Category 1 vs Category 2 CME Credits: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

If you’re a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, you already know one thing for sure: Not all CME credits are created equally.

Understanding the difference between Category 1 CME Credits and Category 2 CME Credits can save you time, stress, and last-minute scrambling when it’s time to report your CME.

Let’s break it down—clearly, simply, and without the fluff.

What Are CME Credits?

Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are required for clinicians to maintain licensure, certification, and clinical competence.

Depending on your profession and certifying body, you may need a specific number of CME credits over a defined cycle—often with Category 1 CME credits required and Category 2 CME credits allowed in smaller amounts.

Learn more about CME requirements directly from the NCCPA:

What are Category 1 CME Credits?

Category 1 CME Credits are formally approved and accredited educational activities.

For physician assistants, these are typically:

• AAPA Category 1 CME Credits
• Approved by recognized accrediting organizations

Common Examples of Category 1 CME

• Live CME conferences
• Accredited online CME courses
• Board review programs
• Certified self-assessment activities
• Accredited webinars and workshops

At CME4Life, all eligible programs offer AAPA Category 1 CME:

Why Category 1 CME Credits Matter?

• Required for PA license renewal
• Required for NCCPA certification
• Automatically accepted by most state boards
• Often tracked and reported electronically

Official AAPA CME guidance: https://www.aapa.org/cme-central/

Bottom line: Category 1 CME credits are the foundation of your CME requirements.

What Are Category 2 CME Credits?

Category 2 CME Credits are self-reported educational activities that are not formally accredited but still contribute to your professional development.

These activities are valuable—but they come with limits.

Common Examples of Category 2 CME

• Reading medical journals
• Participating in non-accredited educational meetings
• Teaching or precepting students
• Independent study or clinical research
• Professional committee work

Important Things to Know About Category 2 CME

• Typically, self-reported
• Often capped at a maximum number
• May not count toward certification requirements
• Documentation is your responsibility

NCCPA guidance on Category 2 CME: https://www.nccpa.net/CME

Bottom line: Category 2 CME supports lifelong learning—but cannot replace Category 1 CME.

Category 1 vs Category 2 CME: Quick Comparison

How Many Category 1 vs Category 2 CME Credits Do You Need?

Requirements vary by profession and state, but for most physician assistants:

• 100 CME credits every 2 years
• At least 50 must be Category 1 CME
• Remaining credits may be Category 2

Always confirm with:

• Your state licensing board
• The NCCPA
• Your employer or credentialing body

Official NCCPA CME tracking details: https://portal.nccpa.net

Why Most Clinicians Prioritize Category 1 CME?

Busy clinicians choose Category 1 CME because it is:

• Recognized everywhere
• Easy to track
• Designed for exam and clinical relevance
• Lower risk during audits

That’s why most providers aim to complete the majority of their CME as Category 1 credits—and use Category 2 as a supplement, not a strategy.

Earn Category 1 CME Credits with CME4Life

At CME4Life, we specialize in AAPA Category 1 CME credits designed for real-world clinicians.

Explore CME4Life Programs

• Live CME Conferences: https://cme4life.com/live
• On-Demand CME Courses: https://cme4life.com/shop/
• PANCE & PANRE Board Review: https://cme4life.com/pance-precision-on-demand-course/ and https://cme4life.com/pance-panre-panre-la/

Our education is:

• Clinically relevant
• Efficient
• Exam-focused
• Built for busy providers

Final Takeaway

• Category 1 CME Credits = required, accredited, essential
• Category 2 CME Credits = supplemental, self-reported, limited

If you want peace of mind—and no surprises at renewal time—prioritize Category 1 CME credits and use Category 2 strategically.