How many CME hours do California physicians need?

California physicians (MD/DO) must complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years (biennial). Category 1 requirement: All 50 hours must be Category 1.

How many CME hours do California physician assistants need?

California physician assistants must complete 50 hours OR NCCPA certification of CME every 2 years (by birth month). Category 1 requirement: Category 1 required (if not using NCCPA).

What special CME topics are required in California?

California requires specific topics including: Pain management (12 hrs one-time)

What is the CME renewal cycle in California?

California physicians renew every 2 years (biennial). Physician assistants renew every 2 years (by birth month).

Where can I find the California medical board website?

The California medical board website is https://mbc.ca.gov/. This is the official source for license renewal and CME requirements.

California Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

California requires physicians to complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years. The Medical Board of California conducts annual audits of physicians who certify CME compliance. PAs have flexibility — they can meet requirements either through 50 hours of Category 1 CME or by maintaining NCCPA certification.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

California physicians must complete 50 CME hours per biennial renewal cycle.

CME Breakdown

Requirement	Details
Total CME	50 hours per 2-year cycle
Credit type	Category 1 required
Renewal cycle	2 years (biennial)
Audit	Annual audit of certified physicians

Approved CME Providers

California accepts Category 1 CME from organizations accredited by:

California Medical Association (CMA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
Other acceptable accrediting organizations

Alternative Credit Options

California allows some hours from non-traditional sources:

Activity	Maximum Credit
Teaching/presenting CME courses	Up to 1/3 of total (≈17 hours)
Medically-related advanced degrees	Up to 25 hours
Published papers	Up to 10 hours (max 1 paper/year)
Poster presentations	Up to 5 hours (max 1 poster/year)

One-Time Pain Management Requirement

Most California physicians must complete a one-time 12-hour course covering:

Treatment of terminally ill and dying patients
Pain management
End-of-life care

Exempt: Pathologists and radiologists

This is a one-time requirement — not recurring with each renewal.

Geriatrics Recommendation

Required for: General internists and family physicians
Strongly encouraged for: All other physicians

Physician Assistant Requirements

California PAs have two pathways to meet CME requirements.

Option 1: NCCPA Certification

Requirement	Details
Method	Maintain current NCCPA certification
State CME hours	None additional required
Renewal cycle	2 years (expires in birth month)

Option 2: Category 1 CME

Requirement	Details
Total CME	50 hours of Category 1
Renewal cycle	2 years
Approved providers	Same as physician requirements

Controlled Substance Education

Effective January 1, 2020, PAs with controlled substance authorization must complete controlled substance education requirements (aligned with federal opioid prescribing requirements).

PA Waivers

CME waivers available for:

Hardship
Military service
Undue hardship

Important: Apply approximately 3 months before license expiration.

Inactive Status

PAs on inactive status are exempt from CME requirements.

Documentation Requirements

Physicians

Requirement	Details
Certification	Must certify compliance under penalty of perjury
Audit	Annual audits conducted
Record retention	Maintain documentation per Title 16 regulations

Important: Penalty of Perjury

California physicians sign their renewal notice under penalty of perjury certifying CME compliance. False certification can result in serious consequences.

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

Note: California DOs are regulated by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (OMBC), a separate entity from the Medical Board of California. While requirements are similar, DOs should verify directly with OMBC at ombc.ca.gov.

Key Differences: MD vs PA

Aspect	Physicians (MD/DO)	Physician Assistants
Hours required	50 hours	50 hours OR NCCPA cert
Pain management	12 hours (one-time)	Not separately required
Flexibility	Limited alternatives	NCCPA pathway available
Board	Medical Board of CA	PA Board of CA

Tips for California Licensees

Complete pain management early — It's one-time, but required before renewal
PAs: NCCPA is the easy path — If certified, you're automatically compliant
Don't falsely certify — Annual audits check compliance; perjury penalties apply
Use alternative credits wisely — Teaching and publishing can count toward your 50
DOs: Check with OMBC — Your board is separate from the Medical Board
PAs: Apply for waivers early — 3 months before expiration if needed