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CLE Accreditation Requirements by State | MCLE Accreditation

EC
by   Eric CervoneFeb 08, 2022
CLE Accreditation Requirements by State | MCLE Accreditation

Introduction to CLE Accreditation


Becoming an accredited continuing legal education (CLE) provider requires strict adherence to a state bar’s accreditation process. If you’re seeking to get your CLE course accredited, ensure that you follow the steps necessary in your specific jurisdiction. Each state’s bar association follows its own protocols for CLE accreditation. If you’re attempting to have your course accredited in multiple jurisdictions, you’ll need to follow the steps for approval in each state in which you would like to be accredited. Below is a summary of the CLE accreditation process for each U.S. state:

Alabama CLE Accreditation


To have a course reviewed for CLE accreditation in Alabama, a course sponsor must submit a completed application, a detailed agenda of the program (including breaks, meals, and speaker biographies), and a $50 processing fee. The Application for MCLE Course Accreditation, along with the accreditation guidelines (outlined in Rule 5 of the Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education), can be found on the Alabama State Bar’s website.

Alaska CLE Accreditation


According to Alaska Bar Rule 65, organizations must apply to the Alaska Bar Association’s Board of Governors for accreditation as a CLE provider. The application for accreditation can be found on the Alaska Bar Association’s website. 

Arizona CLE Accreditation


Unlike many other states, the State Bar of Arizona does not accredit CLE providers. CLE providers in Arizona thus do not have to submit documentation to the state bar regarding their courses. Instead, Arizona attorneys who take CLE courses through providers other than the state bar must provide documentation of their CLE courses to support the hours and events claimed on their annual affidavit. To learn more, check out the State Bar of Arizona’s website.

Arkansas CLE Accreditation


The Arkansas Supreme Court is responsible for accrediting CLE providers. To be considered for approval, providers must submit the Application for Accreditation of Continuing Legal Education Activity, which can be found on the Arkansas Supreme Court’s website. Providers should send the application 45 days in advance of the scheduled activity if the provider requires preapproval. No application fee is required. For more details, visit the Arkansas Supreme Court’s website. 

California CLE Accreditation


The State Bar of California approves providers for California Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit. 

To become accredited, a provider must complete a single-activity provider application, which can be found on the state bar’s website. The provider must also submit an agenda of the program. California state charges a $90 fee for processing the application.  

To learn more, check out the State Bar of California’s website.

Colorado CLE Accreditation


Colorado CLE is governed by Colorado Supreme Court Rule 250. Providers must abide by the Continuing Legal and Judicial Education Regulations. To apply for CLE accreditation, providers must submit a Request for Recognition of a Certified Provider, available on the Colorado Supreme Court’s website.

Connecticut CLE Accreditation


Connecticut does not administer a formal approval process for MCLE courses. If an organization’s MCLE course has been authorized in another jurisdiction, then the course is automatically approved in Connecticut. Providers that wish to offer a MCLE course in Connecticut that has not already been approved in another jurisdiction must follow the requirements of rule §2-27A(b)(1) of the Connecticut Practice Book. 

For more information, visit the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch’s website, or email the MCLE Commission at [email protected].

Delaware CLE Accreditation


Delaware accepts the CLEreg Uniform Application for Accreditation for organizations seeking to provide CLE credit. Additionally, providers must include an agenda or time breakdown of the course. Providers requesting ethics credit should indicate that separately. Delaware also requires a $50.00–$75.00 application fee. For more information, visit the Delaware Courts’ website. 

Florida CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Florida must complete the Continuing Legal Education

Application For Accreditation. The application must include the program’s agenda, speaker biographies, and course description. To learn more, check out the Florida Bar’s website or email [email protected]. 

Georgia CLE Accreditation


The Georgia Bar provides a detailed document outlining the bar’s CLE accreditation standards under Georgia State Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 8-106 (B). Providers seeking accreditation can apply through the Georgia Continuing Legal Education Sponsor Portal. To learn more, check out the State Bar of Georgia’s website or email [email protected]. 

Hawaii CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE approval for a course may submit:
  • a completed provider application for CLE approval,
  • a substantive outline with an agenda,
  • a faculty description, and
  • applicable application fees.
The state must receive the application at least 30 days before the date on which the course is scheduled. For more information, visit the Hawaii State Bar Association’s website.

