Pennsylvania CLE Requirements

Everything you need to know to stay in compliance


Temporary Rule Change: Due to COVID-19, the cap on distance learning credits earned through live online seminars or live webinars has been eliminated for 2022 and 2023 compliance periods. There is still a limit of 6.00 CLE credits for pre-recorded online courses for 2022 and 2023 compliance periods.

MCLE State

Overview

Required Pennsylvania CLE Credits:

Total credit hours: 12.00 credit hours every year.

A maximum of 6.00 credit hours may be taken as distance learning programs. However, the cap on distance learning credits earned through live online seminars and live webinars has been eliminated for 2022 and 2023 compliance periods. Note, there is still a limit of 6.00 credit hours for pre-recorded online courses for 2022 and 2023 compliance periods.

Pennsylvania CLE Reporting Deadlines:

Deadline to Complete CLEs: Attorneys are randomly assigned to one of three Compliance Groups with the following deadlines:

  • Group 1: April 30
  • Group 2: August 31
  • Group 3: December 31

Reporting Deadline: 30 days after program completion.

Reporting Period: 1 year


Common Questions About Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Rules and Regulations

General Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Credit Requirements

How many CLE credits do you need in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, attorneys must complete 12.00 CLE credits each year by the deadline for their assigned Compliance Group to maintain good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar. There are exceptions for members of the judiciary, active duty military lawyers, newly admitted lawyers, and lawyers with voluntary inactive status and non-resident active deferral status.

How long is the Pennsylvania CLE reporting period, and when does mine end?

The reporting period is 1 year.

There are three Compliance Groups, with the following deadlines:

  • Group 1 - April 30
  • Group 2 - August 31
  • Group 3 - December 31

You are permanently assigned to a compliance group when you are admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. You can check your CLE status on the Pennsylvania CLE Board website.

How do I report my Pennsylvania CLE credits?

Accredited CLE providers are required to report your CLE attendance to the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board within 30 days after the program.

How many distance learning credits can I use to meet my Pennsylvania CLE requirements?

You can complete a maximum of 6.00 Pennsylvania CLE credits with distance learning courses.*

*Due to COVID-19, a temporary rule change eliminates the cap on distance learning credits earned through live online seminars and live webinars for 2022 and 2023 compliance periods. There is still a limit of 6.00 credit hours for pre-recorded online courses  for 2022 and 2023 compliance periods.

How many Pennsylvania CLE credits can I carry over?

Pennsylvania attorneys can currently carry over up to 24.00 credits earned from live in-person courses for two successive compliance periods. The rule allows you to carry up to twice the annual credits required. You may carry over ethics and substantive credits. Any excess ethics credits will fulfill substantive credits requirements before being carried over to the following year.

Distance learning CLE credits cannot be carried over.**

**Due to COVID-19, a temporary rule change permits distance learning credits earned through live online seminars or live webinars during 2022 and 2023 compliance periods to carry over.

What are the specialty credit requirements in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania attorneys must complete 2.00 ethics CLE credits every compliance period, which may include ethics, professionalism, or substance abuse.

Is in-program attendance verification required to receive Pennsylvania CLE credit?

Yes. In-program attendance verification is required.

Are you newly admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar? Here’s what you need to know:

What are the Pennsylvania CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys?

Newly admitted attorneys in Pennsylvania are exempt from Pennsylvania Bar CLE requirements for up to 2 years after their admission to the bar. Newly admitted attorneys must also complete the Pennsylvania Bridge the Gap program.

Can I carry over credits I completed during my first year of practice?

Yes. Although you are not required to meet CLE requirements during your first year, up to 24.00 CLE credits earned during that time will carry over for up to 2 compliance periods.

When does my first Compliance Period end?

You are permanently assigned to a compliance group when you are admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. You can check your CLE status on the Pennsylvania CLE Board website.

Depending on your compliance group, you have a grace period of up to 2 years after admission to the bar before you must report Pennsylvania CLE credits. You must complete your first 12.00 CLE credits (including the Bridge the Gap credits) by the deadline for your compliance group (either April 30, August 31, or December 31) the year after you were admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.

Are there any special credit requirements for new attorneys in Pennsylvania?

Yes. All new attorneys in Pennsylvania must complete the Pennsylvania Bridge the Gap program by the end of the compliance period after their grace period.

I was admitted by motion. Do I still have to take the Bridge the Gap program?

No. The Pennsylvania Bridge the Gap requirement is for attorneys new to the practice of law.

I was recently admitted to the bar and completed a Bridge the Gap program in another state. Do I still have to complete the Pennsylvania Bridge the Gap?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Bridge the Gap courses provide attorneys with information specific to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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