Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Pennsylvania CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 6 hours per year may be earned through on-demand programs
Compliance Period	Annual cycle based on assigned compliance group (Group 1, 2, or 3)
Reporting Deadline	April 30, August 31, or December 31 (depending on group)
Carryover Credit	Up to 2 ethics and 6 general hours may carry forward
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Pennsylvania CLE Board online portal

Overview

Pennsylvania attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics, professionalism, or substance abuse. Attorneys are divided into three compliance groups based on their attorney ID number, with compliance deadlines on April 30, August 31, or December 31. All CLE must be reported through the PA CLE Board online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, 2 hours must be in ethics, professionalism, or substance abuse prevention
• Up to 6 hours may be earned through accredited on-demand or self-study programs
• Remaining hours must be live or synchronous programs
• Attorneys may earn additional credit for teaching, writing, or bar-related education activities
• All courses must be approved by the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board

Compliance Period

• Attorneys are assigned to one of three compliance groups by the Pennsylvania CLE Board:
  • Group 1: CLE deadline April 30
  • Group 2: CLE deadline August 31
  • Group 3: CLE deadline December 31
• Each compliance period runs for one year
• The CLE Board notifies attorneys of their assigned group upon admission

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the PA CLE Board online portal
• Accredited providers also report attendance directly to the Board
• Attorneys should verify their transcript regularly to confirm all courses are recorded
• Late compliance results in a Notice of Noncompliance and a late fee

Carryover Rules

• Up to 6 general CLE hours may carry forward to the next reporting year
• Up to 2 ethics or professionalism hours may also carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE for their first year of admission but must complete the Bridge the Gap Program within 12 months of admission
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must make up CLE deficiencies from prior periods
• Waivers or extensions may be granted for hardship, illness, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another jurisdiction may be submitted for approval
• Attorneys may also earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing or publishing legal materials
  • Bar association or committee educational activities
• Providers must retain attendance records for 4 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $100 late fee applies for deficient reporting
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and submission of a compliance affidavit

How to Report CLE in Pennsylvania

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by your compliance deadline
2. Log in to the PA CLE Board online portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm all credits are recorded
4. Submit your compliance certification before the deadline
5. Retain attendance records and completion certificates for audit

Pennsylvania CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Pennsylvania?

12 hours annually, including 2 in ethics, professionalism, or substance abuse.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 6 hours per year may be earned through accredited on-demand or self-study courses.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 6 general and 2 ethics hours may carry forward.

Who is exempt from CLE in Pennsylvania?

Newly admitted attorneys (first year), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll receive a notice of noncompliance, incur late fees, and risk suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

What is the Bridge the Gap Program?

A mandatory CLE course for newly admitted Pennsylvania attorneys, covering professionalism, practice management, and ethics, to be completed within 12 months of admission.

Pennsylvania CLE Resources

• Pennsylvania CLE Board: https://www.pacle.org/
• CLE Rules (Pa. R.C.L.E. 101–111): https://www.pacle.org/Rules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.pacle.org/AttorneyLogin.aspx
• Bridge the Gap Program Info: https://www.pacle.org/Bridge-the-Gap