Idaho CLE Accreditation


The Idaho State Bar must review CLE activities and approve activities consistent with Idaho’s MCLE rules. The Idaho State Bar’s website outlines the standards by which courses are to be judged. Providers must complete the bar’s Application for Course Credit. The application fee is $40. For more information, visit the Idaho State Bar’s website.

Illinois CLE Accreditation


For a CLE course to be accredited in Illinois, a provider must comply with Illinois Supreme Court Rules 790-798. The Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois provides a detailed checklist of the responsibilities of CLE providers. All applications for CLE accreditation must be submitted electronically via the Provider Course Accreditation Management (PCAM) system. According to MCLE Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois, an application is considered submitted when: “(1) all course data is entered in PCAM, (2) the MCLE Board receives the correct fee, and (3) PCAM displays the application as Completed for Review.” For more information, visit the Minimum Continuing Legal Education Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois’s website.

Indiana CLE Accreditation


Indiana’s Office of Admissions and Continuing Education publishes a guide for providers seeking CLE accreditation. Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 29 outlines the process for approval of CLE. Providers must submit an Application for Accreditation of Continuing Legal Education Activity. For an application to be considered timely, the state must receive the application at least 30 days prior to the course. For more information, visit the Indiana Judiciary’s website.

Iowa CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Iowa are encouraged to use the online application found on the Iowa Judicial Branch’s Office of Professional Regulation website. Online applications are subject to a $50 application fee, while paper applications are subject to a $65 application fee.

All applications must include the following information:
  • the name of the sponsor,
  • name of the activity,
  • the date of the activity,
  • duration of the activity, and
  • format of the CLE activity.
For more information, visit the Iowa Judicial Branch’s website.

Kansas CLE Accreditation


Kansas CLE is the organization responsible for administering the rules and regulations for CLE in Kansas. For a live webinar or teleconference, providers must submit an Application for Approval of Live Webinar and/or Teleconferences. For live, classroom programming, providers must submit an Application for Approval of CLE Live Programs. For a prerecorded webinar or teleconference, providers must submit an Application for Approval of Prerecorded Courses. For more information, visit Kansas CLE’s website.

Kentucky CLE Accreditation


The Kentucky Bar Association does not accredit CLE providers. Instead, the state bar accredits each individual CLE program. For an activity to qualify for CLE in Kentucky, the activity must meet the standards set forth in Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.650. Providers can create a sponsor account and send in an application through the Kentucky Bar Association CLE online portal. The application fee for CLE accreditation is $20 for programs shorter than two hours in length and $50 for programs longer than two hours. Providers are also required to submit an agenda of the program, biographies of the presenters, and a brief description of the material that attendees of the program will receive.

For more information, visit the Kentucky Bar Association’s website.

Louisiana CLE Accreditation


The Committee on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education is the organization responsible for administering CLE in Louisiana. Providers must complete one Sponsor Application for Continuing Legal Education Activity for each activity for which Louisiana MCLE accreditation is sought. Providers must mail applications no later than 45 days prior to the activity to the Louisiana State Bar Association. To learn more, visit the Louisiana State Bar Association’s website.

Maine CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Maine must submit the Uniform Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education. Approved providers must submit a $35 application fee at time of application. Unapproved providers must submit a $45 application fee. For more information, visit the Board of Overseers of the Bar’s website.

Maryland CLE Accreditation


Maryland recommends but does not require CLE. Therefore, there is no Maryland-specific accreditation process.

Massachusetts CLE Accreditation


Massachusetts recommends but does not require CLE. Therefore, there is no Massachusetts-specific accreditation process.

Michigan CLE Accreditation


Michigan recommends but does not require CLE. Therefore, there is no Michigan-specific accreditation process.

Minnesota CLE Accreditation


CLE accreditation in Minnesota is governed by Rule 5 of the Rules of the Board of Continuing Legal Education. Providers may apply for course accreditation by filling out a course-accreditation application. To apply online, providers should go to the Sponsor Login page. Providers can request a sponsor ID number and temporary password by contacting [email protected]. The application fee is $20 for online courses. For more information, visit the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education’s website.

