Illinois ARDC MCLE Reporting is the online certification every active Illinois attorney files through the ARDC Attorney Annual Registration portal to confirm completion of the Minimum Continuing Legal Education hours required by the Illinois Supreme Court MCLE Board under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 790–798. The report shows the MCLE Board that you finished your 30 total hours, including 6 hours of Professional Responsibility (PMCLE), within your two-year reporting period, and it locks in your good standing on the Master Roll of Attorneys.
Missing the MCLE deadline is not a small problem. The MCLE Board reports that roughly 5% of Illinois attorneys file late or noncompliant each cycle, and removal from the Master Roll under Rule 796(e) blocks you from practicing law in Illinois until you cure and pay reinstatement fees through the ARDC portal.
Here is what this guide covers:
- 📋 Every field of the ARDC MCLE Reporting screen, line by line, with sample entries
- ⚖️ How Illinois Supreme Court Rules 790–798 shape what you enter and why
- 👩💼 Three full filer walkthroughs (solo practitioner, new admittee, senior partner)
- 💰 Late fees, noncompliance fees, and the path back to the Master Roll
- 🧠 Field-level traps with PMCLE, Mental Health, and Diversity hours
What the ARDC MCLE Report Is and Who Must File It
The ARDC MCLE Report is the electronic certification of compliance that every active Illinois lawyer files alongside the annual ARDC registration. The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) collects the data on behalf of the MCLE Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois, which is the body that actually reviews compliance, audits records, and grants exemptions under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 794.
The form lives inside your secure ARDC account on the Online Attorney Registration and MCLE Reporting site. You do not download a paper form. The screen pulls in any CLE hours your sponsors already reported to the MCLE Board, and it asks you to confirm, add, or correct those entries before you click submit.
Every active-status Illinois attorney must file. That includes solo practitioners, partners, in-house counsel, government lawyers, and judges (judges file under modified Rule 794(d) requirements). Inactive, retired, and disabled-inactive lawyers do not earn or report MCLE, but they still confirm their status on the same screen. Newly admitted attorneys file their first MCLE report at the end of their first full two-year reporting period and must show the 30-hour Basic Skills Course plus 15 additional hours.
Illinois splits the bar into two reporting groups. Attorneys with last names beginning A through M report on a cycle ending June 30 of even years, and N through Z report on a cycle ending June 30 of odd years. The MCLE certification deadline is July 31 following the close of the cycle, and the registration fee deadline tied to it is earlier in the year (the registration deadline is January 1 each year), which is why filers often confuse the two dates.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Open the ARDC MCLE screen only after you have gathered every record. The system saves your draft, but a clean filing in one sitting reduces the chance of typos that trigger Rule 795(d) recordkeeping audits.
Pull these eight items into a single folder before you log in:
- Your ARDC number. This 7-digit number is on your annual registration card. Without it, you cannot log in to the ARDC portal, and password resets take 24 hours.
- Your reporting period dates. Confirm whether you are in the A–M or N–Z cycle. Filing under the wrong cycle creates a false certification, which the MCLE Board treats as a disciplinary issue.
- Course completion certificates. Each MCLE course you took should have given you a certificate showing the MCLE Board course ID, date, sponsor name, and approved hours. Missing certificates mean you cannot defend an audit.
- Sponsor MCLE Board ID numbers. Approved Illinois sponsors carry a 6-digit ID. You need this for any course not pre-loaded.
- PMCLE hour breakdown. Track your 6 PMCLE hours by sub-category: at least 1 hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse, at least 1 hour Diversity and Inclusion, and the rest in Professional Responsibility. Missing one sub-category fails the entire PMCLE block.
- Carryover hours from the prior cycle. You may carry forward up to 10 general hours (and up to 10 PMCLE hours separately). The portal shows carryover automatically, but you must verify it.
- Self-study and on-demand records. Self-study is capped at 15 of the 30 hours. Going over wastes hours that will not count.
