Mandatory topics
Montana has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 100-hour total.
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Montana cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Accepted credit
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Montana 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 onlymin 50 hrs | Montana requires active NCCPA certification for PA licensure; NCCPA certification maintenance requires 100 CME credits per 2-year cycle with at least 50 in Category 1.SourceMTBME PA Licensing[1] |
AMA PRA Category 1 | AMA PRA Category 1 Credit from ACCME-accredited providers satisfies NCCPA Category 1 requirement.SourceMTBME PA Licensing[1] |
Board-approved credit PAs only | Current NCCPA certification is the operative Montana PA CE framework. Montana defers to NCCPA maintenance rather than imposing a separate state hour count.SourceMTBME PA Licensing[1] |
Documentation & audit
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
Waivers & exemptions
No formal waivers or exemptions are published for Montana.
FAQ
How many CE hours do Montana PAs need?
Montana does not impose a state-specific CE hour requirement for PA license renewal.[2] Instead, the Board of Medical Examiners requires PAs to maintain current NCCPA certification. NCCPA certification maintenance requires 100 CME credits per 2-year cycle, with at least 50 hours of AAPA Category 1 or AMA PRA Category 1 credit. This national certification requirement serves as the de facto CE standard for Montana PAs.
Are there mandatory CE topics for PAs in Montana?
Montana has no state-mandated CE topic requirements for PA license renewal. PAs who hold DEA registration must complete a one-time 8-hour training on substance use disorders and opioid treatment under the federal MATE Act, but this is a federal obligation rather than a Montana state requirement. PAs with controlled substance prescribing authority pay a Montana Prescription Drug Registry fee but face no additional topic-specific CE.
Where can I check my Montana PA license renewal date?
Montana PA licenses are managed by the Board of Medical Examiners at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/medical-examiners. The renewal window runs from September 1 through October 31 of the renewal year, with the renewal fee of approximately $200. Late renewals incur a 100% penalty fee.[3] PAs must submit proof of current NCCPA certification at renewal. The Board's renewal process page provides current instructions and deadlines.
Does Montana require separate CE for prescriptive authority?
No. Montana does not require PAs to complete additional continuing education specifically for prescriptive authority. PAs with controlled substance prescribing authority are assessed a Montana Prescription Drug Registry fee of $30 per year ($60 for the biennial renewal period), but this is a fee rather than a CE requirement. The state relies entirely on NCCPA certification maintenance to ensure ongoing PA competency.