CLE FAQ

North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) vs. NC State Bar (NCSB)

What is the difference between the NC Bar Association (NCBA) and the NC State Bar (NCSB) especially in regard to Continuing Legal Education (CLE)?

The NCSB is the government agency responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in North Carolina. All licensed North Carolina lawyers must be members of the State Bar, pay their annual dues and complete CLE annually. The NCSB does not offer CLE but is the organization that requires lawyers to take CLE.

Access more information on CLE requirements in North Carolina from the NCSB’s CLE website.

The NCBA is a voluntary statewide organization serving the diverse needs of the legal profession with member services such as CLE, legislative lobbying, specialty sections, public service activities and much more. The NCBA offers CLE programs to the legal community for both attorneys and paralegals. The NCBA reports credit hours earned directly to the NCSB for attorneys. Only NC licensed attorneys with NCSB numbers on file will have their hours reported. Tuition for a CLE program covers any CLE program fees required from the NCSB.

More information about the Association can be found on the NCBA website.

NC State Bar CLE Requirements

How many CLE hours do I need to take if I’m an attorney?
The NCSB requires that each active member shall complete 24 hours of approved continuing legal education during their respective two-year reporting period. Four of the 24 hours must be in the area of professional responsibility (ethics) or professionalism, one hour shall be devoted to technology training, and once during the two-year reporting period, attorneys must complete one hour of professional well-being (PWB).

Attorneys may carry over up to 12 credit hours from one reporting period to the next. Carryover hours will count towards the total hours requirement but may not be used to satisfy the specialty credit requirements.

As of January 1, 2020, North Carolina attorneys may take all of their required annual CLE hours online. Access the NCBA CLE catalog.

More information on CLE requirements in North Carolina can be found on the NCSB’s CLE website.

How many ethics/professional responsibility credit hours do I need?
Four of the 24 hours must be in the area of professional responsibility (ethics) or professionalism.

More information on CLE requirements in North Carolina can be found on the NCSB’s CLE website.

Do I need professional well-being (PWB) credit hours?
Yes. One hour of PWB is required during the two-year reporting period.

More information on CLE Requirements in North Carolina  can be found on the NCSB’s CLE website.

How many technology training credit hours do I need?
You need at least one technology training credit hour each reporting period.

How do I access my NC State Bar CLE record?
Attorneys can check their CLE compliance on the NC State Bar Member Portal.

How do I access my NCBA CLE information?
You can access a record of all of the programs you have registered for, certificates of completion and your NCBA CLE transcript through your NCBA CLE account. Certificates of completion for dated programs are available within two weeks of the program and can be found in your NCBA CLE account.

NCBA CLE Changes to Existing Registrations: Transfers, Cancellations, Substitutions and Tuition

Can I transfer my registration?
An attendee may choose to transfer their registration for a dated CLE program such as an In-Person Live, In-Person Replay, Live Webcast or Rebroadcast format of the same program only. A refund will be issued, and the new program format must be purchased. Transfer requests must be received by 9 a.m. ET one (1) business day prior to the program start date. Transfer requests must be provided in writing by email to [email protected] or by calling 919.677.0561.

Can I cancel my registration?
Should an attendee need to cancel their registration to an In-Person Live, In-Person Replay, Live Webcast or Rebroadcast program, the cancellation request must be received by 9 a.m. ET one (1) week prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Any attendee requesting cancellation less than one week prior to the program will receive a refund, less a $75 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be provided in writing by email to [email protected] or by calling 919.677.0561.

Can someone attend a NCBA CLE program in my place?
An attendee may further choose to substitute their registration to an In-Person Live, In-Person Replay, Live Webcast or Rebroadcast program only. Substitution means sending another person to attend the program when the original registrant is unable to attend. Substitution requests must be received by 9 a.m. ET one (1) week prior to the program start date. The original registrant will receive a refund, and the substituted person will be charged and may be assessed a different rate based on their NCBA membership classification. Substitution requests must be provided in writing by email to [email protected] or by calling 919.677.0561.

What if I miss a CLE program and did not cancel or transfer?
Anyone who is registered for a program, including CLE Premier Pass holders, but does not check-in, is considered a no-show. No-shows are not issued a refund, and CLE  Premier Pass holders will be assessed a $75 administrative fee. These registrants will receive the digital materials, available for up to 90 days in your NCBA CLE account, in full consideration of tuition paid.

If I can only attend a portion of a CLE program, do I have to pay full price? Is CLE pro-rated?
If you can only attend a portion of a CLE, you will still be required to pay full tuition. CLE tuition is not pro-rated.

Can I change formats once the live program has started?
No. After the live CLE program begins, you will have real-time access to only the program format for which you are registered — either In-Person Live or Live Webcast — and your registration cannot be switched.

What if I end up missing part of a CLE program by arriving late or leaving early?
If an attendee misses any portion of a program, that portion is not subject to substitution, refund or transfer. Except as provided herein, registrations, including On-Demand registrations, cannot be cancelled, substituted or transferred once purchased. A Partial Credit Form will need to be submitted.

Access CLE forms.

