CLE requirements and deadlines for VA-accredited claims agents

Sources checked October 4, 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated with VA. Not legal advice.

Accredited agents and attorneys must complete 3 hours of qualifying CLE in the first 12 months after initial accreditation. They then need 3 more hours no later than 3 years from initial accreditation, and 3 hours every 2 years after that (38 CFR 14.629(b)(1)(iii)-(iv)).

Initial CLE (first 12 months)

• The course must be approved for at least 3 hours of CLE credit by any state bar association (14.629(b)(1)(iii)). It does not have to be your own state's bar (OGC FAQ).
• At a minimum it must cover representation before VA, claims procedures, basic eligibility for VA benefits, right to appeal, disability compensation (ch. 11), DIC (ch. 13), and pension (ch. 15) (14.629(b)(1)(iii)).
• CLE taken before accreditation does not count under the current rule (OGC FAQ).
• Online and recorded courses are fine if a state bar approved them. Presenters who get state bar credit for teaching also qualify (OGC FAQ).

Ongoing CLE

You need 3 more hours on "veterans benefits law and procedure" no later than 3 years from initial accreditation, then every 2 years. The course must also be approved by a state bar for at least 3 hours, and it may cover any topic in that field (14.629(b)(1)(iv); OGC FAQ).

Example timeline (illustration only)

This is our reading of 14.629(b)(1). Confirm your dates with OGC.

How to prove it

Certify in writing to OGC the CLE title, date and time, and provider, as part of your annual certification under 14.629(b)(4) (14.629(b)(1)(iii)). The OGC fact sheet says you may send a copy of the training certificate or a written certification (OGC fact sheet, Q2). OGC does not keep a list of CLE providers (OGC FAQ).

Proposed changes (NOT final)

A 2024 proposed rule would require 3 hours of qualifying CLE within the 6 months before you apply and 3 hours every year after accreditation. It would also add VA standards of conduct (14.632) to the required initial topics. As of October 4, 2026, no final rule has been published, and the current requirements above still apply (89 FR 82546). See proposed rule changes.