North Carolina CLE Requirements

Required North Carolina CLE Credits

Effective 3/1/2024 the reporting period is two years. Attorneys who were admitted during an even year will begin the new 2-year 24-credit requirements.


*For 2024 only, NC attorneys who were admitted during an odd year will have a 1-year and 12 hour requirement (i.e. 3/1/2024-2/28/2025)

24.00 Total Credit Hours

every

2 Years

All credit hours may be taken as live or online programs.


North Carolina CLE Reporting Deadlines

Deadline to complete CLEs: Last day of February

Reporting deadline: Last day of February

Reporting period: 2 Years

NBI reports your credit to the North Carolina State Board of Continuing Legal Education.

North Carolina


How many CLE credits do you need in North Carolina?

Active status attorneys in North Carolina must complete 24.00 CLE credits every two years to maintain good standing with the North Carolina State Bar.

When is the North Carolina CLE reporting deadline?

North Carolina attorneys must complete 24.00 hours of required credit, including any specialty hours required, by the last day of February every two years.

How long is the North Carolina CLE reporting period, and when does it end?

The reporting period is 2 years and ends on the last day of February.

How do I report my North Carolina CLE credits?

NBI reports your credit to the North Carolina State Board of Continuing Legal Education.

You can view your transcript online at the North Carolina State Bar website.

How can Experienced North Carolina Attorneys fulfill the North Carolina CLE requirements in compliance with format of delivery regulations?

Experienced attorneys can fulfill their North Carolina CLE requirement by completing courses approved and accredited by the North Carolina State Bar Board of CLE. Examples of accepted course formats include:

Live CLE

  • Live Webcasts
  • Teleconferences
  • CLE Classes in Live Traditional Classroom

Online

How many North Carolina CLE credits can I carry over?

North Carolina attorneys may carry over 12.00 CLE credits to the next calendar year. Carryover hours will count toward a member's total hour requirement but may not be used to satisfy the professional responsibility, technology, or professional well-being requirements.

How many North Carolina CLE credits can I earn with online courses?

There is no limit on the number of CLE credits you can earn through online courses.

What are the specialty credit requirements in North Carolina?

All North Carolina attorneys need 4.00 professional responsibility credits, 1.00 credit in technology training, and 1.00 credit in professional well-being every two years.

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

Yes. In-program attendance verification is required for downloadable courses.

Additional CLE resources for North Carolina attorneys

Are you newly admitted to the North Carolina State Bar? Here’s what you need to know:

What are the North Carolina CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys?

Newly admitted attorneys in North Carolina must complete a 12.00 hour Professionalism for New Attorneys Program within the first year of their admission.

How can North Carolina Newly Admitted Attorneys Fulfill Their CLE Requirements?

Newly Admitted attorneys must complete the Professionalism for New Attorneys Program in the year they are first required to meet NC CLE requirements. Credit for the program is applied to the annual mandatory CLE requirements.

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

Yes. CLE credits earned after graduation from law school may be carried over to the next reporting period. If you complete CLE credits in addition to the courses required for the New Attorneys Program, you may carry over up to 12.00 credits to the next reporting period, but those credits may not be used to satisfy the professional responsibility, technology, or professional well-being requirements.

When does my first reporting period for North Carolina end?

The reporting period is 2 years and ends on the last day of February. The reporting period for newly admitted members shall begin on March 1 of the calendar year of admission.

Are there any special credit requirements for new attorneys in North Carolina?

Yes. Newly admitted attorneys in North Carolina must complete the Professionalism for New Attorneys Program in the year they are first required to meet NC CLE requirements. Credit for the program is applied to the annual mandatory CLE requirements.

If you were licensed in another state for 5 or more years at the time you were admitted to the North Carolina State Bar, you are exempt from this requirement. However, you must notify the State Bar of the exemption in the first annual report form sent to you.

What if a Newly Admitted Attorney in North Carolina is already licensed in another state?

If you were licensed in another state for 5 or more years at the time you were admitted to the NC State Bar, you are exempt from the requirement; however, you must notify the State Bar of the exemption in the first annual report form sent to you by the CLE department (that you must complete and return to the CLE department). Check this page for more information.