Continuing Medical Education Requirement Basic CME Requirement:The CME requirement for physicians and physician assistants licensed in Alabama is 25 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ or equivalent annually. (What is Category 1?) Exemptions from the Requirement:You are exempt from the CME requirement if: You do not reside or practice in Alabama You are retired and have received a retirement waiver from the Board (if you are retired but do not have a waiver, you are still subject to the CME requirement) You received your initial license this calendar year You have applied for and received from the Board a disability waiver You are enrolled or were enrolled in a residency training program or clinical fellowship program during any part of this calendar year Grace Period:If a licensee lacks the required continuing medical education hours, additional hours of continuing medical education may be obtained during the grace period of December 31 to January 31, and will count toward the requirement for the preceding calendar year. The licensee should not send in a renewal application until he or she can certify that the continuing medical education requirement has been met. Licenses may be renewed during the grace period with a late fee. There is no grace period for renewing a physician assistant license. Maintenance of Records:Licensees are required to maintain personal CME records for three years following the year in which the CME was earned.  Documentation is subject to examination by the Board upon request and consists of certificates of attendance, completion certificates, proof of registration, or similar documentation issued by the organization or entity sponsoring or conducting the continuing medical education program.  The Physician Recognition Award alone is not sufficient documentation. DO NOT send your CME certificates with your renewal application; you will be informed if the Board wishes to examine your documentation. Please review Rule 540-X-14 for more details concerning continuing medical education.