Wisconsin Medical Doctor CME

How many CE hours do Wisconsin physicians need?

Wisconsin licenses MDs and DOs under the same Medical Examining Board and the same CME rule. Physicians need 30 hours of AMA or AOA Category 1 continuing medical education every two years (Wis. Stat. § 448.13; Wisconsin Medical Examining Board — Physician CE ).

Renewal falls every two years, by October 31 of each odd-numbered year (Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2)(a); Wisconsin Medical Examining Board ).

There is no state-mandated live or in-person hour requirement; all 30 hours may be completed through any AMA PRA Category 1 or AOA Category 1-A activity, including online courses.

Which CE topics are required for Wisconsin physicians?

Wisconsin does not designate a mandatory CE topic for every physician; all 30 hours may be earned in any Category 1 subject matter of the physician's choosing.

A physician who prescribes opioids or other controlled substances must complete 2 of the 30 hours in opioid prescribing CME — within the standard total, not on top of it. Training taken to satisfy the federal DEA MATE Act requirement may also count toward this 2-hour Wisconsin requirement if it meets the content standards in Wis. Admin. Code ch. Med 13 ( Wisconsin Medical Examining Board — Physician CE ).

Physicians holding a DEA registration must also complete a one-time 8-hour DEA MATE Training on Opioid or Substance Use Disorder, per the federal MATE Act — a federal requirement, not a Wisconsin Board mandate ( DEA Diversion Control Division — MATE Act Training FAQ ).

Do newly licensed Wisconsin physicians need CE for their first renewal?

Yes. The standard 30-hour requirement applies at a physician's first renewal, the same as every renewal after it ( Wisconsin Medical Examining Board — Physician CE ).

Does the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board audit CE records?

Yes. Physicians attest to compliance at renewal — CE Broker registration is optional, not required to renew — but the Department of Safety and Professional Services uses CE Broker to verify compliance for any physician selected for audit ( Wisconsin Medical Examining Board — Physician CE ).

Sources

Last verified: September 23, 2026

• Wisconsin Medical Examining Board

• Wisconsin DSPS — Physician Continuing Education

• Wis. Stat. § 448.13 — Biennial training requirement

• Wis. Stat. § 440.08 — Credential renewal

• Wis. Admin. Code ch. Med 13 — Continuing medical education for physicians

• DEA Diversion Control Division — MATE Act Training FAQ