What is a CME Credit?
A CME credit is a designation given to a health care professional who has completed a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program.
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CME Basics
So, what exactly is a CME credit? CME stands for “continuing medical education,” and is a designation earned by doctors and other medical professionals who complete educational programs to stay up-to-date on advances in their field. CME credits are necessary to maintain licensure and to be eligible for participation in some insurance plans. But that’s not all – CME can also help boost your career and open doors to new opportunities.
What is a CME credit?
CME credits (sometimes called “Contact Hours”) are a unit of measure that indicate your participation in an accredited educational activity, such as a conference, seminar, or online course. They are awarded by the organization providing the education, and can be used to fulfill requirements for board certification or recertification, as well as licensure in some states.
One credit corresponds to one hour of participation in an accredited activity. So, for example, if you attend a two-day conference that offers 10 CME credits, you would earn five credits per day.
How is a CME credit earned?
There are three types of activities that can be used to earn CME credit:
-Participation in live educational activities, such as grand rounds, conferences, or symposia;
-Creation and review of educational materials, such as textbooks, journal articles, or multimedia products; and
-Completion of self-assessment activities, such as knowledge tests or reflective essays.
Most CME activities are offered by accredited providers, who are organizations that have been approved by the ACCME to offer CME credits.
What are the different types of CME credits?
There are four different types of CME credits – Category 1, Category 2, Enduring and Maintenance of Certification (MOC). Each type represents a different way in which doctors can earn CME credits.
Category 1 CME credits are the most common and can be earned by participating in activities such as conferences, symposia, live courses, journal clubs and self-study courses.
Category 2 CME credits are less common and are earned by participating in activities such as grand rounds, case studies and small group discussions.
Enduring CME credits are earned by participating in activities that can be completed over a period of time, such as online courses, home study materials and certain audio/visual materials.
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points are a type of CME credit that is required for some specialty boards. MOC points can be earned by participating in activities such as Live Courses, Self-Assessment Exams, and Performance Improvement Projects.
CME Requirements
CME credit is a form of currency that is used to buy and sell commodities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Each type of commodity has a different value, so it is important to know the value of the commodity you are interested in before you begin trading. CME credit can also be used to buy and sell futures contracts.
How many CME credits are required?
The number of credits required to renew a license varies by state. Most states require between 20 and 40 hours every two years, with a minimum number of credits in specific topics. For example, Florida requires 3 hours in medical errors, 3 hours in HIV/AIDS, and 2 hours in controlled substances each renewal cycle.
What are the different ways to earn CME credits?
There are different ways that you can earn CME credits. You can either attend a live event, such as a conference or workshop, or participate in an online activity, such as an e-learning module or podcast. You can also earn CME credits by authoring an article or creating a educational resource.
What are the deadlines for earning CME credits?
The deadline to earn CME credits varies depending on your Board certification date. MOC Part III credit (formerly termed “Performance in Practice” credit) is required every 10 years for all Diplomates. If you are currently certified, you may find your MOC Part III deadline in the “My Maintenance of Certification” section in MyABMS. If you need additional MOC credits to complete your requirements, you can find a list of opportunities on our website under the “Get Involved” tab, or search for activities in the “CME/MOC” section of our online Learning Management System.
CME Reporting
CME stands for “Continuing Medical Education”. These are courses, events, and materials that help healthcare professionals maintain and improve their skills. CME credits are a way of measuring how much educational content a healthcare professional has consumed.
How do I report my CME credits?
CME credits are usually reported online through the provider’s website. After you log in, you will be able to see your progress, print certificates, and report credits to the AMA. You may be asked to provide your name, date of birth, NPI number, and medical license number.
What is the process for reporting CME credits?
When you participate in a CME activity, you will receive a certificate of attendance or performance (depending on the type of activity). This certificate will indicate the number of credits that you have earned. You can then submit your credits to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) purposes.
What are the deadlines for reporting CME credits?
The process for reporting CME credits has changed for the 2020-2021 CME cycle. Physicians now have until December 31st of each year to report their credits. For example, credits earned in 2020 must be reported by December 31, 2020.
Credits earned during the 2019-2020 CME cycle can continue to be reported until December 31, 2020. However, please note that only credits earned prior to July 1, 2020 will be accepted. Credits earned after July 1, 2020 will not be accepted for the 2019-2020 CME cycle and will need to be reported for the 2020-2021 CME cycle.
The process for reporting credits has not changed for non-physicians. Non-physicians must report their credits within 30 days of completing their activity.
