A source-verified guide to North Dakota's CME requirements for physicians — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated July 4, 2026
North Dakota has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 40-hour total.
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.
Physicians performing abortions
“Note that if you are physician who performs an abortion, as of January 2026, you will be required to review this instructional course within two years before the performance of an abortion (unless deemed a medical emergency).”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, North Dakota 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 min 40 hrs | 'Licensed physicians are required to complete 40 AMA Category 1 hours of continuing medical education every two years.' All 40 hours must be AMA Category 1 (or equivalent).SourceNDBOM CME page[1] |
AOA Category 1-A DOs only | AOA Category 1 credit accepted as Category 1 equivalent for DOs licensed by NDBOM.SourceNDBOM CME page[1] |
ABMS Maintenance of Certification | Current board certification, MOC, or recertification from an ABMS, AOA, or RCPSC member board may substitute in lieu of the 40-hour CME requirement (August 1, 2023 policy).SourceNDBOM CME page[1] |
AOA Maintenance of Certification DOs only | AOA MOC/recertification satisfies the CME requirement in lieu of the 40-hour standard (August 1, 2023 policy).SourceNDBOM CME page[1] |
Per NDBOM physician renewal page: physician licenses expire biennially on the physician's birthdate.[2] The Board sends email reminders 59 days prior and 14 days prior to expiration.
Per NDBOM CME page: 'If the physician has been licensed for less than one year, no CME is required.' Physicians licensed less than one year are exempt from CME requirements.[1]
Per NDBOM CME page: 'If the physician has been licensed for one year, but less than two years, 20 CME hours are required.' Prorated requirement for PGY-1 reporting window.[1]
Per NDBOM CME page (August 1, 2023 policy): 'Accepting current certification, maintenance of certification, or recertification by a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association, or the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada, in lieu of compliance with continuing education requirements.'[1]
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.
“Licensed physicians are required to complete 40 AMA Category 1 hours of continuing medical education every two years. … If the physician has been licensed for less than one year, no CME is required. If the physician has been licensed for one year, but less than two years, 20 CME hours are required. If the physician has been licensed for two years but less than three years, 40 CME hours are required. … As of August 1, 2023, it is accepting current certification, maintenance of certification, or recertification by a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association, or the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada, in lieu of compliance with continuing education requirements. … Please note that by law, every physician is required to maintain a record of all CME activities in which the physician has participated and maintain such records for at least one year following the time when those CME activities were reported to the Board. … Physicians failing to comply with continuing education requirements in the time and manner specified by the Board will be assessed a fee of $500 and possible disciplinary action.”NDBOM CME page
“Note that if you are physician who performs an abortion, as of January 2026, you will be required to review this instructional course within two years before the performance of an abortion (unless deemed a medical emergency).”NDBOM CME page
“Physicians may initiate renewal 59 days before the expiration date of the license. Licenses expire biennially on the physician's birthdate. … The Board sends email reminders 59 days prior and again at 14 days prior to license expiration.”NDBOM renewal page