Arkansas Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Arkansas CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	12 credit hours per reporting period
Ethics / Professionalism	1 hour minimum in ethics or professional responsibility
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, on-demand, or distance learning (if accredited)
Compliance / Reporting Period	July 1 – June 30
Reporting Deadline	July 31 of each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 hours may be carried forward (including 1 ethics hour)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Attorneys age 70+, 40 years licensed, voluntary inactive, or new admittees
Reporting Responsibility	Self-report via the Arkansas Office of Professional Programs

Overview

Arkansas requires all active attorneys to complete 12 CLE credit hours during each reporting period, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Attorneys must include at least 1 hour in ethics or professional responsibility and certify compliance by July 31 of each year through the Office of Professional Programs.

Attorneys age 70 or older, those with 40 years of licensure, and those on voluntary inactive status are exempt. Newly admitted attorneys are exempt during their first reporting period.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE hours required each reporting period
• At least 1 hour must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• All delivery formats are allowed if accredited (live, webinar, or on-demand)
• Credit for teaching or presenting CLE courses:
  • Solo presenters earn 4 hours per hour for first presentation, 2 hours for repeats
  • Panelists earn 3 hours per hour if they prepare written materials, otherwise 2 hours
• Writing legal materials, teaching law school, and bar committee participation may qualify for credit with approval

Compliance Period

• The compliance period runs from July 1 to June 30 each year
• All CLE requirements must be satisfied within this period
• Compliance must be certified by July 31

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Arkansas Courts / Office of Professional Programs portal
• Providers also report attendance for accredited courses
• Reports are due by July 31
• Attorneys who are deficient receive a notice and must complete missing credits by December 1 and report by December 15

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 CLE hours may be carried forward to the next reporting period
• Up to 1 hour of ethics may also be carried forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Attorneys age 70 or older are exempt
• Attorneys with 40 years of licensure are exempt
• Voluntary inactive attorneys are exempt
• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt during their first reporting period
• Hardship waivers may be granted upon request and approval by the CLE Board

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Arkansas CLE Board / Office of Professional Programs
• Providers must verify attendance and submit completion data
• Nontraditional CLE such as teaching, writing, or bar committee service may be accepted with approval

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to meet CLE requirements receive a deficiency notice
• Deficient hours must be completed by December 1 and reported by December 15
• Continued noncompliance may result in disciplinary action or suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of credits and payment of any associated fees

How to Report CLE in Arkansas

1. Log into the Arkansas Courts / CLE reporting portal
2. Review your CLE transcript or attendance record
3. Submit certificates or attendance verification for any missing credits
4. File your annual compliance certification by July 31
5. If deficient, complete remaining credits by December 1 and report by December 15

Arkansas CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Arkansas?

12 hours per reporting period, including 1 hour in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete all CLE online?

Yes. On-demand or distance learning courses are allowed if accredited by the CLE Board.

How many ethics hours are required?

At least 1 hour per reporting period.

Can I carry over unused credits?

Yes. Up to 12 hours may carry forward, including 1 ethics hour.

Who is exempt from CLE in Arkansas?

Attorneys age 70 or older, with 40 years of licensure, on voluntary inactive status, or newly admitted during the period.

What happens if I do not comply?

You will receive a deficiency notice and must complete your credits by December 1. Continued noncompliance may result in suspension.

Can teaching or writing count toward CLE?

Yes. Attorneys may earn additional credit for teaching, presenting, or authoring CLE materials with Board approval.

Arkansas CLE Resources

• Arkansas Office of Professional Programs: https://arcourts.gov/administration/professional-programs/cle
• Arkansas CLE Rules & Regulations (PDF): https://arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/CLE%20Rules%20and%20Regulations.pdf
• Arkansas CLE FAQ: https://arcourts.gov/administration/professional-programs/cle/faq