- Out-of-state course approvals. If you took CLE in another state, confirm that the course was Illinois-approved or eligible under reciprocity before relying on it.
If any item is missing, request it from the sponsor before you start. Sponsors must keep records for three years under Rule 795(d), but their administrative response time can be slow.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
There is no PDF version of the Illinois MCLE report. The filing happens entirely inside your ARDC account on the Online Attorney Registration and MCLE Reporting portal. Bookmark the login page rather than searching each year, because phishing pages mimic the URL during reporting season.
To access the screen, click Attorney Login on the ARDC home page, enter your ARDC number and password, and choose MCLE Reporting from the left menu. The system shows a dashboard with your reporting period dates, your hours already submitted by sponsors, and a Begin MCLE Certification button. If you do not see the button, your reporting period has not yet opened.
If you forgot your password, click the reset link and wait for the email. The reset email comes from noreply@iardc.org and can take up to 30 minutes. Lawyers who change firms often miss the email because their firm address changed; update your contact info under Profile before you reset.
The MCLE Board also runs a parallel public site at mcleboard.org where you can search approved courses and sponsors before filing. Use it to confirm course IDs, but you cannot file from that site.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Illinois ARDC MCLE Report Line by Line
The line-by-line section below follows the exact order of the ARDC MCLE Reporting screen. Each H3 covers one field or logical block. Use the official labels printed on screen rather than paraphrases, because the MCLE Board cross-checks data by field name.
Field 1: Attorney Information Confirmation Box
The first block on the screen shows your name, ARDC number, last-name reporting group, and reporting period dates. The field asks you to confirm or correct the pre-filled information.
To answer, read each line and click Confirm if everything is right. If your name has changed (marriage, divorce, court order), click Update Profile before proceeding. Use your full legal name as it appears on the Master Roll.
For example, Maria A. Lopez sees her name pre-filled as MARIA A. LOPEZ, ARDC number 6299481, group A–M, period 07/01/2024–06/30/2026. She clicks Confirm.
The most common edge case is a recent name change that has not propagated to the Master Roll yet. If your name change is pending, file under your current Master Roll name and submit the update separately to avoid a mismatched filing.
The most common mistake is editing the name field directly inside MCLE Reporting instead of going through Profile. The consequence is that your MCLE certification is filed under your old name and the Board may not credit it.
A frequent misconception is that filing your MCLE report updates your address on the Master Roll. It does not. Address changes must go through the Profile tab.
Field 2: Reporting Group and Period Display
This field shows your last-name group (A–M or N–Z) and the start and end dates of your two-year reporting period. The field asks you to confirm you are filing for the correct cycle.
Answer by checking the dates against your records. Your first reporting period as a new admittee runs from your admission date to the next June 30 that is at least two full years away, per Rule 793(c).
For example, David N. Chen (last name in N–Z) admitted on November 1, 2023, sees his first reporting period as 11/01/2023–06/30/2027, a longer-than-normal first cycle.
The edge case is attorneys who change their last name across cycles. The MCLE Board reassigns you to the new group at the next cycle, not mid-cycle.
A common mistake is assuming you can switch groups voluntarily. You cannot, and reporting under the wrong group will be rejected.
The misconception is that the cycle resets when you change firms. It does not. The cycle is tied to your admission date and last name, not employment.
Field 3: Total CLE Hours Required
This field displays the 30 total hours required, with 6 of those hours required to be PMCLE. The field is read-only but anchors what the rest of the screen calculates.
To answer, simply confirm the number. If your status changed to inactive mid-cycle, the requirement may pro-rate. Pro-ration requests are submitted through the MCLE Exemption form on the MCLE Board site.
For example, Janet R. Patel, who went on inactive status on December 31, 2024, sees a pro-rated total of 15 hours in this field.
An edge case is judges, who follow modified hour requirements under Rule 794(d) and see different numbers here.
