What is a CLE certificate?
David Jones
Updated on April 04, 2026
Continuing legal education (CLE), also known as mandatory or minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) or continuing professional development, consists of professional education for attorneys that takes place after their initial admission to the bar.
How many CLE credits do I need in Minnesota?
45
Minnesota-licensed lawyers on active status must report at least 45 continuing legal education (CLE) credit hours every three years. Included in the 45 credit hours must be a minimum of 3 ethics or professional responsibility credit hours and a minimum of 2 elimination of bias credit hours.
How can I get free CLE?
Free CLE? Here are 4 Top Continuing Legal Education Sources
- American Bar Association (ABA) Free CLE Series.
- State and local bar associations.
- 4FreeCLE.
- Legal research services.
What is CLE self study?
The MCLE rules specify that some types of activities qualify for self-study credit. They include: Studying online materials and taking an assessment test. Preparing written materials for a law book or legal course.
Are cles free?
Most of these offerings aren’t for free — but some are. If you start early enough, you can get your on-demand credits (or all of your credits, depending on your state) done for free. The ABA also offers a “free” CLE programs for members.
Is California a 60 minute CLE state?
Calculating credit hours Hours are rounded up or down to the nearest quarter-hour and expressed in decimals. California requires that providers give 60 minutes for each hour of instruction.
Are there any on demand CLE courses in Minnesota?
Explore our broad spectrum of “just-in-time” on demand course offerings. Minnesota CLE Deskbooks are comprehensive legal and practice-based texts written and edited by some of the best lawyers in the state. Minnesota CLE offers a host of multi-day annual institutes – find out what’s coming up.
What is mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE)?
Licensed Minnesota lawyers are required to continue their legal education throughout their careers. Mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) is a Minnesota Supreme Court requirement. Elevator access to the 9th floor of the building remains limited. We recommend calling before coming to the Board offices.
What is the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education?
The Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education is the agency to whom attorneys report seminar attendance in order to remain in compliance with licensure continuing education requirements. An attorney’s compliance deadline is related to the reporting category assigned and printed on the wallet license card.
What states does Minnesota CLE have credit approval in?
Minnesota CLE has general credit approval with the states of Wisconsin, North Dakota, and California. This means that if you are licensed in one of these states and take a course from Minnesota CLE, you will receive credit from that state’s licensing board without having to apply on a course-by-course basis.
