Oklahoma Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Oklahoma 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, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 6 hours per year may be earned through on-demand or self-study
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	February 15 of the following year
Carryover Credit	Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry forward; ethics hours may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Oklahoma Bar Association MCLE Portal

Overview

Oklahoma attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The CLE year runs from January 1 through December 31, and attorneys must report completion by February 15 of the following year using the Oklahoma Bar Association’s MCLE online reporting system.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 12 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, 2 hours must be in ethics, professionalism, or substance abuse
• Up to 6 hours may be completed through accredited on-demand or self-study programs
• The remaining hours must be earned through live or interactive participation
• Attorneys may earn additional credit for teaching, writing, or bar-related education activities
• All CLE programs must be approved by the Oklahoma MCLE Commission

Compliance Period

• The CLE compliance period runs January 1 through December 31
• All credits must be completed within the calendar year
• Reporting and certification must be completed by February 15 of the following year

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE via the Oklahoma Bar Association MCLE Portal
• Accredited CLE providers often report attendance directly to the OBA
• Attorneys should review their CLE transcript regularly to confirm accuracy
• Late compliance results in a $50 late reporting fee and a Notice of Noncompliance

Carryover Rules

• Up to 12 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next reporting year
• Ethics or professional responsibility credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements for the remainder of the year they are admitted
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete CLE for any missed years
• Waivers or extensions may be granted for hardship, illness, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE activities must be accredited by the Oklahoma Bar Association MCLE Commission
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited by another jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may also earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Participation in bar association educational activities
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to meet CLE requirements receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A 60-day grace period may be granted to complete missing hours and pay a $50 late fee
• Continued noncompliance results in administrative suspension by the Oklahoma Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, payment of fees, and submission of proof of compliance

How to Report CLE in Oklahoma

1. Complete 12 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by December 31
2. Log into the Oklahoma Bar Association MCLE Portal
3. Verify your transcript and ensure all courses are properly listed
4. Submit your compliance certification by February 15
5. Retain certificates and attendance records for audit

Oklahoma CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Oklahoma?

12 hours annually, including 2 hours 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 credits?

Yes. Up to 12 general hours may carry forward, but ethics hours cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Oklahoma?

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

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll incur a late fee and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies aren’t corrected.

Does teaching or publishing count for CLE?

Yes. Attorneys may receive credit for teaching or authoring approved legal educational materials.

Oklahoma CLE Resources

• Oklahoma Bar Association MCLE: https://www.okbar.org/mcle/
• CLE Rules (Rule 3, Rules for MCLE): https://www.okbar.org/members/mcle/rules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.okbar.org/mcle/member-login/
• Oklahoma MCLE FAQs: https://www.okbar.org/mcle/faqs/