Physicians · Arkansas · Continuing education
Arkansas CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD/DO20 credit hours every year, including 1 h opioid prescribing & pain management; renewal by the end of your birth month.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Arkansas MD/DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20credit hours
- Renewal cycle
- 1 year
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Category 1 minimum
- 10
- Accepted credit
- 50% must be Category 1 (ACCME- or state medical society-accredited, AMA/Board/AOA-approved; AAFP prescribed hours) in the primary area of practice; rest may include ACGME/AOA training, advanced degree study, research, teaching, publications, self-instruction, journal reading, board exam preparation, quality/utilization review committees
- Audits & records
- Signed certification under penalty of perjury with each annual renewal; the Board may randomly require proof. Keep records 3 years from end of reporting period.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementAll physicians: prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines, every year, within the 20 hours | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Extension possible for illness, military service, missionary activity, residence abroad or other extenuating circumstances. An AMA PRA certificate or AOA/state osteopathic CME certificate covering the period is accepted as evidence.
Good to know. One board licenses both MDs and DOs. License fee is paid annually before or during the licensee's birth month; license expires if unpaid by the last day of the birth month.
Source: armedicalboard.adh.arkansas.gov · Arkansas State Medical Board Rule No. 17; Ark. Code Ann. 17-80-104; 17-95-408 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Arkansas
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in Arkansas?
50% must be Category 1 (ACCME- or state medical society-accredited, AMA/Board/AOA-approved; AAFP prescribed hours) in the primary area of practice; rest may include ACGME/AOA training, advanced degree study, research, teaching, publications, self-instruction, journal reading, board exam preparation, quality/utilization review committees.
How do I verify a physician license in Arkansas?
Use the license lookup of the Arkansas State Medical Board (armedicalboard.org); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do physicians need in Arkansas?
20 credit hours every year, at least 10 of them Category 1.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in Arkansas?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 1 h (every renewal).
How do physicians report CE in Arkansas?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in Arkansas?
Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (1 year cycle).