Featured | Jul 3, 2025

South Carolina CME Requirements for Licensure

South Carolina mandates 40 CME credits every two years for MDs and DOs, with 30 credits focused on the physician’s specialty. Additionally, 2 credits in controlled substance prescribing are required. This guide outlines the board’s requirements and accepted credit types, while our CE app simplifies tracking and helps you stay current in your medical education.

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Your Guide to South Carolina's CME Requirements for Licensure

As healthcare advances, South Carolina’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 South Caroliana's CME requirements for medical license renewal, offering healthcare practitioners a roadmap to meet their obligations and excel in a demanding, innovative environment.

Understanding South Carolina's CME Requirements

The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners oversees the licensure and regulation of medical professionals in the state. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements: requirementshttps://llr.sc.gov/med/PDF/Medical_CE_Reqs.pdf


Here's How Your CE Tracking Progress Looks on the CE App 


Profession: Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Profession: Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
CME Credits Required: 40
Licensure Cycle: Every Two Years
Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B, and AAFP Prescribed Credits are required.

Special CME Requirements:

  • 30 credit hours must be within the physician’s specialty
  • Controlled Substance Prescribing- 2 credit hours every 2 years.


More information on South Carolina’s CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board


Track Your Progress On CE App

Supercharge your Continuing Medical Education with our cutting-edge CE app! Stay ahead of the curve, effortlessly track your CME credits, and access high-quality courses tailored to your specialization.

Your credential requirements

South Carolina MD

Due: 31 Dec, 2025

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40 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AOA Category 1-B, AOA Category 1-A, AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 Every 2 years
0 more credits needed
30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AOA Category 1-B, AOA Category 1-A, AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 in Physician's Specialty Every 2 years
0 more credits needed
2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AOA Category 1-B, AOA Category 1-A, AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 in Controlled Substance Prescribing Every 2 years
0 more credits needed

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Medical doctors in South Carolina must complete 40 CME credits every two years. These credits must include AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, AOA Category 1-A or 1-B, or AAFP Prescribed Credits. Of the total, at least 30 hours must relate to the physician’s specialty, and 2 hours must be in Controlled Substance Prescribing. For the latest details, consult the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.

To maintain licensure, medical doctors in South Carolina must complete 40 CME credits every two years. Of these, 30 must be directly related to the physician’s area of practice, and 2 credits must focus on Controlled Substance Prescribing. Acceptable credit types include AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A or 1-B, and AAFP Prescribed Credits.

 Required CME topics for MDs in South Carolina include Controlled Substance Prescribing (2 hours every two years) and at least 30 hours in the physician's specialty area. Credits must be from approved providers, such as AMA, AOA, or AAFP.


 

Medical doctors in South Carolina must renew their CME credits every two years, completing 40 credits per licensure cycle. The renewal must include 30 specialty-specific credits and 2 credits in Controlled Substance Prescribing.


 

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in South Carolina are required to complete 40 CME credits every two years. Eligible credit types include AOA Category 1-A or 1-B, AMA PRA Category 1, and AAFP Prescribed Credits. Additionally, 2 credits in Controlled Substance Prescribing and 30 credits in the physician’s specialty area are mandatory.


 

DOs must complete 40 CME credits during each two-year licensure period. Of these, 30 must pertain to their medical specialty, and 2 must focus on Controlled Substance Prescribing. Approved credit types include those from AOA, AMA, and AAFP.


 

DOs in South Carolina must ensure 30 of the 40 CME credits are focused on their area of specialty. Additionally, they must complete 2 credits in Controlled Substance Prescribing every two years. Acceptable formats include AOA, AMA PRA, or AAFP-approved credits.


 

DOs are required to complete 40 CME credits every two years, including 30 hours specific to their specialty and 2 hours on Controlled Substance Prescribing, in accordance with the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners’ guidelines.


 

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