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North Carolina · Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant CME requirements in North Carolina

High confidenceLast verified June 4, 2026

Requirements at a glance

Licensing board
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years (2 yrs from birthday)
Total CME hours
50 hrs NCCPA Category I/2 yrs
Category 1 minimum
50 hours
Accepts NCCPA in lieu
Maintaining NCCPA satisfies the 50-hr Cat-1

State-mandated CME topics

  • Controlled-substance prescribing + chronic pain: 2 hrs — Within the 50, for controlled-substance prescribers (21 NCAC 32S).

Sources

Every figure on this page is compiled from the primary board and national certification sources below, cross-checked against reputable aggregators. Requirements change often and some boards publish only in PDFs or login-walled portals — confirm current rules directly before relying on them for renewal.

North Carolina licensing boardNorth Carolina Medical Board
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/maintain-certification/continuing-medical-education
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/news/panre-la
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/maintain-certification
DEA MATE Act (federal)samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/statutes-regulations-guidelines/mate-act
DEA MATE Act (federal)dea.gov
Verify with North Carolina Medical Board

How this fits the national picture

Independent of North Carolina, every PA maintains NCCPA certification — 100 CME credits every two-year cycle (at least 50 Category 1) plus a recertification exam by year 10. Many states accept that in place of separate state CME; this page notes whether North Carolina does.

Keep exploring

Frequently asked questions

How many CME hours do physician assistants need in North Carolina?

50 hrs NCCPA Category I/2 yrs. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (2 yrs from birthday).

Does North Carolina accept NCCPA certification in lieu of state CME?

Maintaining NCCPA satisfies the 50-hr Cat-1.

What topic-specific CME does North Carolina require for physician assistants?

Controlled-substance prescribing + chronic pain: 2 hrs — Within the 50, for controlled-substance prescribers (21 NCAC 32S).

Informational only, not legal or compliance advice. Continuing education rules change frequently. Confirm current requirements with the North Carolina Medical Board and your certifying body before relying on any figure here.