Georgia CME Requirements for Podiatrists (DPM)

Mandatory topics

For Podiatrists, 50 hours is the total CME requirement. Georgia also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 50-hour total.

Opioid / controlled substances[1]

3 hrs

One-time

Controlled substance prescribing CME — 3 hours, ONE-TIME requirement for podiatrists who maintain an active DEA certificate and prescribe controlled substances (except residency training permit holders). Must include controlled substance prescribing guidelines, recognizing signs of abuse/misuse, and prescribing for acute pain management. Effective biennium ending August 31, 2023; once completed, not required for subsequent renewals. Counts toward the 50-hour CE total in the biennium completed.

View sourceVerbatim from source

“Every Podiatrist who maintains an active DEA certificate and prescribes controlled substances, except those holding a residency training permit, shall complete, at least one time, three (3) hours of CME that is specifically designed to address controlled substance prescribing practices.”

Rule 500-5-.01(2)(d)See source [1] in Primary Sources

Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Georgia cycle automatically. Start tracking free →

Conditional requirements

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.

ConditionalGeneral CME[1]

0 hrs

Biennial

Podiatrists obtaining license by reciprocity, reinstatement, or examination renewing for the first time.

View detailsEditorial summary

full 50 hours if licensed Sept odd year–end of Feb following; 30 hours if licensed March even year–Feb odd year; full exemption if licensed March odd year–Aug odd year (Rule 500-5-.01(3)).

Rule 500-5-.01(3)See source [1] in Primary Sources

Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Georgia 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
CPME / GPMA Approved (≥30 hr floor) min 30 hrs	At least 30 of the 50 biennial hours must be CPME and/or Georgia Podiatric Medical Association (GPMA) approved (Rule 500-5-.01(2)(c)). Note: GPMA scientific session credit may not exceed 50% of the biennial CE requirement under Rule 500-5-.03(b).Source`https://rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/500-5`[1]
CPME Online (max 25 hr) max 25 hrs	Up to 25 hours may be online/correspondence/webinar, and these must be CPME-approved (Rule 500-5-.01(2)(a)).Source`https://rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/500-5`[1]
Live Healthcare-Related (max 10 hr) max 10 hrs	Up to 10 hours may be live (in person) from any healthcare-related source (Rule 500-5-.01(2)(b)).Source`https://rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/500-5`[1]

Documentation & audit

Records retention: 6 years (3 renewal periods).

Waivers & exemptions

Pro-rated reduction or full exemption based on licensing date within the biennial cycle for first-renewal applicants (Rule 500-5-.01(3)).

FAQ

How many CE hours do Georgia podiatrists need?

Fifty (50) hours per biennial renewal cycle, with renewal on a fixed biennial cycle that ends August 31 of odd-numbered years. Of the 50 hours: at least 30 must be CPME/GPMA-approved; no more than 25 may be online (and must be CPME-approved); up to 10 may be live (in person) from any healthcare-related source.

Are APMA-approved credits accepted in Georgia?

Yes — APMA / CPME approved CME is the primary accepted credit type. Rule 500-5-.03(a) recognizes "providers and sponsors approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association" as the default approved provider system. Georgia Podiatric Medical Association (GPMA) scientific sessions are also recognized but capped at 50% of the biennial requirement.

Are there mandatory CE topics for DPM renewal in Georgia?

One-time only: 3 hours of controlled substance prescribing CME for DEA-registered podiatrists who prescribe controlled substances under Rule 500-5-.01(2)(d). Effective biennium ending August 31, 2023; once completed, not required again. There are no other state-imposed mandatory topics. The federal MATE Act adds a one-time 8-hour SUD training for DEA registrants.

Where can I check my Georgia podiatry license renewal date?

The Georgia Secretary of State maintains a license verification search at verify.sos.ga.gov/verification, which displays current status, expiration date, and disciplinary history. The Board's information page at sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-podiatry-examiners also links renewal application materials.

50 hours. Every two years. On a fixed date cycle.

Never miss a Georgia CME deadline.

Sources & Citations