Physicians · Tennessee · Continuing education
Tennessee CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD40 hours every 2 years, including 2 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal by the end of your birth month.
- DO40 hours every 2 years, including 2 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal by the end of your birth month.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Tennessee MD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- —
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- Hours awarded by an ACCME-accredited sponsor and designated AMA PRA Category 1, or AAFP prescribed credit, or AOA prescribed credit; up to 10 hours for disciplinary case review done for the Department
- Renewal fee
- $300
- New licensees
- Exempt only for the calendar year of licensure if licensed in the same calendar year as passing USMLE Step 3.
- Audits & records
- Keep certificates/letters/AAFP records for 4 years from the end of the calendar year the CME was earned; produce them if the Division requests in writing. Deficiency: $100 civil penalty per missing hour, make-up hours plus 10 penalty hours.
- Renew online
- lars.tn.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingAll licensees (part of the 40 hours); must be Tennessee-specific and cover the Department's guidelines on opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates and carisoprodol. Exempt: ABMS/AOA/ABPS-certified in pain management, anesthesiology, PM&R, neurology or rheumatology | 2 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. ACGME residents/fellows in good standing may claim up to 20 hours per training year (letter from program director); the 2-hour prescribing course is still required. Waiver possible for illness, disability or undue hardship if requested before the period ends.
Good to know. License expires the last day of the birth month under the biennial birthdate renewal system; CME must fall in the 24 months before that date. Renewal fee $300 plus $10 state regulatory fee every 2 years. Retired/inactive licenses are exempt.
Source: www.tn.gov · Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-02-.19 (Continuing Medical Education); 0880-02-.09; T.C.A. § 63-1-402 · checked Oct 28, 2026
Tennessee DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- —
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- AOA Category I-A, II-A and/or I-B (no more than 20 credits in I-B); courses approved by the AOA, ACCME or an ACCME-recognized state medical association, or AAFP prescribed credit
- Renewal fee
- $200
- New licensees
- Exempt only for the calendar year of licensure if licensed in the same calendar year as passing NBOME/COMLEX or USMLE Step 3.
- Audits & records
- Keep certificates, letters, AAFP records or transcripts for 4 years from the end of the calendar year the CME was earned; produce them if the Division requests in writing.
- Renew online
- lars.tn.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingAll licensees unless exempt under T.C.A. 63-1-402(c) (part of the 40 hours); must cover the Department's guidelines on opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates and carisoprodol | 2 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Waiver possible for illness, disability or undue hardship if requested before the renewal period ends.
Good to know. DOs are licensed by the separate Tennessee Board of Osteopathic Examination (tn.gov/health/licensure/ost.html). License expires the last day of the birth month (biennial birthdate system). Renewal fee $200 plus $10 state regulatory fee biennially.
Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1050-02-.12 (Continuing Education Requirements) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Tennessee
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in Tennessee?
MD: Hours awarded by an ACCME-accredited sponsor and designated AMA PRA Category 1, or AAFP prescribed credit, or AOA prescribed credit; up to 10 hours for disciplinary case review done for the Department. DO: AOA Category I-A, II-A and/or I-B (no more than 20 credits in I-B); courses approved by the AOA, ACCME or an ACCME-recognized state medical association, or AAFP prescribed credit.
How do I verify a physician license in Tennessee?
Use the license lookup of the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (tn.gov/health/licensure/me.html); 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 Tennessee?
MD: 40 hours every 2 years. DO: 40 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in Tennessee?
MD: Controlled substances prescribing — 2 h (every renewal). DO: Controlled substances prescribing — 2 h (every renewal).
How much does a physician license renewal cost in Tennessee?
MD: $300 per renewal, as listed by the board. DO: $200 per renewal, as listed by the board.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in Tennessee?
MD: Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle). DO: Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle).