Navigating Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physicians: A State-by-State Guide
For licensed physicians in the United States, maintaining licensure isn’t just about passing exams and completing residency — it also requires staying current through Continuing Medical Education (CME). Whether you practice in one state or several, knowing how each state’s CME requirements work can save time, headache, and potential compliance issues.
Why CME Matters
Every state medical board sets CME requirements as part of physician licensure renewal. These requirements vary widely — from the number of credits needed to the topics that must be covered — and often overlap with national requirements, such as maintenance of certification (MOC) from specialty boards. Understanding these expectations helps you stay compliant, deliver better care, and avoid license issues.
CME Requirements Across the States
Each state sets its own CME credit requirements, renewal cycles, and content mandates. Here’s a snapshot of how those vary:
Alabama – 25/year
Alaska – 25/year
Arizona – 40/2 years
Arkansas – 20/year
California – 50/2 years
Colorado — has no CME requirements for physicians.
Connecticut — 50/2 years
Delaware – 40/2 years
District of Columbia — 50/2 years
Florida — 40/2 years
Georgia — 40/2 years
Hawaii — 40/2 years
Idaho — 40/2 years
Illinois — 150/3 years
Indiana —2/2 years
Iowa — 40/2 years
Kansas — 50/year
Kentucky — 60/3 years
Louisiana — 20/year
Maine — 100/2 years
Maryland — 50/2 years
Massachusetts — 50/2 years
Michigan — 150/3 years
Minnesota – —75/3 year
Mississippi — 40/2 years
Missouri – 50/2 years
Montana — no CME requirement
Nebraska — 50/2 years
Nevada — 40/2 years
New Hampshire — 100/2 years
New Jersey — 100/2 years
New Mexico — 75/3 years
New York — no CME requirement
North Carolina — 60/3 years
North Dakota — 60/3 years
Ohio — 100/2 years
Oklahoma — 60/3 years
Oregon — 60/2 years
Pennsylvania — 100/2 years
Rhode Island — 40/2 years
South Carolina — 40/2 years
South Dakota — no CME requirement
Tennessee — 40/2 years
Texas — 48/2 years
Utah — 40/2 years
Vermont — 30/2 years
Virginia — 60/2 years
Washington — 200/4 years
West Virginia — 50/2 years
Wisconsin — 30/2 years
Wyoming — 60/3 years
Quick Tip: Some states require specific topic content — such as pain management, controlled substance prescribing, patient safety, or ethics — in addition to general CME credits. These content mandates can vary by state and by licensure cycle.
How National and State Requirements Interact
Physicians often hold multiple licenses or are board-certified in a specialty. In these cases:
State CME requirements apply to each license you hold.
National standards (like MOC from boards such as ABMS) may have separate CME or professional development expectations.
Some platforms — like the AMA Ed Hub — can help track CME requirements for multiple states and specialties, making it easier to meet both state and national requirements in one place. AMA Ed Hub
Practical Tips to Stay Compliant
Here are some strategies to stay on top of CME requirements without stress:
📍 Track Requirements Early and Often
Don’t wait until renewal season. Keep a checklist of each state/license’s required hours and any specific content topics.
📍 Centralize Your CME Records
Maintain a digital folder of certificates and dates. Many licensing boards perform random audits — having easy access to your records will save time and anxiety.
📍 Align CME with Practice Needs
Whenever possible, choose CME activities that serve multiple purposes: state licensure, specialty certification/MOC, and your own clinical growth.
Final Thoughts
Physician CME requirements in the United States are state-specific and multifaceted. Some states have high credit demands, others require specific topics, and a few don’t require general CME at all. However, all physicians benefit from proactive tracking and strategic CME planning.
Staying compliant doesn’t have to be a chore — with the right tools and planning, you can meet both your state and national CME obligations efficiently, and continue delivering excellent patient care without last-minute scrambling.