CLE Reporting

I completed a NCBA CLE program a couple of weeks ago, why is it not showing up through the State Bar?
The NCBA will report attendance within the timeframe designated by the NC State Bar.

There are varying circumstances that may delay this process, such as late registration payments or a delay in receiving the paperwork back from the location. If such delays occur, the NCBA will work diligently to process the attendance as soon as possible.

I am licensed in another state as well as North Carolina. What should I do to seek credit in that state for a CLE I take in North Carolina?
You must self-report your own credit to the other state. Your Certificate of Completion is available immediately upon completion of an On-Demand CLE and within two weeks of attending a dated program such as an In-Person Live, In-Person Replay, Live Webcast, Phone/Audio or Rebroadcast program. Certificates of completion may be found in your NCBA CLE account.

What if I arrive late to a CLE or need to leave early?
If you miss a portion of a CLE program, you must complete and submit a Partial Credit Form so that the NCBA reports accurate attendance to the NCSB. Completed partial credit forms can be returned at the CLE registration table or emailed (preferred)/mailed in following the program. It is recommended to submit the partial credit form within seven days of the program to ensure proper credit is recorded on your behalf to the NC State Bar.

NCBA CLE Methods of Delivery: In-Person Live, In-Person Replay, Rebroadcast, Live Webcast, On-Demand and Phone/Audio

What is an In-Person Live program?
In-Person Live programs are generally full-day or multi-day programming provided by the NCBA at a specific location at a specific time. Attendees are required to attend an In-Person Live program in person at the location it is being shown. Attendees may engage with the speakers directly during the presentation should they have questions. Course materials are available on the day of the program and located in your NCBA CLE account.

What is an In-Person Replay program?
In-Person Replays are showings of pre-recorded live programs by the NCBA at a specific location at a specific time. Attendees are required to attend an In-Person Replay in person at the location it is being shown. Attendees are provided contact information for the speakers from the live program if they have any questions or comments after the program has concluded.

What is a Rebroadcast program?
Rebroadcasts are pre-recorded programs that broadcast on a specific date and time.

What is a Live Webcast program?
Live Webcasts are live presentations that are simultaneously broadcast by telephone, live web streaming (webcasting) or videoconferencing software/equipment. Webcasts are accessible only on the day of the in-person live program. Attendees are able to remotely ask questions of the speakers during the presentation. Course materials are available on the day of the program and located in your CLE account.

What is an On-Demand CLE?
On-Demand CLEs are previously recorded programs or sessions that are streamed online. Purchased content expires 90 days from the date of purchase. Your Certificate of Completion is available immediately upon completion.

What is a Phone/Audio program?
Phone/Audio programs are live, interactive phone or webcast discussions of timely subject matter. Attendees may access the program by logging into their NCBA CLE account.

Attendees are able to ask questions of the speakers following the program, which are typically 60 minutes in length. Course materials are typically made available in your CLE account before the program.

Premier Pass is not accepted for Phone/Audio programs.

Phone/Audio programs are produced by Webcredenza in sponsorship with the NCBA.

CLE Account and CLE Content

How do I find the right CLE for me?

How do I purchase CLE content or a product?

1. Log in to your NCBA CLE account.
2. Browse the catalog for the desired CLE product and add it to your cart.
3. Checkout to purchase the CLE product. Purchased program and publication content expires 90 days from the date of purchase or following the date of the program, as applicable.

How do I access my NCBA CLE account?
Your CLE account can be accessed in two easy steps:

1. Log in to your NCBA CLE account.
2. Use your email on file and password to access your account. You can reset your password from the login page or email Membership Services for help with logging in.

 

Can I access my CLE content before the live program I am attending?
Once registered, your program material will appear in your NCBA CLE account on the day of the live program date. You have 90 days from the program date to access and download the program material.

If you experience any problems, please contact the CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561.

Archived Video Footage

What is archived video footage?

Archived video footage is raw footage from a recorded In-Person Live or Live Webcast CLE program and made available to registrants of In-Person Live, Live Webcast or Rebroadcast CLE programs after the attendee certificate of completion has been issued, which occurs approximately 2 weeks after the program. Access to archived video footage can be found in your NCBA CLE account, and the content expires 90 days following the date of the live or rebroadcast program.

Archived video footage may not be available for all programs including, but not limited to, NCBA Annual Meeting CLE, Professionalism for New Attorneys (PNA) CLE, pro-bono, lunch and learns, workshops (including trainings, seminars, clinics, and the like), book-bundled CLE programs, 3rd party, joint, and co-hosted programs, whether in state or out of state.

Archived video footage is not for CLE credit.

What happens if I missed a portion of the live or rebroadcast CLE or if I want to go back and review parts of the program?

Registrants are provided with access to archived video footage of their recorded live programs after the attendee certificate of completion has been issued, which occurs approximately 2 weeks after the program. Archived video footage does not have viewing restrictions, allowing registrants to rewind and fast-forward to easily revisit program content.

Archived video footage can be found in your NCBA CLE account, and the content expires 90 days following the date of the live or rebroadcast program. Archived video footage is not for CLE credit and may not be available for all CLE programs.

