Kentucky CLE Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for Attorneys

1. Annual Credit Requirements

Kentucky attorneys must complete 12 CLE credit hours per reporting year (July 1 – June ?30)

2. Ethics Credits

Within those 12 hours, at least 2 hours must be designated Ethics credits

3. Live vs. Self-Study Formats

Kentucky permits attorneys to earn all 12 credit hours via self-study, such as on demand CLE.


Live events—seminars, interactive webinars, in-person sessions—are also accredited but not required for a minimum quota.

4. Deadlines & Reporting

  • CLE completion must occur by June?30 of each reporting year

  • All CLE credits must be reported to the KBA by August?10 following the reporting year (via Form 3 or online)

5. Carryover Credits

Attorneys may carry forward unused credits, up to 24 hours, including a maximum of 4 Ethics hours, for use across the next two reporting years

6. Newly-Admitted Attorneys

Within 12 months of admission, new attorneys must complete the 12-hour New Lawyer Program, typically offered in January or February during the KBA Annual Convention

7. Extension, Penalties & Discipline

  • Extensions may be granted upon request using KBA Form 8, subject to approval and possible fee

  • Failure to complete CLE or report timely may trigger fines, enforced counseling, or suspension .

8. Earning Credits via Activities

Kentucky also provides credit for educational activities like teaching, program planning, writing, and publishing legal articles, per SCR?3.650 and SCR?3.655

Why Kentucky’s CLE Rules Matter

This structure—12 credits, 2 ethics hours, flexible delivery methods—ensures attorneys maintain competence, uphold ethical standards, and stay informed in a changing legal landscape. With generous carryover provisions and self-study allowance, it’s a system designed for both rigor and convenience.

Pro Tips to Maximize Compliance

  1. Plan Early: Spread out credits across live and self-study, logging through the KBA online portal.

  2. Cover Ethics First: Secure your 2-hour ethics requirement early with webinars or in-person events.

  3. Leverage Self-Study: Use this flexible option to complete credits on your own time.

  4. Carry Over Smartly: If you exceed your 12-credit requirement, bank up to 24 credits across two years.

  5. Newly Admitted? Enroll in the KBA’s New Lawyer Program within your first year.

  6. Watch the Deadline: Complete credits by June?30; file by August?10 to avoid penalties.

In Summary

  • 12 total credits, including 2 ethics hours

  • Reportable by August 10 each year

  • All self-study credits allowed

  • 24-hour carryover allowance

  • Creditable for teaching, writing, and prep

  • New lawyers must complete a 12-hour introductory program

Author’s Note: This blog reflects Kentucky’s CLE rules as of June 2025. For full regulatory details, refer to Kentucky SCR?3.600–3.675 and the KBA CLE Commission website.