Arkansas CLE Requirements
Arkansas attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours every annual reporting period (July 1–June 30), with at least 1 hour in ethics.
All credits must be completed by June 30 and reported by July 31 to remain in good standing.
Key Points:
- Credit Calculation: 60 minutes = 1 credit hour (rounded to the nearest quarter hour).
- Ethics/Professionalism: Minimum 1 hour in ethics (may include professionalism topics).
- Formats Allowed: All credits may be earned via live in-person, live webcast, or approved on-demand programs.
- Carryover: Up to 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried into the following reporting period.
- Exemptions: Attorneys and judges age 70+ or with 40 years of licensure in Arkansas are exempt from CLE requirements.
- New Admittees: Must complete the first CLE requirement by June 30 of the year after admission; a mandatory ethics/skills course may be required.
How to Track & Report Arkansas CLE Credits
- Credit reports are due July 31 for the preceding period.
- The sponsor must independently verify the attorney’s attendance before issuing a certificate.
- Certificates must be retained for audit and reporting purposes.
- Access forms, check your transcript, and submit credits via the Arkansas Attorney portal or Supreme Court Office of Professional Programs.
Special Rules: Remote Programs & Reciprocity
- Remote learning: All 12 credits may be earned through approved online videos, webinars, or live webcasts.
- Attendance verification: Sponsors must verify attendance for certificate issuance.
- Program evaluation: Courses must include a Q&A session and be subject to evaluation.
- Reciprocity: Programs accredited in other jurisdictions may qualify, but must meet Arkansas standards.
Qualifying Ethics & Professionalism Topics
Ethics/Professionalism credits may include content focused on:
- Competency and dedication to clients
- Civility among attorneys and judges
- Improvements in justice and the legal system
- Advancement of the rule of law
- Service to the community
- Respect and dignity toward others in the profession
- Dispute resolution methods
- Litigation abuse or misuse
Arkansas CLE Provider & Course Standards
- Course content: Must contribute to the professional competence of attorneys/judges, covering substantive law, professionalism, or ethics.
- Presenters: Must have appropriate academic or professional background.
- Educational materials: Must be well-prepared and provide clear value.
- Attendance verification and course evaluation: Required for CLE approval.
- Self-study: Not accepted for Arkansas CLE credit.
Key Arkansas CLE Deadlines
- Complete all CLE credits: By June 30 each year
- Report credits: By July 31 annually
- Carryover credit: Up to 12 credits (including 1 ethics), applied to the next period
- Exemptions: Age 70+, 40 years of licensure in Arkansas
- New admittee requirement: Must complete by June 30 following admission
- Correction/audit: Maintain certificates for possible verification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I complete all 12 Arkansas CLE credits online?
Yes—all credits, including ethics, may be completed through approved online and on-demand courses.
Q: Does Arkansas require attendance verification for CLE credit?
Yes; sponsors must independently verify attendance before issuing CLE certificates.
Q: Are there any carryover limits?
You may carry over up to 12 credits (including 1 ethics) to the following reporting year.
Q: Who is exempt from Arkansas CLE?
Attorneys age 70+ or with 40 years of Arkansas licensure are exempt.
Q: Can self-study courses be used for Arkansas CLE?
No, self-study is not accepted; all CLE must be from approved, verified programs.
Enroll in Accredited Arkansas CLE Programs Today
- Complete all 12 required credits on your schedule
- Live interactive webinars & convenient on-demand sessions
- Certificates available instantly for reporting
If you would like MCLE credit in Arkansas for a Trial Guides CLE course not previously approved, please request credit here.