Navigating CLE Reciprocity: Your Guide to Simplified Compliance

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements can be a challenge, especially for attorneys licensed in multiple states. Fortunately, many states support CLE reciprocity, allowing you to apply credits earned in one jurisdiction toward your requirements in another.  

This guide breaks down which states offer CLE reciprocity and how to receive credit. 

What is CLE Reciprocity for Attorneys? 

CLE reciprocity simplifies compliance for attorneys practicing in multiple jurisdictions. Instead of completing separate Continuing Legal Education courses for each state, reciprocity allows you to transfer credits from one state to another, provided certain conditions are met. 

States That Support CLE Reciprocity 

Here’s a quick overview of states with CLE reciprocity policies: 

• Alaska: Accepts any CLE course approved by a jurisdiction requiring CLE. For more information, visit the Alaska Bar Association website. 
• Arkansas: Credits from out-of-state programs approved by other jurisdictions are accepted per Rule 4.03 of the Regulations of the Arkansas Continuing Legal Education Board.   
• California: A California attorney may earn California MCLE credit for out-of-state CLE activities if the attorney is outside of California when participating in the activity, the activity is the type that can be approved for California MCLE credit, and the activity is sanctioned by one of the State Bar of California’s approved jurisdictions. For more information, and to view a list of approved jurisdictions, check out the State Bar of California website. 
• Colorado: Each year, the Colorado Supreme Court publishes a list of all approved Colorado CLE sponsors and accredited programs. 
• Connecticut: Automatically approves CLE programs approved in other jurisdictions. Learn more. 
• Florida: The Florida Bar generally accepts CLE courses that have been approved by other state bars. Attorneys must submit an application of completion to clemail@floridabar.org. 
• Hawaii: An attorney may apply CLE credits from other states to Hawaii’s CLE requirement if (1) the credits came from a preapproved Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) accredited provider, (2) the CLE program was approved by an approved HSBA jurisdiction, or (3) the attorney submits an application for CLE approval. You can find a list of preapproved providers, approved jurisdictions, and the approval application on the HSBA website. 
• Maine: The Board of Overseers of the Bar in Maine accepts credits for courses that have been approved by another MCLE state. Attorneys seeking to have out-of-state credits accepted in Maine must send the board evidence that the other state has certified those credits. 
• Montana: The Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education will accept CLE credits earned in other states on a case-by-case basis. Attorneys must report their CLE credits by sending copies of their certificates of attendance to cle@montanabar.org.  
• New Jersey: Full credit is given for courses approved in other states. To learn more, visit the New Jersey Supreme Court's website. 
• New York: New York attorneys may count certain credits earned through out-of-state CLE courses toward their New York CLE requirements. The out-of-state course must be accredited by a jurisdiction approved by New York. To view approved jurisdictions, as well as other details regarding reciprocity, visit the New York Courts’ website. 
• North Dakota: According to the State Bar of North Dakota’s Continuing Legal Education policy, North Dakota presumptively approves any CLE course that is approved in a state with mandatory CLE.   
• Oregon: Lawyers licensed in Washington, Idaho, or Utah may apply their MCLE credits from those states to their Oregon MCLE requirement. To do so, the attorney must submit a comity certificate certifying their MCLE compliance in one of those states. For details on Oregon’s reciprocity agreement with Washington, Idaho, and Utah, visit the Oregon State Bar website. 
• Washington: Lawyers licensed in Oregon, Idaho, or Utah may submit a comity certificate, which will allow them to apply their MCLE credits from those states to their Washington MCLE requirement. For more information, check out the Washington State Bar Association website. 
• West Virginia: If a West Virginia attorney completes an out-of-state CLE course that is not sponsored by an accredited provider, or if the sponsor has not received approval from the West Virginia State Bar, then the attorney must apply for approval of the CLE credits. For more information, and to view a list of accredited providers, visit the West Virginia State Bar’s West Virginia State Bar website. 
• Wisconsin: Wisconsin accepts any CLE course that has been approved in another state. For more information, view the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Rules of the Board of Bar Examiners.  

States Without CLE Reciprocity 

Unfortunately, many states do not accept CLE credits from other jurisdictions; some do not require continuing legal education. Attorneys in some states must complete state-specific CLE requirements. 

• Alabama: Alabama does not accept out-of-state credits via reciprocity. However, attorneys may self-apply for courses if a provider has not applied for credit. For more information, visit the Alabama State Bar website. 
• Arizona: The State Bar of Arizona does not approve MCLE programs. Instead, Arizona’s MCLE Regulations set broad standards by which attorneys themselves can evaluate the legitimacy of CLE activities and then report their activities by affidavit. Learn more on the State Bar of Arizona website. 
• Delaware 
• Georgia 
• Idaho 
• Illinois 
• Indiana 
• Iowa 
• Kansas 
• Kentucky 
• Louisiana 
• Maryland: Maryland recommends but does not require CLE. 
• Massachusetts: Massachusetts recommends but does not require CLE. 
• Michigan: Michigan recommends but does not require CLE. 
• Minnesota 
• Mississippi 
• Missouri 
• Nebraska 
• Nevada 
• New Hampshire 
• New Mexico 
• North Carolina 
• Ohio 
• Oklahoma 
• Pennsylvania 
• Rhode Island 
• South Carolina 
• South Dakota: South Dakota recommends but does not require CLE. 
• Tennessee 
• Texas 
• Utah 
• Vermont 
• Virginia 
• Wyoming 

How to Maximize CLE Reciprocity 

1. Check State Bar Rules: Visit your state bar’s website for specific reciprocity policies. 
2. Submit Applications: Some states require you to apply for credit approval. 
3. Choose Accredited Providers: Ensure your CLE courses are approved by recognized jurisdictions. 

CLE reciprocity can save you time and effort, but it’s essential to understand the rules for each state where you’re licensed. By leveraging reciprocity agreements, you can streamline your CLE compliance and focus on your legal practice. 

BARBRI’s vast expert-led CLE programs offer unparalleled insights, timely and comprehensive digital content, and streamlined CLE credit solutions to help you stay ahead in the legal profession. Search our library of over 6,000 professional development courses today.