If you hold a Virginia physician license, the Board of Medicine requires 60 CME hours every two-year renewal cycle, of which at least 30 must be Category 1 (no more than 30 may be Category 2). At least 2 of the Category 1 hours must cover pain management, controlled substance prescribing, and addiction. Below is the full breakdown.
60 hours / 2 years
At least 30 must be Category 1; up to 30 may be Category 2.
2 hours controlled substances
On pain management, prescribing, and addiction within the Category 1 hours.
Category split
30 Category 1 minimum, 30 Category 2 maximum.
Biennial renewal
Physician licenses renew every two years.
How many CME hours Virginia physicians need
Virginia requires 60 CME hours every two years, of which at least 30 must be Category 1 and no more than 30 may be Category 2.
Controlled substance education
Of the 30 Category 1 credits, at least 2 hours must be in pain management, proper prescribing of controlled substances, and the diagnosis and management of addiction.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Virginia physician licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 60 hours before renewal.
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View pricingVirginia Physicians (MD/DO) CME at a glance
- Pain Management / Controlled Substances / Addiction2 hrs · per renewal
Of the 30 Category 1 credits, at least 2 hours must be in pain management, proper prescribing of controlled substances, and the diagnosis and management of addiction. Counts toward the total.
Always confirm with your licensing board
Virginia physicians must complete 60 CME hours every two years, of which at least 30 must be Category 1 and no more than 30 may be Category 2.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Virginia Board of Medicine before relying on these figures.
Source: Virginia Board of Medicine. 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 Virginia or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Virginia Physician CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours do Virginia physicians need?
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60 CME hours every two years, of which at least 30 must be Category 1.
Does Virginia require controlled substance CME?
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Yes — at least 2 of the Category 1 hours must cover pain management, controlled substance prescribing, and addiction.
How many Category 2 hours can I use in Virginia?
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No more than 30 of the 60 hours may be Category 2.
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