South Carolina Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

South Carolina CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	14 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year (including 1 hour in substance abuse or mental health every 2 years)
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 8 hours per year may be earned through on-demand programs
Compliance Period	March 1 – February 28 (29) each year
Reporting Deadline	March 1 each year
Carryover Credit	Up to 14 general hours may carry forward; ethics may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the South Carolina Bar MCLE Portal

Overview

South Carolina attorneys must complete 14 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics or professional responsibility (with 1 hour in substance abuse or mental health every 2 years). The compliance period runs from March 1 through the end of February, and attorneys must report compliance by March 1 through the South Carolina Bar MCLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 14 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, 2 hours must be in ethics or professional responsibility
  • At least 1 hour in substance abuse, mental health, or wellness every 2 years
• Up to 8 hours may be completed through accredited on-demand or self-study programs
• The remaining hours must be earned through live or interactive CLE activities
• CLE credit may also be earned for teaching, writing, or participating in approved bar programs
• Programs must be accredited by the South Carolina Commission on CLE and Specialization

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs annually from March 1 through February 28 (or 29 in leap years)
• All CLE hours must be completed by the end of February
• Reporting and certification must be submitted by March 1

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the South Carolina Bar MCLE Portal
• Accredited providers may also report attendance directly to the Commission
• Attorneys are responsible for ensuring their transcript is accurate and complete
• Late reporting or noncompliance results in deficiency notices and fees

Carryover Rules

• Up to 14 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance year
• Ethics and substance abuse/mental health hours cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt from CLE requirements for the reporting year in which they are admitted
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys reinstating to active status must complete any missed CLE from their inactive period
• Extensions or waivers may be granted for hardship, illness, or military service

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the South Carolina Commission on CLE and Specialization
• Out-of-state CLE accredited by another jurisdiction may qualify upon submission for approval
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Authoring legal publications
  • Bar-related or committee educational service
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Deficiency
• Late reporting or noncompliance results in a $50–$100 penalty depending on severity
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the South Carolina Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of deficient CLE, payment of fees, and submission of proof of compliance

How to Report CLE in South Carolina

1. Complete 14 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours (and 1 mental health hour every 2 years), by February 28
2. Log in to the South Carolina Bar MCLE Portal
3. Verify your CLE transcript and confirm course attendance
4. Submit your compliance certification by March 1
5. Retain all certificates and documentation for audit

South Carolina CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in South Carolina?

14 hours annually, including 2 in ethics (with 1 in mental health/substance abuse every 2 years).

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 8 hours per year may be completed through on-demand or self-study courses.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 14 general hours may carry forward, but ethics and mental health credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in South Carolina?

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 deficiency notice, incur late fees, and risk suspension if deficiencies are not corrected.

Does South Carolina require specific mental health CLE?

Yes. At least 1 hour of mental health, substance abuse, or wellness CLE is required every 2 years.

South Carolina CLE Resources

• SC Commission on CLE & Specialization: https://www.commcle.org/
• CLE Rules (Rule 408, SCACR): https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://www.commcle.org/attorneys/
• South Carolina Bar CLE Department: https://www.scbar.org/cle