If you hold a Maryland physician license, the Maryland Board of Physicians requires at least 50 CME credits every two-year renewal cycle, of which at least 25 must be AMA PRA Category 1. The remaining credits may be Category 2. Physicians who prescribe controlled substances must additionally attest to 2 hours of continuing education on prescribing or dispensing controlled substances when obtaining or renewing a CDS registration. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
50 credits / 2 years
At least 50 Category I or II CME credits each biennial renewal cycle.
25 Category 1 minimum
At least half of the 50 credits must be AMA PRA Category 1.
Controlled substance CE
2 hours on controlled-substance prescribing for CDS registrants.
First renewal exemption
No CME is required for your first renewal after initial licensure.
How many CME hours Maryland physicians need
Maryland requires at least 50 CME credits every two years, earned in the two-year period preceding your license expiration. At least 25 of those credits must be AMA PRA Category 1; the remaining credits may be Category 2. The Board may impose a penalty of $100 per missing CME credit, so complete and document your hours on time.
Mandated subject requirements
- Controlled substance prescribing: physicians who hold a Maryland Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration must attest to 2 hours of CE on the prescribing or dispensing of controlled substances. This is a CDS registration requirement and applies only to prescribers.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Maryland physician licenses renew every two years. You must retain documentation of CME attendance for six years for possible Board inspection. Physicians are exempt from the CME requirement for their first renewal after initial licensure; thereafter the full 50-credit requirement applies.
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View pricingMaryland Physicians (MD/DO) CME at a glance
- Controlled Substance Prescribing2 hrs
When applying for or renewing a Maryland Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration, prescribers must attest to completing 2 hours of CE related to the prescribing or dispensing of controlled substances. This is a CDS registration requirement rather than a Board of Physicians license-renewal mandate, and applies only to controlled-substance prescribers.
Always confirm with your licensing board
Maryland physician licenses renew biennially. Physicians must earn at least 50 Category I or II CME credits in the two years preceding expiration, of which at least 25 must be Category 1. Controlled-substance prescribers must also attest to 2 hours of CE on prescribing or dispensing controlled substances when applying for a CDS registration.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Maryland Board of Physicians before relying on these figures.
Source: Maryland Board of Physicians. 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 Maryland or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Maryland Physician CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours do Maryland physicians need?
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At least 50 Category I or II credits every two years, of which at least 25 must be AMA PRA Category 1.
Does Maryland require controlled-substance CE?
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Yes — prescribers must attest to 2 hours of CE on prescribing or dispensing controlled substances when applying for or renewing a CDS registration.
Are new Maryland licensees exempt from CME?
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Yes — physicians are exempt from the CME requirement for their first license renewal after initial licensure.
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