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Medical License Renewal: CME Requirements by State
Every US state and DC ties physician license renewal to completing continuing medical education — but the number of hours, the cycle length, the mandated topics, and how you report them all differ. Find your state, see exactly what's owed, and get the deadlines that matter.
What to check for every license you renew
Total hours & cycle. Requirements run from around 20 to 50 hours over a 1-to-3-year renewal cycle depending on the state.
Mandated topics. Many states carve out required hours for specific subjects — opioid/controlled-substance prescribing, medical ethics, human trafficking, implicit bias, and more.
How it's reported. 25 jurisdictions track CME through CE Broker; others are self-report with audit. Missing a deadline can mean late fees or an inactive license.
Quick reference — largest states
| State | Total CME | Cycle | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 50 / 2 yr | 2 yrs | State portal |
| Texas | 48 / 2 yr (24 formal Cat 1) | 2 yrs | CE Broker (mandatory 2026-09-01) |
| Florida | 40 / 2 yr | 2 yrs | CE Broker |
| New York | None (no general CME hours) | 2 yrs | State portal |
| Pennsylvania | 100 / 2 yr (20 Cat 1) | 2 yrs | Self-report |
| Illinois | 150 / 3 yr (min 60 Cat 1) | 3 yrs | Self-report |
| Ohio | 50 / 2 yr (all Cat 1) | 2 yrs | CE Broker |
| Georgia | 40 / 2 yr | 2 yrs | CE Broker |
| North Carolina | 60 / 3 yr (Cat 1) | 3 yrs | Self-report |
| Michigan | 150 / 3 yr (75 Cat 1) | 3 yrs | CE Broker |
The free planner merges every state you're licensed in into one 5-year schedule — total hours, mandated topics, and every renewal deadline in a single view.
Build my renewal plan →All states & DC
Frequently asked questions
How many CME hours do I need to renew my medical license?
It depends on your state — most require roughly 20 to 50 hours per renewal cycle (commonly 1 to 3 years), often including specific mandated topics. Check your state's page for the exact number.
When is my CME due for license renewal?
CME is due by your license renewal date, and the cycle length varies by state (1–3 years is typical). Some states also require certain mandated topics on a different schedule than the general hours.
What is CE Broker and do I have to use it?
25 jurisdictions use CE Broker to track CME for license renewal; in several it is mandatory. Where it isn't used, states rely on self-reporting with the possibility of an audit, so keep your certificates.
Do CME requirements really differ that much from state to state?
Yes. Total hours, renewal cycle, and mandated topics all vary, and seven states require a board-approved or state-specific course for at least one topic. That's why physicians licensed in multiple states can't assume one plan covers them all.
What happens if I don't complete my CME by renewal?
Consequences vary by board but can include late fees, a lapsed or inactive license, or renewal denial until requirements are met. A few states now use a hard-stop model that blocks renewal until CME is reported.
Educational information for physicians (MD/DO) as of 2026-07-10, compiled from state medical-board rules and statutes — not legal advice. Requirements change; verify with each state board before relying on them.