Physicians · West Virginia · Continuing education
West Virginia CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD50 hours every 2 years, including 3 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal on the date shown on your license.
- DO32 hours every 2 years, including 3 h controlled substances prescribing (once); renewal by June 30.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
West Virginia MD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 50hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- On license
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the date shown on your license
- Category 1 minimum
- 50
- Accepted credit
- Category I designated by the AMA or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP); up to 20 hours for teaching/lecturing/precepting with documentation
- New licensees
- Initial licensees complete the 3-hour Board-approved controlled substance prescribing course within one year of initial licensure (waivable if they do not prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances).
- Audits & records
- Certification of completion on the biennial renewal application; Board may audit, documents due within 30 days of written request; keep records 6 years.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingPhysicians who prescribed, administered or dispensed any controlled substance under a WV license in the reporting period: Board-approved Risk Assessment and Responsible Prescribing / Drug Diversion and Best Practice Prescribing course, every reporting period (counts toward the 50); new licensees within 1 year of initial licensure | 3 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. With 2 hours of Category I nutrition CME: ABMS member board certification/recertification during the reporting period, or participation in ABMS maintenance of certification/continuing certification, or at least 12 months of ACGME-approved postgraduate training or fellowship in the reporting period.
Good to know. At least 30 of the 50 hours in the physician's specialty. Nutrition: 2 h each renewal (HB 4951, emergency rule eff. 08-11-2026), no topic code. Reporting period = 2 years before the renewal deadline; the 2026 renewal ended June 30, 2026.
Source: wvbom.wv.gov · W. Va. Code of State Rules 11CSR6 (§§11-6-3, 11-6-4); W. Va. Code §§30-1-7a, 30-3-7 · checked Oct 28, 2026
West Virginia DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 32hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Jun 30
- Reporting
- Other
- Renewal deadline
- By June 30
- Category 1 minimum
- 16
- Accepted credit
- AOA approved CME, at least 50% Category 1 (or CME hours in standard heart saver courses)
- Renewal fee
- $400
- New licensees
- Within one year of initial licensure: 3 hours of a Board-approved course on Risk Assessment and Responsible Prescribing of Controlled Substances (waived for non-prescribers); may count toward the biennial hours.
- Renew online
- www.wvbdosteo.org ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingNewly licensed osteopathic physicians who prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances; within one year of initial licensure | 3 | once |
Alternatives & exemptions. Licensees in a clinical residency program for more than 9 months of the licensing period may submit verification of participation instead of CME documentation.
Good to know. Separate board: West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine (wvbdosteo.org). License valid 2 years, renewed by June 30 of the second year; CME documentation is part of the renewal application. 2 of the 32 hours on nutrition (emergency rule eff. 08-18-2026) – topic not in our list.
Source: apps.sos.wv.gov · W. Va. Code of State Rules 24CSR1 (§§24-1-4.9, 4.10, 15.2.7); W. Va. Code §30-14-10 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in West Virginia?
MD: Category I designated by the AMA or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP); up to 20 hours for teaching/lecturing/precepting with documentation. DO: AOA approved CME, at least 50% Category 1 (or CME hours in standard heart saver courses).
How do I verify a physician license in West Virginia?
Use the license lookup of the West Virginia Board of Medicine (wvbom.wv.gov); 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 West Virginia?
MD: 50 hours every 2 years, at least 50 of them Category 1. DO: 32 hours every 2 years, at least 16 of them Category 1.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in West Virginia?
MD: Controlled substances prescribing — 3 h (every renewal). DO: Controlled substances prescribing — 3 h (once).
How much does a physician license renewal cost in West Virginia?
DO: $400 per renewal, as listed by the board.
How do physicians report CE in West Virginia?
MD: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in West Virginia?
MD: Licenses renew on the date shown on your license (2 years cycle). DO: Licenses renew by June 30 (2 years cycle).