A common mistake is treating PMCLE hours as separate from the 30. They are not. The 6 PMCLE hours count toward the 30, not on top of them.
The misconception that you need 36 total hours (30 plus 6) is widespread but wrong. The total is 30, and 6 of the 30 must be PMCLE.
Field 4: Sponsor-Reported Hours Table
This field is the table of CLE hours that approved sponsors have already reported on your behalf. Columns include Course Title, Sponsor, Course ID, Date, General Hours, PMCLE Hours, PMCLE Sub-Category.
Review each row. Click Verify on rows that match your records, and Dispute on rows that look wrong. Disputed rows route to the MCLE Board for resolution.
For example, Marcus T. Adler sees a row reading “Ethics in AI Practice,” ISBA, Course ID 168294, 03/15/2025, 0 General, 1.5 PMCLE, Professional Responsibility. He clicks Verify.
An edge case is duplicate entries from co-sponsored courses. If the ISBA and a local bar both report the same course, dispute the duplicate.
A common mistake is verifying every row without checking the sub-category. If a row is tagged as Professional Responsibility but you took it as Mental Health, your PMCLE block will fail.
A misconception is that disputing a row delays your overall filing. It does not. You can submit the rest of the report while a disputed row is reviewed.
Field 5: Self-Reported Hours Entry
This field lets you add courses that sponsors did not report. The form asks for Course Title, Sponsor Name, Sponsor MCLE ID, Course ID, Date Completed, General Hours, PMCLE Hours, PMCLE Sub-Category.
Answer by entering each field exactly as printed on your Certificate of Attendance. Format dates MM/DD/YYYY. Round hours to the nearest tenth (e.g., 2.5).
For example, Aisha O. Brooks enters “Trauma-Informed Lawyering,” Cook County Bar Association, Sponsor ID 304512, Course ID 781229, 04/12/2025, 0 General, 1.0 PMCLE, Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
The edge case is non-Illinois courses. If you took a CLE in another state, enter it here only if it was Illinois-approved or eligible under reciprocity rules.
A common mistake is entering hours that exceed what the sponsor certificate shows. If the certificate says 1.5, do not enter 2.0 because the session ran late. The Board audits against sponsor records.
A misconception is that you can self-report any educational activity. You cannot. Only courses with an approved Illinois MCLE course ID, or qualifying out-of-state courses, count.
Field 6: Carryover Hours from Prior Reporting Period
This field shows hours carried forward from your last cycle. The maximum carryover is 10 general hours and 10 PMCLE hours, per Rule 794(c).
The field is mostly read-only and pre-populated, but you must click Apply Carryover to use the hours in the current cycle. If you do not click apply, the hours do not count.
For example, David N. Chen sees 4.0 general and 2.0 PMCLE in carryover and clicks Apply Carryover.
The edge case is attorneys returning from inactive status. Carryover resets to zero when you switch from inactive to active.
The common mistake is over-earning in one cycle hoping to bank more than 10. Anything above 10 is lost.
The misconception that carryover transfers across PMCLE sub-categories is wrong. The 1-hour Mental Health requirement, for example, must be earned each cycle, even if you carried over PMCLE.
Field 7: PMCLE Sub-Category Allocation
This field breaks the 6 required PMCLE hours into three required sub-categories: Professional Responsibility, Mental Health and Substance Abuse (minimum 1 hour), and Diversity and Inclusion (minimum 1 hour).
Answer by confirming that each sub-category meets its minimum. The system blocks submission if any minimum is unmet.
For example, Marcus T. Adler shows 4.0 Professional Responsibility, 1.0 Mental Health and Substance Abuse, 1.0 Diversity and Inclusion — total 6.0, all minimums met.
The edge case is a course tagged across two sub-categories. The MCLE Board allows split tagging, so a 2-hour course may show as 1.0 Mental Health, 1.0 Diversity if the sponsor coded it that way.
The most common mistake is assuming all 6 PMCLE hours can sit in Professional Responsibility. They cannot. The 1-hour Mental Health and 1-hour Diversity floors are mandatory under Rule 794(d)(1).
The misconception that “ethics” and “professional responsibility” are interchangeable is incorrect. The Board uses Professional Responsibility as the umbrella, but Mental Health and Diversity are carved-out subsets with their own minimums.
Field 8: New Admittee Basic Skills Section
This field appears only for newly admitted attorneys filing their first MCLE report. It asks whether you completed the 30-hour Basic Skills Course required under Rule 793(c)(1).
Answer Yes if you completed an approved Basic Skills program within the first year of admission. Enter the course ID, sponsor, and completion date.
For example, Aisha O. Brooks, admitted October 2024, enters “IICLE Basic Skills for New Lawyers,” Course ID 905112, 09/20/2025.
The edge case is attorneys admitted in another state who waive in. Some receive a partial Basic Skills exemption based on years of practice. Apply through the MCLE Board exemption process.
A common mistake is treating the Basic Skills 30 hours as also satisfying the regular 30 hours. They do, but only for the first reporting period. Do not assume they roll forward.
The misconception that the Basic Skills 30 hours include PMCLE is wrong. The Basic Skills program covers PMCLE separately within its own 30-hour structure, but you still confirm the PMCLE breakdown on the form.
Field 9: Self-Study and On-Demand Hours Cap
This field tracks your non-traditional hours. Self-study, on-demand, and pre-recorded online courses are capped at 15 of the 30 total hours.
Answer by reviewing the auto-calculated cap. If the system shows you over the cap, the excess hours will not count, and you must add live or live-webcast hours.
For example, Janet R. Patel sees 15.0 of 15.0 self-study used, with 2.0 excess automatically excluded.
The edge case is interactive webcasts, which the Board generally treats as live, not self-study, if they include real-time Q&A.
The common mistake is loading up on cheap on-demand courses to hit 30. You cannot exceed 15 self-study hours, and the system silently drops the excess.
The misconception that watching a recorded ABA webinar counts as live is wrong. Recorded equals self-study, regardless of source.
Field 10: Exemption Request Block
This field lets you claim an exemption under Rule 791(c). Categories include full-time judiciary, full-time law school faculty, military service, hardship, age 75+ inactive, and disability.
Answer by selecting the category, entering the dates, and uploading any required documentation (military orders, faculty appointment letter, medical certification).
For example, Captain Robert Hayes, deployed overseas, selects Military Service, enters dates 03/01/2024–11/15/2025, and uploads his orders.
The edge case is partial exemptions. If you were exempt for only part of the cycle, you must complete a pro-rated number of hours for the active months.
A common mistake is claiming hardship without documentation. The Board denies undocumented hardship requests.
The misconception that exemptions are automatic is wrong. You must request and receive approval each cycle, even for ongoing exemptions like full-time judiciary.
Field 11: Certification and Electronic Signature
This field is the final attestation. The screen reads, “I certify under penalties as provided by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 791–798 that the information above is true and correct.”
Answer by typing your full legal name into the Electronic Signature box and clicking Submit MCLE Report. The system timestamps the filing and emails a confirmation.
For example, Maria A. Lopez types Maria A. Lopez and clicks submit. She receives a confirmation at 9:42 AM on July 18, 2026.
The edge case is delegated filing by a paralegal or assistant. The Board prohibits anyone other than the attorney from signing. Even with a power of attorney, the attorney must sign personally.
The most common mistake is closing the browser before clicking submit. The draft saves, but the report does not file. Always wait for the confirmation email.
The misconception that the certification is a formality is dangerous. False certification is grounds for discipline under Rule 8.4 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three filers below cover the most common Illinois MCLE patterns. Each table shows the major sections of the ARDC MCLE Report and exactly what each filer enters.
Scenario 1: Maria A. Lopez, Solo Practitioner
Maria is a solo immigration lawyer in Chicago, last name Lopez (A–M group), reporting period 07/01/2024–06/30/2026. She took mostly online live webcasts.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Attorney Information | MARIA A. LOPEZ, ARDC 6299481, A–M group |
| Reporting Period | 07/01/2024–06/30/2026 |
| Total Hours Required | 30 hours, 6 PMCLE included |
| Sponsor-Reported Hours | Verifies 24.0 general + 4.0 PMCLE from ISBA, IICLE, AILA |
| Self-Reported Hours | Adds 2.0 general from a local bar lunch CLE, Course ID 554218 |
| PMCLE Sub-Categories | 4.0 Professional Responsibility, 1.0 Mental Health, 1.0 Diversity |
| Self-Study Cap | 8.0 of 15.0 used |
| Carryover Applied | 0.0 (none from prior cycle) |
| Exemption Block | None claimed |
| Certification | Types Maria A. Lopez, submits 07/18/2026 |
Scenario 2: Aisha O. Brooks, Newly Admitted Attorney
Aisha was admitted October 15, 2024. Her first reporting period runs from admission to 06/30/2027 because her last name is Brooks (A–M).
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Attorney Information | AISHA O. BROOKS, ARDC 6346921, A–M group |
| Reporting Period | 10/15/2024–06/30/2027 |
| Basic Skills Course | Yes — IICLE Basic Skills, Course ID 905112, completed 09/20/2025 |
| Total Hours Required | 30 hours Basic Skills + 15 additional hours |
| Sponsor-Reported Hours | Verifies 15.0 from CBA, ISBA |
| Self-Reported Hours | Adds 0.0 |
| PMCLE Sub-Categories | 4.0 PR, 1.0 Mental Health, 1.0 Diversity (within Basic Skills) |
| Self-Study Cap | 6.0 of 15.0 used |
| Exemption Block | None |
| Certification | Types Aisha O. Brooks, submits 07/22/2027 |
Scenario 3: Marcus T. Adler, Senior Partner
Marcus is a senior litigation partner, last name Adler (A–M), reporting period 07/01/2024–06/30/2026. He carried over hours and used a mix of live and on-demand courses.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Attorney Information | MARCUS T. ADLER, ARDC 3128947, A–M group |
| Reporting Period | 07/01/2024–06/30/2026 |
| Total Hours Required | 30 hours, 6 PMCLE included |
| Sponsor-Reported Hours | Verifies 26.0 general + 6.0 PMCLE from ABA, ISBA, IICLE |
| Self-Reported Hours | Adds 0.0 |
| PMCLE Sub-Categories | 4.0 PR, 1.0 Mental Health, 1.0 Diversity |
| Carryover Applied | 4.0 general + 2.0 PMCLE from prior cycle |
| Self-Study Cap | 12.0 of 15.0 used |
| Exemption Block | None |
| Certification | Types Marcus T. Adler, submits 07/12/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
The Illinois ARDC MCLE Report has effectively one filing channel — the online ARDC portal — but the Board maintains backup channels for accessibility and exemption requests. Each channel below includes the URL or address, fee, payment method, processing time, and the proof of filing to keep.
Online (primary channel). File through the Online Attorney Registration and MCLE Reporting portal. There is no fee for an on-time MCLE certification; the late filing fee is $25, and the noncompliance fee is $200 under Rule 796(c). Pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or e-check. Processing is immediate, and you receive a confirmation email within 15 minutes. Save that email and the printable PDF receipt.
Paper (accommodation only). Attorneys with documented disabilities may request a paper certification by contacting the MCLE Board directly at 200 W. Madison Street, Suite 3140, Chicago, IL 60606. There is no fee. Mail processing takes 4–6 weeks. Send by certified mail and keep the green return receipt as proof.
Exemption requests. File exemption forms through the MCLE Board Attorney Portal. No fee. Approval takes 2–4 weeks. Save the approval letter; the Board does not auto-link approvals to the ARDC report.
