CME Requirements for Physicians
Continuing Medical Education (CME) is required by most U.S. state medical boards, but exact requirements vary by state and specialty board. You can fulfill these obligations in a variety of ways, including participating in conferences, workshops, or online courses. Credits are awarded by an accrediting organization.
Let’s explore the different CME credit categories, state requirements, and specialty focus areas that will help you stay compliant.
Understanding CME Credits and Categories
When you participate in professional learning activities, you can earn CME credits by completing activities certified by governing bodies like the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The AMA Physician's Recognition Award (PRA) is one of the main credit systems used in the U.S. and is divided into two categories:
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™:These credits include activities accredited by a recognized organization, such as conferences, seminars, online courses, professional activities, and internet Point of Care (POC).
- AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™:Category 2 credits include self-reported activities that are not certified by an accredited provider, such as reading medical literature, consulting with peers, or attending non-accredited lectures.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are the most widely accepted type of CME credit. Many state medical boards, hospitals, and specialty certification boards require a certain number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for license renewal and certification. While the AMA recognizes Category 2 Credits, they’re less widely accepted by medical organizations and must be self-documented by the physician.
General CME Requirements in the United States
Continuing Medical Education requirements are set by governing bodies, including state medical boards and medical specialty boards. Each state and medical specialty has its own requirements, which vary in the number of necessary credits, reporting periods, and renewal cycles.
In general, annual CME credit requirements for physicians range from 20 to 50, although some specialties need up to 100 per two- or three-year cycle, depending on the state board. You’re typically required to complete a set number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ covering state-mandated topics like ethics, opioid prescribing, or cultural competency. All Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioners, regardless of state, must also complete a one-time training on treating patients with substance use disorders.
State-Specific CME Requirements
State medical boards set specific CME credit and topic requirements to keep you current on knowledge areas that directly impact public health and patient safety within your state. These topics may include ethics, pain management, cultural competency, and recognizing partner and child abuse.
Because the number of credits, the reporting period, and topics of CME vary by state, you must review your state medical board's requirements and ensure you meet the necessary standards. For example, California requires 50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ every two-year cycle, while Florida physicians need 40 CME credits every two-year cycle.
Specialty Board Requirements
Continuing Medical Education plays a role in Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and Continuing Certification (CC) programs required by specialty boards. While state boards ensure you meet general competency and patient safety requirements, MOC and CC programs focus on specialty-specific skills, knowledge, and performance.
Specialty boards may require a higher number of credits, ongoing assessment, or specialty-focused learning modules in addition to general CME hours. For example:
- ABIM (Internal Medicine) requires diplomates to earn 100 MOC points every five years through educational activities as well as meet an assessment requirement.
- ABFM (Family Medicine)requires either a one-day, 300-question exam or a longitudinal assessment composed of 25 online questions each quarter. In 2025, these will be on a five-year cycle.
- ABP (Pediatrics) requires board-certified pediatricians to earn a minimum of 100 MOC points during the five-year cycle—at least 50 points for Part 2 (self-assessment) and at least 50 points for Part 4 (quality improvement).
Topic-Specific or Mandated CME
Many state medical boards require you to complete a set number of hours on specific CME topics that prepare you to respond to public health concerns, new regulations, and patient safety within your state.
Common focus areas include:
- Controlled substances and opioids
- Patient safety and risk management
- Infection control and prevention
- Child and domestic abuse
- Substance abuse
Strategies for Meeting CME Requirements Efficiently
Many physicians have demanding schedules and often find themselves rushing to complete CME requirements at the end of renewal season. Taking proactive steps throughout the year helps you fulfill your obligations and reduce last-minute stress. Here are some tips to help you meet CME requirements efficiently:
- Create monthly or quarterly goals to spread CME activities throughout the year and add them to your calendar.
- Focus on topics you’re interested in, that improve your practice, and that are relevant to your specialty.
- Participate in activities provided by your employer, such as hospital grand rounds, department workshops, or professional society events.
- Mix up your learning formats to keep it interesting — take part in live conferences, webinars, and point-of-care CME.
How Oakstone Keeps You Compliant and On Top of CME
Oakstone helps you stay on top of your CME requirements with a comprehensive library of accredited courses and automated credit tracking. Whether you’re preparing for board exams or staying current on patient safety, our suite of products helps you stay ahead in your professional development and compliant with the requirements relevant to your practice.