A source-verified guide to Maryland's CE requirements for PAs — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 21, 2026
For PAs, 50 hours is the total CME requirement. Maryland also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 50-hour total.
“At least 8 hours of Category 1 education on pharmacology topics earned during the 2-year period preceding the expiration of the physician assistant license.”
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 with Maryland OCSA Controlled Dangerous Substances registration (initial registration or first renewal on or after October 1, 2018)
“Except for researchers, have completed 2 continuing education credit hours [relating to the prescribing or dispensing of controlled substances that are accredited by the ACCME or recognized by the authorized provider's professional board].”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Maryland 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 |
|---|---|
AAPA Category 1 PAs only | All 50 hours must be Category 1 — Maryland PAs cannot use Category 2 credit unlike Maryland physicians. AAPA Category 1 is the standard PA pathway.SourceCOMAR 10.32.03.10(D)(1)[1] |
AMA PRA Category 1 | AMA PRA Category 1 Credit from ACCME-accredited providers satisfies the Category 1 requirement.SourceCOMAR 10.32.03.10(D)(1)[1] |
Board-approved credit PAs only | Current NCCPA certification is an explicit alternative to the 50-hour CE requirement. PAs who maintain their PA-C do not need to separately track state CE hours.SourceCOMAR 10.32.03.10(D)(3)(c)[1] |
Documentation of CE attendance must be retained for 6 years for possible audit by the Board of Physicians.[1] Documentation is not submitted at renewal unless the PA is selected for audit.
PAs renewing for the first time after initial licensure or reinstatement need only complete the 8 hours of pharmacology CE. They are exempt from the remaining 42 hours of Category 1 CE for that cycle.[1]
Proof of current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) may be used to satisfy the entire continuing education requirement in lieu of the 50-hour total.[1]
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your a fixed calendar cycle 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.
“Except as specified in §D(2) of this regulation, in order to renew or reinstate a license under §A or B of this regulation, a physician assistant shall complete at least 50 hours of continuing education consisting of: (a) At least 8 hours of Category 1 education on pharmacology topics earned during the 2-year period preceding: (i) For license renewal, the expiration of the physician assistant license; or (ii) For license reinstatement, the date of the submission of the application for reinstatement; and (b) In addition to the continuing education hours specified in §D(1)(a) of this regulation, at least 42 hours of Category I continuing education earned during the 2-year period preceding: (i) For license renewal, the expiration of the physician assistant license; or (ii) For license reinstatement, the date of the submission of the application for reinstatement.”COMAR 10.32.03.10(D)
“At least 8 hours of Category 1 education on pharmacology topics earned during the 2-year period preceding the expiration of the physician assistant license.”COMAR 10.32.03.10(D)(1)(a)
“Except for researchers, have completed 2 continuing education credit hours [relating to the prescribing or dispensing of controlled substances that are accredited by the ACCME or recognized by the authorized provider's professional board].”COMAR 10.19.03.04(C)