In our ongoing attempt to make some sense of the frustrating maze of mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) rules and regulations, we bring you the latest State-By-State Guide: CLE Course Accreditation Forms.
This guide attempts to address inquires we’ve received from our readers and clients. It is based on our experience with the application for CLE accreditation process and examination of each form. If your experience differs, we’d love to hear about it.
Inquiries:
- I don’t have the full suite of Adobe Acrobat. Which forms can I complete online?
- Can I complete the forms in Microsoft Word?
- Do I use the same form to apply for accreditation of non-traditional formats such as webinars, and DVDs?
- If my course is not accredited, can attorneys apply directly to receive credits in their states?
Results:
- 32 of 45 states use the same application form for traditional and non-traditional courses. 7 use separate forms for “alternative delivery” courses, as Kansas City labels them. Delaware goes one step further and requires both when applying accreditation of an electronic-based course. In Arizona, as with all courses, there is no application process as all courses are presumptively accredited. And Tennessee doesn’t even provide forms unless you call. I’m still not sure why this unique exception exists. North Dakota doesn’t pre-approve self-study, and the remaining two, Louisiana and Missouri don’t make provisions for this.
Confused? I am, at times, and I do this every week. Welcome to the frustrating maze of CLE rules and regulations. Does it have to be this difficult?
- 17 states provide separate forms for attorneys to apply for credits in courses they attended that were not accredited in that state. In 24 states, attorneys can use the same form as providers. Florida and Nebraska don’t have this provision.
- Only 19 states provide online fill-in forms via PDF, RTF and DOC formats. That’s less than half, arguably a failure on their part. With thousands of applications to wade though every year, clearly filled-in forms could eliminate confusion based on illegible handwriting.
I hope you find this somewhat useful. If you’d like to see additional guides, please let us know by commenting below.
UPDATE: It has been brought to my attention that Florida does indeed have a separate form that provides for an attorney to submit an application for CLE credit for attending courses not previously approved by The Florida Bar
UPDATE #2: Marilyn Bush LeLeiko over at lawwriting.com has compiled a terrific chart with links to the applications forms discussed here
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◊ Tim Baran, a former law firm continuing legal education and library director, helps presenters and providers get CLE accreditation for their courses and webinars. Check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for more information and opportunities to engage.
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Can’t we use the uniform application?
Thanks for stopping by. Good question. I’ve had uniform applications returned to me from jurisdictions that claim to accept them saying that they no longer do. And for others, there are additional attachments and requirements rendering the App less than useful.
Tough it would make my life much easier, I’ve gone away from using the Uniform Application to avoid confusion and delays.
I’ve updated the post to add information about a chart compiled by Marilyn Bush LeLeiko at lawwriting.com that includes links to the application forms.
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