PPPPProviderPair
All statesGet started
Washington · Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant CME requirements in Washington

High confidenceLast verified June 4, 2026

Requirements at a glance

Licensing board
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years (by birthday)
Total CME hours
100 CME hours per renewal cycle
Category 1 minimum
~40 (unverified at primary text)
Accepts NCCPA in lieu
Not stated as substitute

State-mandated CME topics

  • Suicide prevention: 6 hrs — One-time (WAC 246-918-185).
  • Opioid prescribing: 1 hr — One-time (WAC 246-918-825).
  • Health equity (incl. implicit bias): 2 hrs — Per renewal, effective 2024-01-01 (RCW 43.70.613).

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.

Washington licensing boardWashington Medical Commission
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/maintain-certification/continuing-medical-education
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/news/panre-la
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/maintain-certification
DEA MATE Act (federal)samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/statutes-regulations-guidelines/mate-act
DEA MATE Act (federal)dea.gov
Verify with Washington Medical Commission →

How this fits the national picture

Independent of Washington, 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 Washington does.

Keep exploring

Frequently asked questions

How many CME hours do physician assistants need in Washington?

Washington requires 100 CME hours for physician assistants per renewal cycle.

Does Washington accept NCCPA certification in lieu of state CME?

Not stated as substitute.

What topic-specific CME does Washington require for physician assistants?

Suicide prevention: 6 hrs — One-time (WAC 246-918-185). Opioid prescribing: 1 hr — One-time (WAC 246-918-825). Health equity (incl. implicit bias): 2 hrs — Per renewal, effective 2024-01-01 (RCW 43.70.613).

Informational only, not legal or compliance advice. Continuing education rules change frequently. Confirm current requirements with the Washington Medical Commission and your certifying body before relying on any figure here.