Physician Assistants · North Carolina · Continuing education
North Carolina Physician Assistant CME Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- PA50 hours of CME (NCCPA Category I) every 2 years, including 2 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 PA CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 50hours of CME (NCCPA Category I)
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Category 1 minimum
- 50
- Accepted credit
- CME recognized by the NCCPA as Category I; NCCPA-approved interprofessional, cultural competency and implicit bias courses qualify
- Audits & records
- Provide CME documentation for inspection on request.
- Renew online
- portal.ncmedboard.org ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingPAs who prescribe controlled substances; within the 50 h; federal MATE Act training satisfies it for that two-year period | 2 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Current NCCPA certification is deemed compliance with the 50 hours (attested at annual renewal), but not with the controlled substance requirement unless that CME is part of the certification activity.
Good to know. License renews annually; the two-year CME period begins on the PA's birthday following license issuance.
Source: reports.oah.state.nc.us · 21 NCAC 32S .0216 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for physician assistants in North Carolina?
CME recognized by the NCCPA as Category I; NCCPA-approved interprofessional, cultural competency and implicit bias courses qualify.
How many CE hours do physician assistants need in North Carolina?
50 hours of CME (NCCPA Category I) every 2 years, at least 50 of them Category 1.
How do I verify a physician assistant 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 do physician assistants report CE in North Carolina?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physician assistants in North Carolina?
Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle).