Physician Assistants · Washington · Continuing education
Washington Physician Assistant CME Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- PA100 hours every 2 years, including 1 h opioid prescribing & pain management (once), 6 h suicide prevention (once), 2 h health equity (every 4 years); renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Washington PA CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 100hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Category 1 minimum
- 40
- Accepted credit
- Category I (accredited sponsorship) and Category II (nonaccredited sponsorship and other meritorious learning); AAPA standards are used to judge acceptance and category
- Renewal fee
- $247
- Carryover
- Not allowed (commission FAQ).
- New licensees
- The two-year CME review period begins on the first birthday after receiving the initial license.
- Audits & records
- Affidavit of compliance at renewal; random audits under WAC 246-12-190; keep CME documentation at least four years after the renewal period (commission FAQ).
- Renew online
- wmc.wa.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementPAs licensed to prescribe opioids; best practices/opioid prescribing rules, by end of first full CE reporting period after initial licensure | 1 | once |
| Suicide preventionAll PAs except those with only brief, limited or no patient contact; DOH model-list training, by end of first full CE reporting period after initial licensure | 6 | once |
| Health equityAll PAs: every four years (WAC 246-12-800 to 246-12-830) | 2 | every 4 years |
Alternatives & exemptions. In lieu of 100 hours: current NCCPA certification; or compliance with an AAPA or NCCPA continuing maintenance of competency program; or other commission-approved programs.
Good to know. License renews every two years on the birthday. Fee: $247 two-year renewal plus $32 HEAL-WA and $140 physician health program surcharges (WAC 246-918-990).
Source: app.leg.wa.gov · WAC 246-918-171, 246-918-180, 246-918-185, 246-918-195, 246-918-825, 246-918-990; chapter 246-12 WAC Part 7 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Washington
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physician assistants in Washington?
Category I (accredited sponsorship) and Category II (nonaccredited sponsorship and other meritorious learning); AAPA standards are used to judge acceptance and category.
How many CE hours do physician assistants need in Washington?
100 hours every 2 years, at least 40 of them Category 1.
How do I verify a physician assistant license in Washington?
Use the license lookup of the Washington Medical Commission (wmc.wa.gov); 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 Washington?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physician assistants in Washington?
Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle).