Published May 9, 2025
Carving out time for continuing medical education (CME) may be essential, but it can feel relentless—another demand quietly simmering on your mental backburner. Deadlines tend to creep up, usually when your clinic's overbooked or your inbox is on fire. But figuring out how to get CME credits doesn’t have to mean scrambling at the last minute or slogging through dull material.
CME providers now offer a full menu of options—from quick-hit online modules to immersive workshops—that allow you to earn CME in ways that match your learning style and fit your schedule. Let’s break down the smartest, most efficient paths to help you stay compliant without derailing your workflow—or your weekend.
Types of Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits
Most clinicians recognize CME as the bedrock of clinical growth, certification, and licensure. Still, navigating the range of credit types and accrediting bodies can be a complicated process. Each credit format serves a distinct role, with some aligning with specialty boards and others meeting state-specific mandates or professional development goals. Let’s dissect the major CME credit categories and clarify how each fits into your practice and regulatory requirements.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ remains the standard for physicians across specialties and is also widely recognized by professional organizations certifying nurse practitioners, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Clinicians use this credit type to meet licensure, certification, and institutional requirements. For family physicians, AAFP Prescribed Credit provides a tailored alternative that aligns with their scope of practice while maintaining wide acceptance. Many state licensing boards consider it equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, which makes this credit type a flexible option for those in primary care.
Category 2 CME Credit
Category 2 CME Credit covers self-directed learning activities that are not certified for Category 1 credit but still contribute to professional development. These include journal reading, peer consultations, teaching, and participation in quality improvement projects. While not always accepted for licensure or certification, Category 2 credit can supplement formal CME and demonstrate ongoing engagement with clinical learning. Physicians often self-report these activities, and requirements may vary by state or credentialing body.
AANP Contact Hours
AANP contact hours, including designated pharmacology credit, support the continuing education needs of nurse practitioners (NPs) across clinical settings. These credits are awarded through accredited activities that meet the standards set by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and help fulfill renewal requirements—particularly for prescriptive authority. For NPs practicing in California, the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN) sets specific CE standards. CBRN-approved contact hours ensure compliance with state licensure requirements and streamline the renewal process for those working in or relocating to California.
ABIM MOC (Maintenance of Certification) Points
ABIM MOC Points apply to physicians certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. These points count toward ongoing certification requirements and reflect a commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement. Earning MOC points through eligible CME activities allows internists to meet both professional development goals and board mandates simultaneously.
How to Identify Your CME Requirements
Knowing how to earn CME credits that meet your licensure or certification needs is the first step toward staying compliant. Mandates vary widely across the U.S. and often include topics like opioid prescribing, pain management, implicit bias, or human trafficking. Recent federal legislation, including the MATE Act (Medication Access and Training Expansion Act), has also introduced new training for DEA-registered clinicians—most notably, an eight-hour course on substance use disorders.
You can quickly navigate CME/CE requirements with this tool, which maps mandates by state and links each one to sessions that fulfill them. This resource helps clinicians stay compliant with both state licensure and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requirements. If you prefer to browse by role, you can use these dedicated resources for physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.
Explore Different Types of CME Activities
You can earn CME credits in more ways than one—and not all of them require plane tickets or out-of-office messages. Below, we break down the several types of CME activities so you can find the format that fits your schedule and learning style.
In-Person CME/CE Conferences
Attending a live conference offers more than just credits—it’s a chance to exchange ideas with peers, hear directly from faculty, and step away from daily routines to focus on learning. These events often feature practical sessions with dedicated time to ask questions, share insights, and discuss cases. These events offer new clinical strategies, connections to colleagues, and exposure to the latest tools and tech shaping clinical care.
Hands-On CME/CE Workshops
Hands-on workshops offer practical, skills-based learning in a clinical setting—whether it’s ultrasound training, suturing, patient-provider discussion role-play, or joint injections. These sessions emphasize technique, guided practice, and immediate feedback—ideal for the clinician who learns best by doing.
Live Virtual CME/CE Conferences
Live virtual conferences offer the structure of a scheduled event with the convenience of attending from anywhere. Sessions are led by clinician-educators and focus on timely topics in primary care. You can listen, take notes, and earn CME/CE credits without leaving your home or office.
On-Demand CME/CE Sessions
If flexibility is key, on-demand activities are an excellent option. CME packages bundle courses into curated collections that cover a range of high-priority topics in primary care—from chronic disease to emerging therapies.
Alternatively, you could access highly focused collections that zero in on specific clinical areas with concise, chaptered video formats that allow you to easily pause, pick up later, or skip to what’s most relevant. Both formats give you access to respected faculty without having to rearrange your week, and both typically offer downloadable resources you can revisit anytime.
CME/CE Podcasts
Podcasts offer a flexible way to keep up with clinical topics—some deliver quick overviews, others take a deeper dive. You can listen during a commute, walk, or between appointments. As with any format, it’s worth checking that the content comes from trusted sources and covers material relevant to your practice.
Journal-Based CME/CE
Journal-based CME/CE allows you to earn credit by reading peer-reviewed articles and completing related assessments. This format helps you stay current with emerging research and is especially useful for clinicians who prefer independent study or have specific clinical questions. Just make sure the journal activity is accredited and that the credit is applicable to your licensure or certification.
Performance Improvement CME (PI-CME)
PI-CME ties learning directly to clinical practice. These activities involve identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and measuring outcomes over time. Designed to drive quality improvement, PI-CME is often completed in stages and may offer more credit than traditional formats. It’s particularly relevant for clinicians involved in care delivery redesign, quality initiatives, or institutional improvement projects. Always confirm that the activity meets your board’s criteria for PI-CME credit.
