Texas Classroom-Equivalent (CLEQ) CE Explained

Legal definition

Classroom-equivalent is defined in 28 TAC 19.1009(h). A course qualifies only if it meets all of the following:

• Only one student at a time may use the course.
• At least 4 interactive multiple-choice inquiries per credit hour.
• The student must answer at least 70% correctly in each section before advancing.
• Incorrect answers must be identified and explained.
• If 70% is not met, a different set of questions must be generated.
• The course must authenticate the student's identity on an hourly basis.

If a course lacks even one of these elements, it does not qualify as CLEQ, regardless of how it is marketed.

How many CLEQ hours do I need?

At least half of your required CE hours must be CLEQ:

• 12 of 24 hours for most full-license types (LAH, PC, Life, Adjuster, PL, MGA)
• 5 of 10 hours for limited license types (County Mutual, Life Under $25k, Limited Lines)

The remaining hours may be completed through self-paced online courses, which do not need to meet the CLEQ standard.

Why people get this wrong

• Assuming "online" means CLEQ: Most self-paced online courses are not CLEQ-approved. What matters is the delivery format, not simply that the course is internet-based.
• Relying on "interactive" in marketing copy: Providers may use "interactive" loosely. Only the Sircon designation is authoritative.
• Buying the cheapest package without checking: Even if the total hours are correct, self-paced-only packages will not satisfy the CLEQ requirement.
• Counting CLEQ hours from a prior cycle: Hours do not carry over. Only hours earned in the current renewal period count.