Continuing Medical Education (CME) is required for Mississippi-licensed physicians to maintain licensure. This page explains CME requirements, reporting methods, exemptions, compliance expectations, and governing regulations established by the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure. This page applies to Physician (MD and DO) licensees.
The sections below explain CME requirements, reporting options, exemptions, and compliance expectations for Mississippi physician licensees.
Physician Assistant CME requirements are separate and are available on the Physician Assistant CME Requirements page.
✅Do I Need to Take Action Right Now?
You are likely compliant if:
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You are completing 40 hours of Category 1 CME during the current cycle; AND
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You either:
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Use a Board-approved CME tracking system; OR
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Maintain active certification with an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board.
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You will certify compliance during renewal in the next even-numbered year.
You need to take action now if BOTH apply:
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You do not use a CME tracking system; AND
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You are not actively maintaining ABMS board certification.
Create or maintain an account with an approved tracking organization:
You may be exempt this cycle if you are:
- Newly licensed after June 30 of an even-numbered year
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Currently in residency or fellowship training
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Newly board-certified for the first time during this CME cycle
If you are unsure about your compliance status, please visit the Board Contact page.
If you have confirmed that you meet CME requirements, you are ready to proceed with renewal.
Ready to renew your license? Visit the License Renewal page to access the renewal system and complete your annual renewal.
Common CME Mistakes to Avoid
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Waiting until renewal to confirm CME completion
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Assuming retirement removes CME requirements
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Believing that lifetime board certification satisfies reporting requirements
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Creating a tracking account without identifying your Mississippi license
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Failing to maintain CME documentation
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Ignoring audit or compliance communications
CME Requirements at a Glance
Physicians (MD & DO)
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40 hours of Category 1 CME
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Required every two-year CME cycle
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Certified during renewal in even-numbered years
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Applies to all license statuses, including retired status.
DEA Controlled Substances Training
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One-time 5-hour training requirement
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Annual controlled-substance prescribing CME is no longer required
CME Reporting Cycle
All CME credits must be earned within the active cycle:
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July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
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July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
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July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2030
How CME Reporting Works (MD/DO Licensees Only)
Beginning February 27, 2026, CME documentation for physician (MD and DO) licensees is no longer submitted directly to the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure; however, physicians must still maintain documentation in case of audit.
Physicians must meet one of the following reporting methods:
Option 1 — CME Tracking System
Maintain an account with a Board-approved CME tracking organization:
Licensees must ensure their Mississippi medical license is properly identified within the tracking system for reporting purposes.
Option 2 — Board Certification
Maintain active certification with a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
Lifetime certification, without ongoing maintenance of certification, does not satisfy CME reporting requirements.
Who Must Comply
All Mississippi physician licensees must comply with CME requirements applicable to their license type and scope of practice.
Physician Assistant requirements differ and are explained on the Physician Assistant CME Requirements page.
CME Exemptions
The following exemptions apply only to the current CME cycle:
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Initial licensure issued after June 30 of an even-numbered year
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Residency or fellowship training
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First-time board certification obtained during the CME cycle
Full compliance begins in the next applicable CME cycle.
CME Waivers
Licensees unable to meet CME requirements for legitimate cause may request a waiver.
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Requests must be submitted before April 1 of the final year of the CME cycle.
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Approval is granted at the discretion of the Board.
For waiver instructions, visit the Board Contact page.
Compliance Expectations
You are considered compliant when you:
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Complete required CME hours within the cycle
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Maintain documentation of CME completion
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Use an approved reporting method
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Accurately certify CME compliance during renewal
Failure to maintain records, respond to audit requests, or accurately certify CME completion may result in Board action. The Board may conduct audits to verify CME compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page coming soon.
Approved CME Tracking Systems
The following organizations are approved CME tracking and certification reporting options recognized by the Board.
Rules and Regulations
CME requirements are established under the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure Administrative Rules, Part 2610 — Continuing Medical Education.
The official rule language is available on the Regulation Filings page.
Related Resources
Questions About CME Compliance?
Contact the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure through the Board Contact page.