Idaho Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Idaho CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	30 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
Compliance Period	3-year cycle ending December 31
Reporting Deadline	February 1 following the compliance period
Carryover Credit	Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward (ethics hours cannot)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, senior/emeritus members, inactive attorneys
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via Idaho State Bar Member Portal

Overview

Idaho requires all active attorneys to complete 30 CLE credit hours every 3 years, including 3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility. The compliance period ends December 31, and attorneys must report completion by February 1 of the following year through the Idaho State Bar’s online reporting system.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 30 total CLE hours required every 3 years
• At least 3 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• Up to 15 of the 30 hours may be self-study or online courses if accredited
• Live, on-demand, or hybrid courses are permitted if accredited by the Idaho State Bar CLE Department
• Attorneys may also earn CLE credit through teaching, writing, or bar service if approved

Compliance Period

• Each attorney has a 3-year compliance cycle ending December 31
• All CLE credits must be completed within that period
• Reporting and certification are due by February 1 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE via the Idaho State Bar Member Portal
• Providers often report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for verifying accuracy
• The Bar mails reminder notices prior to the end of each compliance cycle
• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE by the deadline receive a notice of deficiency

Carryover Rules

• Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance cycle
• Ethics or professional responsibility credits cannot be carried forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements during the year of admission but must complete the New Admittee Education Requirement (NAER) within 12 months of admission
• Senior and emeritus attorneys may be exempt or have reduced requirements
• Inactive members are exempt while inactive but must complete CLE prior to reinstatement
• Hardship exemptions or extensions may be requested for good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be approved by the Idaho State Bar CLE Department
• Out-of-state courses accredited by another MCLE jurisdiction may be accepted upon submission
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching CLE or law courses
  • Authoring published legal materials
  • Bar or committee service involving educational programs
• Applications for program or self-study credit must be submitted within 60 days of completion

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to comply receive a deficiency notice from the Idaho State Bar
• If not cured, the attorney may be placed on administrative suspension
• Reinstatement requires completion of deficient hours, payment of fees, and filing of a compliance affidavit

How to Report CLE in Idaho

1. Complete required CLE hours by December 31 of your compliance period
2. Log in to the Idaho State Bar Member Portal
3. Enter and verify completed CLE credits
4. Submit your compliance certification by February 1
5. Retain attendance certificates and supporting documentation for audit

Idaho CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Idaho?

30 credit hours every 3 years, including 3 hours in ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 15 hours per cycle may be earned through accredited online or self-study programs.

Can I carry over CLE credits?

Yes. Up to 15 general CLE hours may carry forward, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Idaho?

Newly admitted attorneys (first year), inactive members, and certain senior/emeritus attorneys.

What happens if I fail to report CLE?

You’ll receive a deficiency notice and may be placed on administrative suspension until compliance is achieved.

What is the New Admittee Education Requirement (NAER)?

A mandatory program for new Idaho attorneys that must be completed within 12 months of admission.

Idaho CLE Resources

• Idaho State Bar CLE Information: https://isb.idaho.gov/member-services/mcle/
• CLE Rules (IBCR 402–408): https://isb.idaho.gov/bar-counsel/idaho-bar-commission-rules/
• Idaho State Bar Member Portal: https://isb.idaho.gov/
• New Admittee Education Requirement (NAER): https://isb.idaho.gov/member-services/mcle/naer/