If you hold a Washington physician assistant license, the Washington Medical Commission requires 100 hours of continuing education every two years, a minimum of 40 of which must be Category 1 — or maintaining NCCPA certification, which fulfills the state CME requirement. Washington also requires a one-time 6-hour suicide prevention training and a 1-hour opioid prescribing training. PA licenses renew every two years on or before your birthday. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
100 hours / 2 years
At least 40 Category 1, or maintained NCCPA certification.
Suicide prevention
A one-time 6-hour suicide assessment and management training.
Opioid prescribing
A 1-hour opioid prescribing training.
Birthday renewal
Licenses renew every two years on or before your birthday.
How many CME hours Washington PAs need
Washington requires 100 hours of continuing education every two years for physician assistants — a minimum of 40 Category 1 — or maintaining NCCPA certification, which fulfills the state requirement.
Mandated subject requirements
- Suicide prevention: a one-time 6-hour training.
- Opioids: a 1-hour opioid prescribing training.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Washington PA licenses renew every two years on or before the licensee's birthday. Retain certificates for the mandated suicide prevention and opioid trainings.
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View pricingWashington Physician Assistants (PA) CME at a glance
- Suicide Prevention Training6 hrs · one time
PAs must complete a one-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training and retain the CME certificate.
- Opioid Prescribing1 hr · one time
PAs must complete a 1-hour opioid prescribing training (one-time, related to the state's opioid prescribing rules) and retain the CME certificate.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Washington Medical Commission requires PAs to complete 100 hours of continuing education every two years, a minimum of 40 of which must be Category 1 — or maintaining NCCPA certification, which fulfills the state CME requirement. Washington also requires a one-time 6-hour suicide prevention training and a 1-hour opioid prescribing training. PA licenses renew every two years on or before the licensee's birthday.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Washington Medical Commission before relying on these figures.
Source: Washington Medical Commission. 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?
PA Licensure Compact: enacted but not yet active. Enacted by enough states and a commission is standing up, but NOT yet issuing the compact privilege — PAs still license state-by-state.
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 Washington or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Washington Physician Assistant CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours do Washington PAs need?
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100 hours every two years (at least 40 Category 1), or maintained NCCPA certification.
Does Washington require suicide prevention training for PAs?
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Yes — a one-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training.
When do Washington PA licenses renew?
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Every two years on or before the licensee's birthday.
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