A source-verified guide to Texas's CME requirements for PAs — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 20, 2026
For PAs, 40 hours is the total CME requirement. Texas also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 40-hour total.
“Includes required opioid prescribing education: at least 2 hours covering pain management and opioid-related topics.”
“Human trafficking prevention course required prior to each renewal (approved by Texas Health and Human Services Commission).”
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 practicing in emergency departments
“at least two hours of continuing medical education relating to: (1) the provision of trauma-informed care to sexual assault survivors; (2) appropriate community referrals and prophylactic medications; (3) the rights of a sexual assault survivor under Chapter 56A, Code of Criminal Procedure, including the opportunity to request the presence of an advocate as defined by Section 420.003, Government Code, and a forensic medical examination; (4) forensic evidence collection methods; and (5) applicable state law pertaining to the custody, transfer, and tracking of forensic evidence.”
PAs who have entered into a prescriptive authority agreement authorizing the prescribing of opioids
“each advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant who has entered into a prescriptive authority agreement authorizing the prescribing of opioids is required to complete not less than two hours of continuing education annually regarding safe and effective pain management related to the prescription of opioids and other controlled substances.”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Texas 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 20 hrs | must be provided by CME sponsors approved by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.SourceTMB PA CE page[1] |
Category 2 self-directed activities PAs onlymax 20 hrs | remaining hours may come from informal self-study, attendance at hospital lectures, grand rounds, or case conferences and must be documented for board request.SourceTMB PA CE page[1] |
Documentation must be retained and produced upon board request — not submitted at renewal.[1]
Exemptions available in writing for catastrophic illness, military service exceeding one year, residence outside the U.S. exceeding one year, or documented good cause — requested 30 days before license expiration.[1]
New licensees with pro-rated initial registration under 12 months are exempt until subsequent registration.[1]
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your license anniversary 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.
“Physician assistants in Texas must complete 40 credits of continuing medical education every 24 months during their biennial registration period. ... Formal Category I Hours (Minimum 20 credits): Must be provided by CME sponsors approved by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Includes required opioid prescribing education: at least 2 hours covering pain management and opioid-related topics. Human trafficking prevention course required prior to each renewal (approved by Texas Health and Human Services Commission). Informal Category II Hours (Up to 20 credits): Remaining hours may come from informal self-study, attendance at hospital lectures, grand rounds, or case conferences and must be documented for board request.”TMB PA CE page
“Includes required opioid prescribing education: at least 2 hours covering pain management and opioid-related topics.”TMB PA CE page
“Human trafficking prevention course required prior to each renewal (approved by Texas Health and Human Services Commission).”TMB PA CE page
“at least two hours of continuing medical education relating to: (1) the provision of trauma-informed care to sexual assault survivors; (2) appropriate community referrals and prophylactic medications; (3) the rights of a sexual assault survivor under Chapter 56A, Code of Criminal Procedure, including the opportunity to request the presence of an advocate as defined by Section 420.003, Government Code, and a forensic medical examination; (4) forensic evidence collection methods; and (5) applicable state law pertaining to the custody, transfer, and tracking of forensic evidence.”Tex. Occ. Code § 204.1563 · Effective 2026-09-01
“each advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant who has entered into a prescriptive authority agreement authorizing the prescribing of opioids is required to complete not less than two hours of continuing education annually regarding safe and effective pain management related to the prescription of opioids and other controlled substances.”Tex. Occ. Code § 157.0513
“CME is required every 2 years for Texas Physician Assistant Board and is calculated from expiration date to expiration date. It is also every 2 years for the NCCPA, but it may not be on the same schedule.”TMB PA CE vs NCCPA FAQ