Alaska Medical Doctor CME

How many CME hours do Alaska physicians need?

Alaska physicians who have held their license through a full two-year renewal cycle need 50 hours of eligible AMA Category 1, AOA Category 1 or 2, or other Board-recognized continuing education every two years, an average of 25 hours per year across the full cycle ( Alaska State Medical Board — Frequently Asked Questions ). Physicians renewing for the first time owe a reduced, prorated number of hours instead of the full 50 — see the first-renewal question below. You may complete hours online with an on-demand Alaska Medical Doctor CME Package

Alaska runs a fixed biennial cycle: every medical license expires December 31 of even-numbered years ( Alaska State Medical Board — Frequently Asked Questions ).

Which CME courses or topics are required for Alaska physicians?

Every physician must complete 2 hours of pain management and opioid use and addiction education as part of (not in addition to) their total hours in the two years before renewal. A physician may request a waiver of this requirement by showing the Board that they do not hold, and are not applying for, a DEA registration number ( Medical License Renewal Application, January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 ).

Physicians who apply for or renew a DEA registration must make a one-time attestation of eight hours of qualifying substance use disorder training , unless another statutory qualification applies. Eligible prior coursework can satisfy the federal rule; the DEA does not require a newly purchased course or eight extra state CME hours. DEA MATE Act FAQ .

Do newly licensed Alaska physicians need CME for their first renewal?

Yes, but the hours are prorated based on how long the license has been held. Alaska bases the total hour requirement on the number of full years a physician held the license during the renewal period, rather than applying the full 50-hour figure to everyone. The Board’s published renewal application lists a 50-hour tier, a 25-hour tier for a shorter license term, and a tier with no general minimum for newer licenses; the 2-hour pain management and opioid education still applies unless the physician qualifies for its DEA-related waiver. The application displays a 2025–2026 title but uses 2023–2024 dates in its CME instructions, so ask the Board which issue-date tier applies to your 2026 renewal ( Medical License Renewal Application, January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 ). Physicians renewing in "Retired" status are not required to complete CME ( Alaska State Medical Board — Frequently Asked Questions ).

Does the Alaska State Medical Board audit CME records?

Yes. The Division performs a computer-generated random audit of a percentage of license renewals; physicians selected must provide proof of their CME courses. Physicians who participate in ACCME's Program and Activity Reporting System (PARS) have their CME verified directly by board staff and are not required to submit documents. All physicians should retain CME documentation for at least four years ( Medical License Renewal Application, January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 ).

Sources

Last verified: September 23, 2026

• Alaska State Medical Board — Frequently Asked Questions

• Alaska Statutes and Regulations — Medical (Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development)

• Medical License Renewal Application, January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing)

• DEA Diversion Control Division — MATE Act Training FAQ