Mississippi CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Mississippi must submit the Uniform Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education. To learn more, check out the Mississippi Bar’s website.

Missouri CLE Accreditation


Prior to applying for CLE accreditation, providers must first create a sponsor account through the Missouri Bar’s website. The accreditation application can then be completed through the same website. Sponsors must apply for accreditation no later than 60 days prior to the date on which the program is scheduled. To learn more, check out the Missouri Bar’s website. 

Montana CLE Accreditation


The Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education is responsible for the administration of CLE in Montana. Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Montana must submit the Uniform Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education. Applications are subject to a $60 application fee; however, there is no application fee for members of the State Bar of Montana. Applications must be submitted by regular mail. For more information, visit the Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education’s website.

Nebraska CLE Accreditation


In Nebraska, CLE accreditation is governed by Supreme Court Rule § 3-401.6. Providers interested in receiving CLE accreditation must have a sponsor-user account on Nebraska Attorney Services Division (ASD) website to submit their applications. Providers should contact the Nebraska ASD Help Desk at 402-471-3137 or [email protected] to request a sponsor-user account. To learn more, check out the Nebraska Supreme Court’s website, or email [email protected]. 

Nevada CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking accreditation in Nevada must submit a Single Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education to the Nevada Board of Continuing Legal Education. In addition to the completed application, providers are required to submit an application fee (according to the fee schedule included in the application) by check and a timed program agenda or course brochure. The Board will notify applicants about the status of their course within one month of submission. To learn more, check out the Nevada Board of Continuing Legal Education’s website.

New Hampshire CLE Accreditation


New Hampshire recommends but does not require CLE. Therefore, there is no New Hampshire-specific accreditation process.

New Jersey CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in New Jersey must first register on the New Jersey Courts’ website. Providers will then have to complete an online application for individual course accreditation. Additionally, providers are required to attach to their application:
  • a final version of the timed agenda;
  • a brochure, advertisement, or announcement for the course;
  • the names and credentials of all instructors;
  • a complete set of written materials that will be distributed at the course to the attendees;
  • and a copy of their financial hardship policy if a registration or membership fee is charged.
To learn more, check out the New Jersey Courts’ website.

New Mexico CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking accreditation in New Mexico must complete the Application for NM MCLE Course Approval. Providers must submit a $50 review fee with each application.

Within 30 days of the course taking place, providers must also submit:
  • an alphabetical list of the name and state bar number of each attendee, including the number and type of credits each attendee should receive, and
  • the required attendance filing fee for the course.
To learn more, check out the State Bar of New Mexico’s website.

New York CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in New York must submit the CLE Board's Application for Accreditation of an Individual Course Activity. Providers must mail applications to the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board. Providers must submit applications at least 60 days prior to the occurrence of the program. New York CLE courses are governed by section 8(A) of the CLE Board Regulations and Guidelines. To learn more, visit the New York State Unified Court System’s website.

North Carolina CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in North Carolina must complete the Sponsor's Application for CLE Credit form. Additionally, providers should attach the following materials: 
  • a detailed timeline agenda for the course,
  • a complete list of speakers with a brief description of their qualifications,
  • a brief description of the program content, and
  • a list or outline of the course materials. 
The North Carolina State Bar Board of Continuing Legal Education (NCCLE) provides a checklist of application materials. For more information, visit the NCCLE’s website.

North Dakota CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in North Dakota must submit a Sponsor Application for Approval of CLE Credit. The application form includes North Dakota’s guidelines for approved coursework. Providers must include a $45 administrative fee with the application. For more information, visit the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s website.

Ohio CLE Accreditation


The Ohio CLE Commission approves individual activities, not sponsors. Providers seeking to have their course approved must submit the applicable form. Most providers seeking to administer activities to a general group of attorneys should complete the Uniform Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education. Providers should mail applications to the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on CLE. For other forms, visit the Supreme Court of Ohio’s website. 

Oklahoma CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Maine must submit the Uniform Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education. Additionally, the application includes Oklahoma’s requirements for conducting a CLE program. Applications submitted by a sponsor must include a $50 application fee (made payable to the Oklahoma Bar Association.) Providers should submit applications at least 45 days prior to the event. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Mandatory Continuing Legal Education’s website. 

