Physicians · North Carolina · Continuing education
North Carolina CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD/DO60 hours of Category 1 CME every 3 years, including 3 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
North Carolina MD/DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 60hours of Category 1 CME
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Category 1 minimum
- 60
- Accepted credit
- Category 1 CME relevant to current or intended specialty from ACCME-accredited and reciprocating organizations, AOA, state medical societies, AMA, ABMS/AOA/RCPSC specialty boards, Joint Accreditation; includes courses, presentations/publications, enduring materials, journal CME, skill development, performance improvement, interprofessional CE, cultural competency or implicit bias training
- Audits & records
- Report compliance or exemption on the annual renewal form; keep records 6 years for Board inspection.
- Renew online
- portal.ncmedboard.org ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingPhysicians who prescribe controlled substances: prescribing practices incl. chronic pain management (part of the 60 hours); MATE Act training counts for the cycle in which it was completed | 3 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Initial ABMS/AOA/RCPSC board certification satisfies the whole CME requirement for that 3-year cycle; attesting to participation in recertification/MOC does the same. Controlled substance CME is still required for prescribers (unless covered within the certification process). Exempt: residency training licensees, deployed military, members of the General Assembly health committees.
Good to know. One board licenses MDs and DOs. License renewed (registered) annually; the 3-year CME cycle starts on the physician's birthday following license issuance.
Source: reports.oah.state.nc.us · 21 NCAC 32R .0101-.0104 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in North Carolina?
Category 1 CME relevant to current or intended specialty from ACCME-accredited and reciprocating organizations, AOA, state medical societies, AMA, ABMS/AOA/RCPSC specialty boards, Joint Accreditation; includes courses, presentations/publications, enduring materials, journal CME, skill development, performance improvement, interprofessional CE, cultural competency or implicit bias training.
How do I verify a physician license in North Carolina?
Use the license lookup of the North Carolina Medical Board (ncmedboard.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 North Carolina?
60 hours of Category 1 CME every 3 years, at least 60 of them Category 1.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in North Carolina?
Controlled substances prescribing — 3 h (every renewal).
How do physicians report CE in North Carolina?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in North Carolina?
Licenses renew by your birthday (3 years cycle).