Free CME
You don’t have to spend to stay current. Many accredited CME activities—on-demand courses, podcasts, and virtual sessions—deliver solid clinical content at no cost. Free doesn’t mean lower quality; top educators often lead these sessions, offering practical insights on relevant topics.
6 Tips for Earning CME Credits
Not all CME is created equal. Some sharpen your skills—others waste your time. Look for activities that align with your clinical focus, meet licensure or DEA mandates, and offer real value—not just a certificate. The tips below help you target the right formats and complete your credits with purpose.
1. Know What You Need to Fulfill
Before choosing a CME activity, nail down exactly what your state license, DEA registration, and specialty board require. Most states mandate a specific number of CME/CE credits on topics like opioid prescribing, implicit bias, or human trafficking—either annually or every two years. Some also specify required formats or link CME completion to license renewal deadlines. Knowing these details upfront helps you avoid repeating credits—or worse, missing something critical when it’s time to renew.
2. Start with High-Impact and Evolving Topics
Focus on CME that improves how you practice—not just what you know. Choose topics that address common challenges, sharpen decision-making, or bring new tools to familiar cases. Prioritize sessions that feel relevant, practical, and engaging—if it helps your patients and holds your attention, it's worth your time
3. Pick the Right CME Format for You
Some weeks call for flexibility; others allow for structure. Choose formats that align with your learning style, fit your workload, and keep you engaged. Whether you prefer listening to podcasts, reading journal articles, interacting with live faculty, or using gamified tools, the right format can make it easier to stay focused and follow through.
4.Choose Accredited, Trustworthy CME Programs
Choose CME from an accredited, reputable provider. Quality programs use evidence-based content, avoid commercial bias, and feature credible faculty. Before committing your time, check who’s behind the course and how it’s developed. Consider providers, like Pri-Med, who have earned the ACCME’s Accreditation with Commendation—a mark of excellence given to a select group of organizations that exceed standards and drive meaningful improvement in education and care. Learn more about Pri-Med’s commitment to high-quality, impactful CME/CE.
Some weeks call for flexibility; others allow for structure. Choose formats that align with your learning style, fit your workload, and keep you engaged. Whether you prefer listening to podcasts, reading journal articles, interacting with live faculty, or using gamified tools, the right format can make it easier to stay focused and follow through.
5. Create Your CME Plan and Timeline
Don’t wait until deadlines sneak up. Map out your CME for the year—note how many credits you need, which ones are mandatory, and when they’re due. A simple plan helps you stay on track, avoid last-minute scrambles, and focus on learning that actually benefits your practice.
6. Choose Accredited, Trustworthy CME Programs
CME requirements don’t stay static—states, boards, and federal agencies update them regularly. Make a habit of checking for changes, especially around license renewal time. Staying informed helps you avoid surprises, stay compliant, and ensure your CME choices are the right ones. A few minutes of checking can save you hours later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning CME Credit
What is the difference between free and paid CME?
Free and paid CME both deliver credible, accredited education that satisfies licensure, certification, and DEA requirements. The difference lies in how they’re funded—free CME may be backed by grants, supported by sponsors, or offered independently at no cost, while paid CME typically relies on participant fees. But if the activity is accredited, either option equips you with unbiased, evidence-based learning to hone your practice and meet your professional goals.
What is the quickest way to earn CME credit?
The fastest way to earn CME credit depends on your schedule and learning style. On-demand courses, short modules, and CME podcasts often let you complete credits quickly, sometimes in under an hour. Look for activities that offer immediate credit reporting and certificates upon completion. Just make sure the content is accredited and meets your specific licensure or certification requirements—speed means nothing if the credits don’t count.
Do CME credits expire?
CME credits don’t last forever. Most licensing boards and certifying bodies set time limits on how long credits remain valid, usually tied to your renewal cycle. For example, if your state requires CME every two years, only credits earned within that window will count. Always track when you earn your credits and double-check the rules for your state, specialty board, or DEA registration to avoid gaps when it’s time to renew.
How many hours is 1 CME credit?
One CME credit typically equals one hour of participation in an accredited educational activity. However, the exact calculation can vary slightly depending on the accrediting organization. Always check the activity details to confirm how credits are awarded.
How do I report CME credits?
Reporting CME credits usually involves submitting proof of completion to your state licensing board, specialty board, or credentialing body. Some CME providers, like Pri-Med, offer online trackers that store your earned credits and certificates so you can easily download what you need when it's time to report. Others automatically report credits for you. Always keep personal copies and double-check your board’s deadlines and procedures to stay ahead of renewal requirements.
How do I track my CME credits over time?
Many providers, like Pri-Med, offer online dashboards that track your completed activities, earned credits, and certificates in one place. You can access Pri-Med’s Activity Tracker anytime to view or download your records.
How can I get CME credits with Pri-Med?
Pri-Med offers multiple ways to earn CME/CE credits that match your schedule and learning style. You can:
- Attend in-person CME/CE conferences across the U.S. to connect with peers and faculty while earning credits—at a significantly lower cost than many other providers.
- Join live virtual CME/CE conferences—from anywhere—for free, and engage in real-time with expert clinicians during comprehensive sessions.
- Access on-demand CME/CE courses and bootcamps for flexible, self-paced learning on essential primary care topics—many available at no cost or for a modest fee.
- Listen to CME/CE podcasts that deliver focused clinical insights in 15 minutes or less—often free to access.
All activities are accredited and built for primary care clinicians, offering practical takeaways, evidence-based content, and the flexibility to meet licensure, certification, and DEA training requirements on your terms.