Featured | Jun 9, 2025
Discover essential details for physicians, including MDs (Medical Doctors) and DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine), on CME credits, licensure cycles, and special mandates for compliance.
As healthcare advances, California’s CME requirements serve as a cornerstone in upholding high standards in medical practice. In this dynamic field, where progress is constant, Continuing Medical Education (CME) ensures healthcare providers remain at the forefront of medical knowledge. This guide explores California's CME requirements for medical license renewal, offering healthcare practitioners a roadmap to meet their obligations and excel in a demanding, innovative environment.
As the Golden State continues to be a trailblazer in medical advancements, the California Medical Board has set stringent yet essential guidelines to ensure that healthcare professionals remain well-equipped to provide optimal care to their patients. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements (Code of Regulations section 1336)
Your credential requirements
California MD
Due: 31 Dec, 2025
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Profession: Medical Doctor (MD)
CME Credits Required: 50
Licensure Cycle: Every Two Years
Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ required
Special CME Requirements:
One-time CME Requirements:
Profession: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
CME Credits Required: 50
Licensure Cycle: Every Two Years
Credit Type Requirements:
One-time CME Requirements:
“Each physician is required to complete not less than 50 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year period immediately preceding the expiration date of the license .”
“Most California-licensed physicians and surgeons must complete a one-time CME course in pain management and the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients. This course must also include the subject of the risks of addiction associated with the use of Schedule II drugs.
A physician and surgeon may meet the requirement in one of the following methods. Pathologists and radiologists are exempted from this requirement.
- By completing 12 CME hours in pain management and the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients. The 12 hours may be divided in any way that is relevant to the physician's specialty and practice setting. However, all courses must also include the risks of addiction associated with the use of Schedule II drugs. Physicians must complete the mandated hours by his or her second license renewal date after licensure. OR
- By completing a one-time mandatory 12-hour CME course on the treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients. This course must include 8 hours of training in buprenorphine treatment or other similar medicinal treatment for opioid use disorders. Physicians who choose this alternative must complete the CME requirements by his or her next license renewal date after licensure.
The courses or programs must be presented by an organization accredited to provide CME by the ACCME, the AMA, the CMA, or the AAFP. In addition to accrediting CME providers, AMA, CMA, and AAFP may also present CME programs that will be accepted.
The 12 required hours would count toward the 50 hours of approved CME each physician is required to complete during each biennial renewal cycle.”
“In order to ensure that physicians have the requisite knowledge and skills to competently treat California's older population, California law requires that general internists and family physicians who have a patient population of which over 25 percent are 65 years of age or older, are required to complete at least 20 percent of their mandatory CME in the field of geriatric medicine.
All other physicians are encouraged to take a course in geriatric medicine, including geriatric pharmacology, as part of their mandatory CME.”
More information on California CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board
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Medical doctors in California must complete 50 CME credits every two years. These credits must include specific topics such as AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™, and for General Internists and physicians with 25% or more patients over the age of 65, 10 hours in Geriatric Care. Check with the California Medical Board for the latest details on requirements.
In California, medical doctors are required to complete 50 CME credits during each two-year licensure cycle. Some of these credits must cover mandated topics, such as 12 hours on Pain Management CME or opioid use disorder treatment, including 8 hours in buprenorphine treatment. Always consult the California Medical Board for accurate guidelines.
The CME requirements in California include 50 CME credits, with courses in specific areas such as pain management, opioid use disorder treatment, and geriatric care (if applicable). These credits must be earned within every two-year licensure cycle as required by the California Medical Board.
In California, medical doctors must renew their CME credits every two years, completing 50 credits per licensure cycle. Requirements may include specific topics, as outlined by the California Medical Board, such as pain management and geriatric care.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in California must complete 50 CME credits every two years. Of these, at least 20 hours must be earned in AOA Category 1A or 1B credits. Some credits must cover specific topics such as pain management and treatment of terminally ill patients. Check with the Osteopathic Medical Board of California for the latest details on requirements.
In California, DOs are required to complete 50 CME credits during each two-year licensure cycle. At least 20 hours must be earned in AOA Category 1A or 1B, with a maximum of 30 hours in AOA Category 2B credits. Mandated topics include 12 hours on pain management and treatment of terminally ill patients. Always consult the Osteopathic Medical Board of California for accurate guidelines.
The CME requirements in California for DOs include 50 CME credits, with at least 20 hours in AOA Category 1A or 1B credits. Specific areas include 12 hours of continuing education in pain management and the treatment of terminally ill patients, with options for additional training in opioid use disorder treatment. These credits must be earned every two years, as required by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
In California, DOs must renew their CME credits every two years, completing 50 credits per licensure cycle. Of these, 20 hours must be in AOA Category 1A or 1B credits, and 12 hours must address specific topics such as pain management and terminal illness treatment. Requirements may vary based on the guidelines of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
