Physician Assistant CME requirements in California
Requirements at a glance
State-mandated CME topics
- Implicit bias: — Direct-patient-care CME must integrate implicit bias curriculum (B&P §3524.5), effective 2022-01-01.
- Geriatrics: — If >25% patients age 65+, ≥20% of mandatory CE in geriatric/dementia/older-patient care (B&P §3524.6), effective 2025-01-01.
Sources
Every figure on this page is compiled from the primary board and national certification sources below, cross-checked against reputable aggregators. Requirements change often and some boards publish only in PDFs or login-walled portals — confirm current rules directly before relying on them for renewal.
Verify with Physician Assistant Board (DCA) →How this fits the national picture
Independent of California, every PA maintains NCCPA certification — 100 CME credits every two-year cycle (at least 50 Category 1) plus a recertification exam by year 10. Many states accept that in place of separate state CME; this page notes whether California does.
- Nurse Practitioner CE requirements in California →
- All 50 states + DC, side by side →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Texas →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Florida →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in New York →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Illinois →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Pennsylvania →
Frequently asked questions
How many CME hours do physician assistants need in California?
California requires 50 CME hours for physician assistants per renewal cycle. At least 50 must be AMA PRA Category 1.
Does California accept NCCPA certification in lieu of state CME?
Yes — PAs certified by NCCPA at renewal are compliant with CME (CCR §1399.615).
What topic-specific CME does California require for physician assistants?
Implicit bias: — Direct-patient-care CME must integrate implicit bias curriculum (B&P §3524.5), effective 2022-01-01. Geriatrics: — If >25% patients age 65+, ≥20% of mandatory CE in geriatric/dementia/older-patient care (B&P §3524.6), effective 2025-01-01.
Informational only, not legal or compliance advice. Continuing education rules change frequently. Confirm current requirements with the Physician Assistant Board (DCA) and your certifying body before relying on any figure here.