Reinstatement after removal. If you were removed from the Master Roll for nonreporting, file the reinstatement petition through ARDC, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $230 plus the $200 noncompliance fee), and complete missing hours. Processing takes 30–60 days.
What Happens After You File
Within minutes of submission, the ARDC system emails a confirmation showing your reporting period, total hours, PMCLE breakdown, and timestamp. Save the email; it is your primary proof of compliance. The MCLE Board updates your compliance status on the public attorney lookup within 24–48 hours.
The MCLE Board audits roughly 2% of filings each cycle under Rule 795(c). Audited attorneys must produce sponsor certificates for each course within 30 days. Failure to produce records leads to a finding of noncompliance, even if you actually attended the courses.
If you filed late, the Board sends a Notice of Late Filing and assesses the $25 fee. If you missed the cycle entirely, the Board issues a Notice of Noncompliance with a 60-day cure window. After the cure window, the Illinois Supreme Court enters an order removing you from the Master Roll, and you cannot practice law in Illinois until reinstated.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each mistake below is paired with its direct consequence under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 790–798.
- Filing under the wrong reporting group. Consequence: rejected filing, possible late fee.
- Missing the 1-hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse minimum. Consequence: full PMCLE block fails, noncompliance status.
- Missing the 1-hour Diversity and Inclusion minimum. Consequence: same as above.
- Exceeding the 15-hour self-study cap. Consequence: excess hours silently dropped, may push you below 30.
- Verifying duplicate sponsor entries. Consequence: inflated hours flagged in audit, finding of false certification.
- Forgetting to click Apply Carryover. Consequence: 10 hours of paid CLE wasted.
- Closing the browser before final submission. Consequence: report shows Draft status, treated as not filed.
- Letting a paralegal type your name in the e-signature box. Consequence: violation of Rule 8.4, referral to ARDC discipline.
- Counting an out-of-state course without Illinois approval. Consequence: hours disallowed in audit.
- Claiming an exemption without uploading documentation. Consequence: exemption denied, requirement reinstated mid-cycle.
- Mixing up the registration deadline (January 1) with the MCLE certification deadline (July 31). Consequence: late registration fee on top of MCLE late fee.
- Assuming Basic Skills hours roll forward. Consequence: shortfall in second cycle.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Do file early, ideally in early July, because portal traffic spikes near the July 31 deadline and slows submission.
- Do keep all sponsor certificates for three years under Rule 795(d), because audits can reach back that far.
- Do verify each sponsor-reported row individually, because sponsor errors are common in PMCLE sub-category tagging.
- Do update your contact information on Profile before filing, so confirmation emails reach you.
- Do download the PDF receipt after submission, because email confirmations sometimes get filtered.
- Do check your PMCLE breakdown against the Mental Health and Diversity minimums before the last week of the cycle.
Don’ts:
- Don’t assume on-demand courses count as live, because they fall under the 15-hour self-study cap.
- Don’t let someone else sign your certification, because false certification is a discipline trigger.
- Don’t enter hours that exceed your sponsor certificate, because audits cross-check sponsor records.
- Don’t skip the carryover Apply button, because hours sit unused otherwise.
- Don’t file a paper report unless you have a documented accommodation, because it slows processing by weeks.
- Don’t wait for the noncompliance notice to fix shortfalls, because the cure window costs $200 in fees.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most Illinois attorneys file the MCLE report themselves. Some firms have administrators who track CLE and prepare the data, leaving the attorney to confirm and sign.
Pros of filing on your own:
- Full control over what is reported, especially PMCLE sub-category tagging.
- No third-party errors in course IDs or hours.
- Direct visibility into carryover and self-study cap calculations.
- Faster filing once you know the screen layout.
- Lower risk of false certification because you personally verified each row.
Cons of filing on your own:
- Time investment in cross-checking each sponsor row.
- Higher chance of missing PMCLE sub-categories without an administrator’s checklist.
