Judicial Education Requirements

Judicial Education Requirements for 2027

• Experienced Judge Requirements

  • Non-Attorney Experienced Judges

    For non-attorney judges who have already completed their first year of new judge training:

    You must complete 20 hours of judicial education each academic year. These hours must include:

    • 10 hours in-person
    • 10 hours on a civil topic
    • 10 hours from TJCTC
    • 2-hour magistration refresher every two years

    Some of these requirements can overlap. For example, an in-person civil course from TJCTC counts toward each of the first three categories.

    You may also submit hours from another approved training entity.

    Questions about outside education? Email Jessica at jessforeman@txstate.edu.

    ---

  • Attorney Experienced Judges

    For attorney judges who have already completed their first year of new judge training:

    You must complete 20 hours of judicial education each academic year. These hours must include:

    • 10 hours in-person
    • 10 hours on a civil topic
    • 2-hour magistration refresher every two years

    Some of these requirements can overlap—for example, an in-person civil course can count toward both the in-person and the civil categories.

    You may also submit hours from another approved training entity.

    Questions about outside education? Email Jessica at jessforeman@txstate.edu.

    ---

  • 2-Hour Magistration Refresher

    A 2-hour course on magistration is required of all experienced judges by August 31, 2027, regardless of whether or not you magistrate. 

    TJCTC will be offering a general session option at all 20-hour conferences and will also have an online option for those unable to attend. 

• New Justice of the Peace Requirements

  • 80 Hours of Training in the First Year

    New Justices of the Peace are required to complete 80 hours of training in their first year. To help you keep track, we’ve created a page that outlines all of your requirements. Visit our New Judge Page for details.

  • 8 Hours of Magistration Training

    Newly elected or appointed justices of the peace must complete eight hours of magistration training within 90 days of taking office.

    Stage I of the New Judges training, held in December, will cover this requirement for anyone who takes office within 90 days of the training (including those sworn in on January 1 after the training). If you are appointed more than 90 days before Stage I or you are appointed after Stage I, you will need to complete a virtual class to satisfy this requirement no more than 90 days after taking office. 

    Visit our Magistration Education Information Page for more information. 

Important Reminders

Where Do Judicial Education Rules Come From?