Colorado was long one of the few states with no general continuing medical education mandate for physicians. That changed with House Bill 24-1153, signed in August 2024, which requires physicians to complete 30 AMA PRA Category 1 credits every 24 months — including a substance use disorder component — beginning with the 2027 renewal cycle. Rulemaking is ongoing, so confirm the final figures with the Colorado Medical Board.
30 hours / 2 years
Thirty AMA PRA Category 1 credits each biennial cycle, starting with 2027 renewals.
2 hours substance use
At least 2 hours of substance use disorder training per cycle.
New requirement
Established by HB24-1153 (2024); rulemaking still in progress.
Audits
The board may audit up to 5% of physician renewals annually.
How many CME hours Colorado physicians need
Beginning with the 2027 renewal cycle, Colorado requires 30 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME every two years. Prior to this, Colorado had no general CME mandate for physicians.
Substance use disorder education
At least 2 hours of the 30 must address substance use disorder, per HB24-1153.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Colorado physician licenses renew every two years. The board may audit up to 5% of renewals annually and require proof of completed CME. Confirm final rules as the board completes rulemaking.
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View pricingColorado Physicians (MD/DO) CME at a glance
- Substance Use Disorder2 hrs · per renewal
At least 2 hours of substance use disorder training every 2 years, per HB24-1153, effective with the 2027 renewal cycle. Counts toward the 30-hour total.
Double-check this one — our sources varied
Sources disagreed on some figures for this state, so treat the numbers above as a researched starting point and verify the specifics with the board before you rely on them.
Colorado historically had no general CME mandate for physicians. Under House Bill 24-1153 (signed August 2024), physicians must complete 30 AMA PRA Category 1 credits every 24 months beginning with the 2027 renewal cycle, including a substance use disorder component. Rulemaking is ongoing — confirm current figures with the board.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Colorado Medical Board before relying on these figures.
Source: Colorado Medical Board. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Licensed in more than one state?
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact: active. Active and issuing. Physicians can obtain expedited licensure across member states; each state license is separate (and each renews on its own CME cycle).
Each state license carries its own CME requirement and renewal date — if you hold more than one, you need a plan for each.
Also licensing in Colorado or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Colorado Physician CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado require CME for physicians?
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Beginning with the 2027 renewal cycle, yes — 30 AMA PRA Category 1 credits every two years under HB24-1153. Colorado previously had no general CME mandate.
Does Colorado require substance use disorder CME?
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Yes — at least 2 hours of substance use disorder training every two years.
When do Colorado's new CME rules take effect?
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With the 2027 renewal cycle. Rulemaking by the Colorado Medical Board is ongoing.
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