- No second set of eyes on edge cases like out-of-state courses.
- Easy to miss carryover hours if you do not track prior cycles.
- Risk of forgetting the deadline if you do not maintain a calendar reminder.
A firm administrator can prepare a CLE summary, but only the attorney can click submit and type the e-signature. The MCLE Board treats the e-signature as personal under Rule 794.
Online Filing vs. Paper Filing in Illinois MCLE
| Factor | Online ARDC Portal vs. Paper Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Availability | Online: all attorneys. Paper: documented accommodation only. |
| Fee | Online: $0 on time. Paper: $0 on time. |
| Processing Time | Online: minutes. Paper: 4–6 weeks. |
| Proof of Filing | Online: confirmation email + PDF. Paper: certified mail receipt. |
| Audit Risk | Online: same 2% rate. Paper: same 2% rate. |
| Late Fee Trigger | Online: midnight July 31. Paper: postmark July 31. |
| Common Errors | Online: missed PMCLE sub-category. Paper: handwriting and math errors. |
| Exemption Handling | Online: separate MCLE Board portal. Paper: same paper packet. |
FAQs
Do I have to file MCLE every year?
No. Illinois MCLE reporting runs on a two-year cycle tied to your last name (A–M or N–Z). You file once per cycle, by July 31 following the cycle’s June 30 close.
What happens if I miss the July 31 deadline?
Yes, there are consequences. The MCLE Board assesses a $25 late fee and starts a 60-day cure window. Missing the cure window triggers a $200 noncompliance fee and removal from the Master Roll.
Can I count CLE I took in another state?
Yes, if the course is Illinois-approved or qualifies under reciprocity through the MCLE Board sponsor lookup. You must enter the Illinois course ID, not the other state’s ID.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Attorney Information box?
Yes, use your current Master Roll name. Update the name through Profile first if it changed. Filing under an old name causes mismatch flags.
What goes in the PMCLE Sub-Category dropdown for an ethics course?
Yes, choose Professional Responsibility unless the sponsor coded it specifically as Mental Health or Diversity. Do not assume “ethics” auto-fills as PR.
Do I enter total minutes or decimal hours in the Hours field?
Yes, enter decimal hours rounded to the nearest tenth, like 1.5 for 90 minutes. Do not enter minutes.
Can my paralegal sign the certification?
No. Only the attorney may type the e-signature, per Rule 794. False signatures violate Rule 8.4.
Are on-demand courses counted as live hours?
No. On-demand and pre-recorded courses fall under the 15-hour self-study cap, even if you watched them in real time at a scheduled “premiere.”
Do I report hours I earned before admission?
No. Pre-admission CLE does not count. Newly admitted attorneys complete the 30-hour Basic Skills program within their first year of admission instead.
What if a sponsor never reports my hours?
Yes, you can self-report. Use the Self-Reported Hours block, enter the sponsor’s Illinois MCLE ID and course ID from your certificate, and keep the certificate for three years.
Do exemptions carry over automatically each cycle?
No. You must request and receive exemption approval each cycle, even for ongoing exemptions like full-time judiciary or law faculty.
Can I file my MCLE report after I am removed from the Master Roll?
Yes, but you must also file a reinstatement petition, pay the $230 reinstatement fee plus the $200 noncompliance fee, and complete any missing hours before the petition is granted.
Does the Apply Carryover button cost anything?
No. Applying carryover hours is free, but you must click the button. Failure to click means up to 10 paid CLE hours go unused.
What if my course was tagged under the wrong PMCLE sub-category?
Yes, click Dispute on the sponsor row. The MCLE Board re-routes the dispute to the sponsor for correction, usually within 10 business days.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California State Bar MCLE Compliance Card (w/Examples) + FAQs
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- How to Fill Out Illinois ARDC Inactive Status Request (w/Examples) + FAQs
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- How to Fill Out Texas Bar MCLE Reporting (w/Examples) + FAQs
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