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Wisconsin Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

Wisconsin requires both physicians and PAs to complete 30 hours of CME every 2 years. PAs have an additional 2-hour controlled substances prescribing requirement. Notably, Wisconsin exempts newly licensed PAs from CME requirements for their first renewal cycle.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

Wisconsin physicians must complete 30 CME hours within the 2 calendar years preceding renewal under Wis. Stat. § 448.13.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 30 hours minimum per 2-year cycle
Credit type Category 1 / professional development
Renewal cycle 2 years (biennial)
Rollover No — must be within 2 calendar years preceding renewal
Audit Random verification; Board may request proof at any time

Acceptable Activities

Wisconsin accepts CME through:

  • Professional development activities
  • Maintenance of certification
  • Performance improvement programs
  • Continuing medical education per Board rules (Wis. Stat. § 448.40(1))

Documentation

Requirement Details
Record retention 2 calendar years preceding renewal
Submission Include proof with renewal application
Authority Wis. Stat. § 448.13(1)(a)

Physician Assistant Requirements

Wisconsin PAs must complete 30 hours of Category 1 CME per renewal cycle under Wis. Admin. Code PA 2.04.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 30 hours Category 1 per cycle
Controlled substances 2 hours minimum on responsible prescribing
Renewal cycle 2 years (biennial)
Board Physician Assistant Affiliated Credentialing Board (PAACB)

Controlled Substances Prescribing (Mandatory)

All Wisconsin PAs must complete a minimum of 2 hours on responsible controlled substances prescribing. This is part of (not in addition to) the 30-hour total.

Category 1 Definition

Category 1 CME as defined by:

  • NCCPA standards
  • Board-approved activities

First Renewal Exemption

New PAs are exempt from CME requirements for their first renewal following license issuance (Wis. Admin. Code PA 2.04(4)).

Renewal Portal

Submit renewal applications through:

  • Wisconsin LicensE online portal
  • Direct application to Board

Key Differences: MD vs PA

Aspect Physicians (MD/DO) Physician Assistants
Total hours 30 hours 30 hours
Credit type Professional development Category 1 only
Controlled substances Per Board rules 2 hours required
First renewal exempt No Yes
Board Medical Examining Board PA Affiliated Credentialing Board

Comparison: Wisconsin vs Similar States

State MD Hours Cycle Notes
Wisconsin 30 hours 2 years Lower than average
Virginia 30 hours 2 years Lowest major state
Ohio 50 hours 2 years Average
Illinois 150 hours 3 years Highest

Wisconsin ties with Virginia for one of the lower physician CME requirements.

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

Wisconsin requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both are regulated by the Medical Examining Board with the same 30-hour biennial requirement.

Military Personnel

Wisconsin offers Act 10 temporary credentials for military medical personnel, providing expedited licensing options.

Tips for Wisconsin Licensees

  1. 30 hours is manageable — About 15 hours per year
  2. PAs: Don't skip controlled substances CME — 2 hours required
  3. New PAs: First renewal is free — No CME required
  4. Keep 2 years of records — Random audits occur
  5. Use LicensE portal — Online renewal available

Contact Information

Wisconsin DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services)

Medical Examining Board

PA Affiliated Credentialing Board

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