A source-verified guide to Arkansas's CME requirements for PAs — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 17, 2026
For PAs, 20 hours is the total CME requirement. Arkansas also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 20-hour total.
“Each year, each physician assistant shall obtain at least one (1) hour of CME credit specifically regarding the prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines.”
These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.
PAs authorized to prescribe Schedule II hydrocodone combination products (reclassified from Schedule III to Schedule II as of October 6, 2014)
“A physician assistant who is authorized to prescribe Schedule II hydrocodone combination products reclassified from Schedule 3 to Schedule 2 as of October 6, 2014, must complete at least five (5) continuing education hours in the area of pain management.”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Arkansas Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
AMA PRA Category 1 | 'CME hours do not have to be a particular category.' AMA PRA Category 1 Credit is accepted without a category minimum for PAs.SourceASMB PA FAQ[2] |
AAPA Category 1 PAs only | AAPA Category 1 CME Credit accepted. PA-specific credit type naturally available under the 'any category' rule.SourceASMB PA FAQ[2] |
AOA Category 1-A | AOA Category 1-A accepted without minimum under the 'any category' rule.SourceASMB PA FAQ[2] |
Category 2 self-directed activities | Board FAQ explicitly states PA CME hours 'do not have to be a particular category,' so Category 2 / self-study / other accrediting organization credit is accepted. AAFP Prescribed credit is customarily accepted on this basis.SourceASMB PA FAQ[2] |
The renewal cycle is annual, based on the PA's birth month.[2] The CME reporting period runs from birth month of the previous year through birth month of the current year.
The Board may grant an extension for illness, military service, medical or religious missionary activity, residence in a foreign country, or other extenuating circumstances upon written application.[1]
License renewal fees are waived for active-duty military personnel. This fee waiver is customary Board practice; Rule 24 § 9 authorizes extensions but does not itself prescribe fee waivers.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your birth month renewal.
Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.
“A physician assistant who holds an active license to practice in the State of Arkansas shall complete 20 credit hours per year continuing medical education. … Continuing medical education records must be kept by the licensee in an orderly manner. All records relative to continuing medical education must be maintained by the licensee for at least three years from the end of the reporting period. … Failure to complete continuing education hours as required or failure to be able to produce records reflecting that one has completed the required minimum medical education hours shall be a violation and may result in the licensee having his license suspended and/or revoked. … A physician assistant who is authorized to prescribe Schedule II hydrocodone combination products reclassified from Schedule 3 to Schedule 2 as of October 6, 2014, must complete at least five (5) continuing education hours in the area of pain management. Each year, each physician assistant shall obtain at least one (1) hour of CME credit specifically regarding the prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines.”Rule 24 § 9
“Each year, each physician assistant shall obtain at least one (1) hour of CME credit specifically regarding the prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines.”Rule 24 § 9(g)
“A physician assistant who is authorized to prescribe Schedule II hydrocodone combination products reclassified from Schedule 3 to Schedule 2 as of October 6, 2014, must complete at least five (5) continuing education hours in the area of pain management.”Rule 24 § 9(f)
“20 hours per renewal period. Reference Rule 24 in the Arkansas Medical Practices Acts & Regulations. CME hours must be from birth month of previous year through birth month of current year. CME hours do not have to be a particular category. Random audits are performed monthly. If audited, certificates of CME completion are required to be submitted.”ASMB PA FAQ