How many credit hours do I need in my state?

You can view a summary of the requirements and approved formats and reporting procedures for your jurisdiction in the MCLE Information by Jurisdiction area. You will also find additional format information on the MCLE Information by Format page.

Are there any states that don’t have an MCLE requirement?

Currently, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and South Dakota do not have a mandatory or minimum (MCLE) requirement. The District of Columbia also does not have an MCLE requirement.

Does the report my attendance for the programs I attend? Do I need to send anything to my state?

The attendance reporting procedures vary by jurisdiction. Some require providers such as the to report on attendance within a certain period after each program (usually 30 days) and the attorney only needs to complete the compliance or reporting form at the end of the reporting period. Some require attorneys to send in the certificates of attendance or enter attendance information in an online portal after each program (either instead of or in addition to attendance information reported by the ). Some are completely self-verified and do not require either the or individual attorney to report attendance after each program. Most states require attorneys to retain certificates of attendance or other record from each program for a certain number of years after the program in case of audit regardless of whether attorneys or the ABA are required to report after each program.

You can find specific reporting information for your jurisdiction in the MCLE Information by Jurisdiction area.

My organization is producing a CLE program? How do we get the program accredited? Does the ABA accredit programs?

The ABA is not an accrediting body or regulatory agency, but a provider of continuing legal education to the legal community at large. CLE accreditation is given on a state-by-state basis. There is no nationwide accreditation since the MCLE programs are administered by the state supreme courts through a special CLE commission or board.

Overall, the process for MCLE accreditation is a lengthy one, requiring about two to three months of advance preparation. Each state with an MCLE requirement administers its own program with its own distinct set of rules, regulations, and sponsor fees. Therefore, a CLE provider seeking MCLE accreditation of its programs must apply to each state individually. Individual attorneys may also request accreditation from their particular states after the program has taken place by providing course materials, a special application, and possibly a small fee. Again, each state has its own procedure. To learn more, visit the website of the Continuing Legal Education Regulators Association (CLE reg), which contains links to individual MCLE state websites where you may download or review the MCLE rules and regulations. You will also find contact names, addresses and telephone numbers, and a Uniform Application for Accreditation (accepted by most states as California, Delaware and Ohio have their own application form).

Click here to view FAQs related to ABA Center for Professional Development programs and products.

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MCLE FAQs

MCLE FAQs

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MCLE FAQs