CLE Guide
CLE vs MCLE — What's the Difference?
Short answer: there is no practical difference. Both refer to the mandatory continuing education that attorneys must complete. The terminology just depends on your state.
CLE and MCLE Explained
CLE stands for Continuing Legal Education. It's the umbrella term for the ongoing professional development courses that attorneys complete after being admitted to the bar.
MCLE stands for Minimum Continuing Legal Education. It refers to the same thing, with the word “Minimum” emphasizing that the state's required hours are a floor — attorneys are encouraged (and often benefit from) taking more education than the minimum.
The distinction is purely terminology. Whether your state calls it CLE or MCLE, you're completing the same type of professional education from the same types of approved providers.
CLE
Continuing Legal Education
Used by most states including New York, Arizona, and Connecticut. The broader, more common term.
MCLE
Minimum Continuing Legal Education
Used by California and some other states. Emphasizes that state-mandated hours are the minimum expectation.
Which Term Does Your State Use?
TalksOnLaw is accredited in the following states, whether they call it CLE or MCLE.
| State | Term Used | Hours Required | Period | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | CLE | 24 hours | Every 2 years | View requirements → |
| California | MCLE | 25 hours | Every 3 years | View requirements → |
| Illinois | MCLE | 30 hours | Every 2 years | View requirements → |
| Arizona | CLE | 15 hours | Every 1 year | View requirements → |
| Connecticut | CLE | 12 hours | Every 1 year | View requirements → |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CLE the same as MCLE?
Yes, for practical purposes. Both refer to the mandatory continuing education that attorneys must complete to maintain their law license. CLE stands for Continuing Legal Education, while MCLE stands for Minimum Continuing Legal Education. The terminology varies by state, but the underlying concept and requirements are the same.
Why do some states say MCLE instead of CLE?
States that use 'MCLE' (like California) emphasize the word 'Minimum' to clarify that the state-mandated hours represent the floor, not the ceiling, of ongoing education. States that use 'CLE' (like New York) simply use the broader term. There is no difference in how the programs function.
Which states use the term MCLE?
California is the most prominent state that uses 'MCLE' to describe its continuing legal education program. Several other states also use MCLE or similar variations. Most states, including New York and Illinois, use 'CLE.' Regardless of terminology, all programs require attorneys to complete a set number of credit hours per reporting period.
Do CLE credits transfer between CLE and MCLE states?
Credits from an approved provider generally count in any state where that provider is accredited, regardless of whether the state calls it CLE or MCLE. For example, a TalksOnLaw course approved in both New York (CLE) and California (MCLE) counts toward requirements in both states.
Complete Your CLE (or MCLE) with TalksOnLaw
Whatever your state calls it, TalksOnLaw has you covered. Hundreds of expert-led courses, accredited in NY, CA, IL, AZ, and CT.