Physicians · South Carolina · Continuing education
South Carolina CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD/DO40 hours every 2 years, including 1 h human trafficking (every 6 years), 2 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal by June 30 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
South Carolina MD/DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Jun 30, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By June 30 in odd-numbered years
- Category 1 minimum
- 40
- Accepted credit
- Category I CME sponsored by the AMA, AOA or another organization approved by the board; at least 30 hours directly related to the licensee's practice area
- New licensees
- For a license first issued during a biennial renewal period, meeting the initial licensure requirements is sufficient for the first renewal.
- Audits & records
- Completion certified under oath on the renewal application; random Board audits. Statute requires the controlled-substance certificate with each renewal.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Human traffickingEmergency medicine, primary care, internal/family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, hospitalists, and those in public health clinics, EDs, urgent care and community-based centers. Due before Jan 1, 2028 (licensed before Jan 1, 2026) or within 2 years of initial licensure, then every 6 years | 1 | every 6 years |
| Controlled substances prescribingAll MD/DO: prescribing and monitoring Schedule II-IV controlled substances, part of the 40 h; non-prescribers may use accredited education on controlled substances, abuse, diversion and treatment | 2 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Instead of 40 hours, one of: certification of added qualifications or recertification after examination by an ABMS/AOA or other approved specialty board; completion of an ACGME/AOA-approved US or Canadian residency or fellowship; passing SPEX or COMVEX; or a board-approved clinical skills assessment program (e.g. CPEP).
Good to know. One board licenses MD and DO; renewal every 2 years by June 30 of odd-numbered years. 30 of 40 h in specialty; up to 10 h for volunteer medical service (§ 38-79-30). Non-prescribers may meet the 2 h with general controlled-substance education (Board statement 2023).
Source: llr.sc.gov · S.C. Code Ann. § 40-47-40; § 40-47-39 (2026 Act No. 106) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in South Carolina
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in South Carolina?
Category I CME sponsored by the AMA, AOA or another organization approved by the board; at least 30 hours directly related to the licensee's practice area.
How do I verify a physician license in South Carolina?
Use the license lookup of the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners (SC LLR) (llr.sc.gov/med); 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 South Carolina?
40 hours every 2 years, at least 40 of them Category 1.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in South Carolina?
Human trafficking — 1 h (every 6 years); Controlled substances prescribing — 2 h (every renewal).
How do physicians report CE in South Carolina?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in South Carolina?
Licenses renew by June 30 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).