How many CME hours does North Carolina require for physicians?

North Carolina requires 60 / 3 yr (Cat 1) of continuing medical education (21 NCAC 32R .0101(b)). 60 hrs every 3 yrs.

How is CME tracked in North Carolina?

North Carolina tracking: Self-report. Board: North Carolina Medical Board.

Home › CME by state › North Carolina

North Carolina CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)

Q: Does North Carolina require opioid or controlled-substance CME?

Yes. 3 hrs Cat 1 every 3-yr cycle — controlled-substance prescribing practices incl. chronic pain. Trigger: any MD/DO who prescribes CS.

Everything the North Carolina Medical Board requires — total hours, mandated topics, the opioid/controlled-substance rule, and how it's tracked. Last reviewed 2026-07-10.

Total CME60 / 3 yr (Cat 1)

Renewal cycle3 years

TrackingSelf-report

Citation21 NCAC 32R .0101(b)

Board: North Carolina Medical Board. General CME: 60 hrs every 3 yrs.

Opioid / controlled-substance CME in North Carolina

3 hrs Cat 1 every 3-yr cycle — controlled-substance prescribing practices incl. chronic pain. Trigger: any MD/DO who prescribes CS.

✓ No board pre-approval gate: No board pre-approval — no designated course; the NCMB posts an options list 'as a courtesy.' DEA MATE Act training also satisfies it.

All mandated CME topics in North Carolina

Topic	Hours	Timing	Applies to
Controlled substances / opioid / chronic pain prescribing	3 hrs	per 3-yr cycle	controlled-substance prescribers

Notes

MATE training satisfies. Only topic mandate.

Licensed in more than one state?

Pick all your states in the free planner and get one 5-year schedule that batches your opioid/controlled-substance CME so a single course covers as many licenses as possible.

Build my multi-state CME plan →

This page summarizes 21 NCAC 32R .0101(b) and related board policy as of 2026-07-10 for physicians (MD/DO). It is educational information, not legal advice — always verify current requirements with the North Carolina Medical Board before relying on them.