participants must use their laptop’s built-in speakers or headphones provided by a proctor, depending on their testing location; personal headphones/earbuds are not permitted. A participant testing with Microsoft Read Aloud must be a daily, proficient user; proctors and NCBE staff cannot assist with software navigation.
Read Aloud uses the text-to-speech ability of your Windows device to play back written text as spoken words.
Braille EBAE, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
A braille (EBAE) version of the exam will be provided along with an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Responses will be given verbally to a person acting as a recorder. Does not use SecureClient.
The original form of braille, commonly referred to as EBAE (English Braille American Edition), is a writing system designed to facilitate reading and writing for individuals who are blind or have partial sight through tactile perception. Does not use SecureClient.
Braille EBAE, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
A braille (EBAE) version of the exam will be provided along with an additional 9 hours of testing time over three days, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Responses will be given verbally to a person acting as a recorder. Does not use SecureClient.
The original form of braille, commonly referred to as EBAE (English Braille American Edition), is a writing system designed to facilitate reading and writing for individuals who are blind or have partial sight through tactile perception.
Braille UEB, 50% extended testing time (extra 4.5 hours)
A braille (UEB) version of the exam will be provided along with an additional 4.5 hours of testing time over three days, with no lunch breaks and no built-in breaks within sessions. Responses will be given verbally to a person acting as a recorder. Does not use SecureClient.
Braille UEB, also known as Unified English Braille, is a writing system that enables individuals who are blind or have partial sight to read and write using their sense of touch. The UEB braille system has been meticulously crafted to eliminate any ambiguities and align with printed text. It excludes nine contractions and is universally recognized as the standard code for English literacy and technical materials.
Braille UEB, 100% extended testing time (extra 9 hours)
A braille (UEB) version of the exam will be provided along with an additional 9 hours of testing time, with a lunch break each day and no other built-in breaks within sessions. Responses will be given verbally to a person acting as a recorder. Does not use SecureClient.
Braille UEB, also known as Unified English Braille, is a writing system that enables individuals who are blind or have partial sight to read and write using their sense of touch. The UEB braille system has been meticulously crafted to eliminate any ambiguities and align with printed text. It excludes nine contractions and is universally recognized as the standard code for English literacy and technical materials.