Once I watch the archived video footage, can I go back and submit for CLE credit missed at the live program?

No. MCLE credit is available to registrants only on the day(s) of the live or rebroadcast event. This archived content is offered solely for review purposes and is not a substitute for live attendance. In addition, the archived video footage is only made available to registrants after the attendee certificate of completion has been issued, which occurs approximately 2 weeks after the program.

When will the archived video footage be made available?

Archived video footage is only made available to registrants after the attendee certificate of completion has been issued, which occurs approximately 2 weeks after the program. Archived video footage can be found in your NCBA CLE account, and the content expires 90 days following the date of the live or rebroadcast program. Archived video footage is not for CLE credit and may not be available for all CLE programs.

CLE Manuscripts, Publications and Shipping

I could not attend the live CLE program and purchased the manuscript through the catalog. When and how will I receive it?
CLE manuscripts are only available in electronic format. Once purchased, the electronic CLE manuscript is available in your NCBA CLE account. Click on the manuscript title to download the PDF file. Purchased content expires 90 days from the date of purchase.

If you experience any problems, please contact CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561.

I want to purchase the manuscript from a live CLE program that I could not attend, but I do not see it listed in the catalog. Why?
Most CLE manuscripts are available in the catalog approximately 4–6 weeks after the date of the live program, which allows us to incorporate any updates and/or additional materials submitted by the speakers. If you are unable to find the manuscript from a CLE program that occurred more than 6 weeks ago, please contact CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561.

How do I download my electronic book?
Once purchased, your publication will be available in your NCBA CLE account. Click on the publication title to download the PDF file.

If you sent in a check via mail, please allow time for receipt and processing of payment before attempting to access your electronic book.

If you experience any problems, please contact CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561.

How long will I have access to an electronic publication purchased in the bookstore?
Purchased content expires 90 days from the date of purchase.

What is the return policy for a publication?
All sales are final. Please note we are unable to exchange items. However, if you receive a damaged, defective or incorrect item, please immediately contact the CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561.

I ordered a print publication to be shipped. Where is it?
Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping of print publications. You will receive an email with tracking information once your order ships. Items are shipped as soon as they become available. If you have placed a pre-order, the print publication will be shipped once released.

Can I rush my print publication order?
For rush delivery or special shipping arrangements, please contact the CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561. Depends on availability.

Can I pick up my print publication order instead of having it shipped?
Print publication inventory is stored off-site and is not generally available for pickup.

However, following the release of a new or updated publication, a limited number of copies may be available on-site at the NC Bar Center. Please call 919.677.0561 in advance to ensure availability. Once confirmed, orders may be picked up at 8000 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What shipping and handling information do I need to provide for my print publication order?
Please provide a physical address when placing your order. Standard orders are shipped via UPS, which requires a valid street address (not a PO Box) for delivery. To avoid delays, please ensure that all information is complete and accurate before placing the order.

Complimentary UPS ground shipping is provided for all print book orders. No minimum purchase required.

I want to publish a book with the NCBA. Where do I start?
New book proposal submissions should include a 2–3 paragraph summary, detailed outline or table of contents, completed sample chapter, intended audience/target market and estimated draft completion date, as well as your curriculum vitae or resume and current contact information.

Receive more information about becoming an NCBA author.

Expert Series

What is Expert Series CLE?
Expert Series CLE is an NCBA membership benefit that began in July 2019. Over the course of the year, the Expert Series, provided in an On-Demand format, includes all hours needed to meet the NC State Bar’s requirement for ethics/professional responsibility, professional well-being and technology training. The additional hours focus on a variety of topics including advanced topics and those pulled from the headlines. Where appropriate and on occasion, a highly successful hour of a past CLE may be used.

Can I take all of my required CLE hours through Expert Series at one time? What if I miss a month?
One hour of CLE is offered each month, so you cannot register for more than one hour at a time. However, you will have an opportunity to add the monthly CLEs to your account each month you are a member, and once you add that CLE to your account, you can watch it for up to 90 days.

Member E-library

What is the NCBA Member E-library?
The NCBA Member E-library is a virtual collection of past CLE program manuscripts. Unlimited access to more than 32,000 pages of electronic content is included with your NCBA membership. The E-library contains manuscripts from live NCBA CLE programs that occurred more than one year ago, beginning January 2016. The NCBA makes no claims as to the current applicability of any manuscripts available in the Member E-library. Manuscripts are provided for reference only, and members should research current law before applying information found in any manuscript to their practice or relying on said information when giving legal advice.

E-library manuscripts are available in the catalog at no cost to members. You must complete the checkout process to “purchase” the item. Content expires 90 days from the date of purchase. NCBA members have unlimited access to all manuscripts in the E-library. CLE Book Sale discount cannot be applied to the purchase of a Member E-library manuscript.

Access the Member E-library.

Made-to-Order (MTO)

What is a MTO?
A MTO is an In-Person Replay of a program of your choice shown from the convenience of your own law firm, or other place where your fellow legal professionals can gather, at the time that fits your schedule.

NCBA CLE staff are happy to discuss options with you. Inquire about MTO options or contact the CLE Department at [email protected] or 919.677.0561.