Oregon CLE Accreditation


The Oregon State Bar MCLE Department is responsible for accrediting MCLE programs in Oregon. Providers must submit a description of the presentation or a schedule, in addition to the appropriate form. Providers must create a sponsor account on the Oregon State Bar’s website, where they can find the application form. For more information, visit the Oregon State Bar’s website.

Pennsylvania CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Pennsylvania must submit the Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education (PACLE) Board. Additionally, providers must include a $25 application fee made payable to the PACLE Board, as well as a program agenda or course brochure. For more information, visit the PACLE’s website.

Rhode Island CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Rhode Island must first register online as a sponsor. Sponsors can then apply online for accreditation. The course application fee is $45.00 per course. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Courts’ website. 

South Carolina CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in South Carolina must submit the Uniform Application for Approval of Continuing Legal Education. This application page outlines South Carolina’s accreditation standards. If a provider is not an accredited sponsor, the application fee is $75.00 per course. To learn more, check out the South Carolina Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization’s website.

South Dakota CLE Accreditation


South Dakota recommends but does not require CLE. Therefore, there is no South Dakota-specific accreditation process.

Tennessee CLE Accreditation


To obtain instructions on how to become an accredited CLE provider in Tennessee, providers must call the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education at 615-741-3096 ext. 3 or email [email protected]. To learn more, check out the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education’s website.

Texas CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Texas must register for a new sponsor account on the State Bar of Texas’s website. The application for CLE accreditation can be completed fully online through the sponsor account The State Bar of Texas provides detailed information for new CLE sponsors, as well as the state’s accreditation standards for CLE activities. To learn more, check out the State Bar of Texas’s website.

Utah CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Utah must submit an Application by Non-approved Sponsor for Accreditation of a CLE Activity. The application must be mailed to the Utah State Board of Continuing Legal Education. Providers must submit their applications within 60 days prior to or following the course. Utah also charges a $25 accreditation fee per application. To learn more, check out the Utah State Bar’s website.

Vermont CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Vermont must submit the Application for Accreditation of Continuing Legal Education Activity. Providers must apply for accreditation within 30 days after the activity. Additionally, providers must attach a program time schedule or agenda, table of contents, and faculty names and credentials. Providers who submit the app[lication within 30 days of the CLE activity are not required to pay a fee. For more information, visit the Vermont Judiciary’s website.

Virginia CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Virginia must submit the Sponsor Application for Approval of CLE Course. This application form also includes the application fee schedule and standards for approval. For more information, visit the Virginia State Bar’s website.

Washington CLE Accreditation


The requirements and standards for CLE courses in Washington are detailed in Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 11. Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Washington are required to register as sponsors and apply for accreditation through the MCLE Online System. Each course has a registration fee of $100, and applications are due 15 days before the course; otherwise, the state requires a $50 late fee. To learn more, check out the Washington State Bar Association’s website.

West Virginia CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in West Virginia must register as a provider through the West Virginia State Bar membership portal, which is also where providers apply. The West Virginia State Bar also provides a document outlining the instructions for registration. To learn more, check out the West Virginia State Bar’s website. 

Wisconsin CLE Accreditation 


The Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for administering Wisconsin’s CLE program. Providers seeking CLE accreditation must complete CLE Form 2 (Request for Approval of Continuing Legal Education Activity Form) for every course they would like to be considered for CLE approval. Additionally, applications must include:
  • a timetable or agenda of the activity,
  • a complete description of the written materials distributed to participants, and
  • an indication as to whom the activity was offered. 
Applications should be mailed to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners. To learn more, check out the Supreme Court of Wisconsin’s website.

Wyoming CLE Accreditation


Providers seeking CLE accreditation in Wyoming must submit the Application for CLE Program Accreditation. Additionally, applications must include:
  • the schedule,
  • a table of contents,
  • the names of all faculty, and
  • $50 application fee.
Applicants will receive notification of their approval status in approximately 10 days. To learn more, check out the Wyoming State Bar’s website.

Make your first attempt at the bar exam your last with Quimbee

  • 91% bar exam pass rate*
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • 1,600+ real questions from past bar exams
*First-time UBE takers who completed at least 75% of Quimbee Bar Review or Quimbee Bar Review+. The margin of error is 5.9%.
Buy now Get a free tour

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