Oklahoma CLE Requirements: A Guide for Attorneys

1. Annual Credit Requirements

  • 12 CLE credit hours are required each calendar year (January 1 – December 31)

  • At least 2 of those hours must focus on legal ethics or professionalism, including mental health, substance abuse, and malpractice prevention

2. Live vs. Distance Learning Formats

  • Attorneys can complete all 12 credits via online/self-study formats or live seminars—there are no limits on distance learning

  • “Instructional hours” consist of 50 minutes of approved education (breaks don’t count)

3. Deadlines & Reporting

  • All credits must be earned by December 31 each year

  • CLE must be reported by February 15 of the following year. Providers normally report within 30 days, but attorneys may need to submit credit certificates directly if not already posted

  • No self-reporting required unless credits are missing—then attorneys file an Annual Report of Compliance by Feb 15

4. Credit Carryover

  • Unused CLE may be “carried forward” up to 12 hours only into the next calendar year, including ethics credits

5. Newly Admitted Attorneys

  • Attorneys admitted mid-year are exempt for the remainder of that year

  • Up to 12 credits earned during the admission year can be carried forward to the first full compliance year

6. Teaching & Academic Credits

  • Lawyers receive 6 CLE credits per 50 minutes of approved teaching, including ABA-accredited law school courses

  • Auditing or enrolling in ABA law school courses earns 3x credit hours earned

7. Late Fees, Extensions & Waivers

  • Completing CLE after Dec 31 but before Feb 15 incurs a $100 fee; after Feb 15, $200

  • Attorneys suspended for non-compliance may face reinstatement fees up to $700

  • No formal extensions, but waivers or hardship exemptions may be granted for physical disability, health, or extenuating circumstances—written request needed

Why Oklahoma’s CLE Rules Matter

  • Links continual professional development with ethical accountability.

  • Robust flexibility supports remote work and busy schedules.

  • Carryover and new-admit relief ease transitions and planning.

Pro Tips to Ace Oklahoma CLE

  1. Track your progress via MyOKBar—especially in December.

  2. Plan your ethics hours early—those 2 hours are non-negotiable.

  3. Use distance learning for maximum flexibility.

  4. Carry over credit after admission or ahead of a busy year.

  5. Submit certificates promptly to avoid reporting delays.

  6. If you miss the deadline, pay the fee and wrap it up by Feb 15.

  7. Apply for waivers early if a serious hardship arises.

Browse our Oklahoma CLE packages and courses today!

Author’s Note: Information current as of June 2025. Check Oklahoma MCLE Commission Rules and the OBA website for updates.