CME is required for doctors to keep their licenses, certifications and ultimately, their jobs. However, you have to understand the different credits and CME types available to meet your requirements.
In general, the two main credit types you’ll encounter are AMA PRA Category 1™ and AMA PRA Category 2™. Various types of CME activities qualify for each one. Browse the examples below to navigate the differences between the two!
AMA PRA Category 1™ CME Examples
One of the most common CME credit types is the AMA PRA Category 1™, which is required to maintain your license and certification. These are only available from CME providers accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or a state medical society.
Many CME activities can qualify for these credits, including:
- Live activities: Include live or virtual events, workshops, conferences and grand rounds
- Enduring materials: Education physicians can access at any time, anywhere, such as a podcast, on-demand video or print materials
- Test-item writing: Researching and drafting potential test items to contribute to the development of examinations
- Journal-based learning: Reading a medical article, then analyzing it for a discussion, reflection or debate
- Performance improvement CME: Includes structured, long-term assessment of one’s performance and the application of changes
- Manuscript review: The critical review of a journal manuscript before publication
- Internet point of care learning: Online learning that is physician-directed and includes reflection, source documentation and application opportunities
While these are the major AMA PRA Category 1™ activities, others may qualify with the correct documentation. For example, you could publish a peer-reviewed article in a MEDLINE-indexed journal or teach a live activity.
AMA PRA Category 2™ CME Examples
AMA PRA Category 2™ is another type of CME credit physicians can earn. These activities aren’t necessarily from accredited providers and don’t have to meet the same criteria as AMA PRA Category 1™ credits.
That said, these credits must meet the AMA’s definition of CME and adhere to its ethics guidelines.
Examples of learning in this category include:
- Unstructured online learning
- Self-assessment
- Peer review
- Reading medical literature
- Medical writing
- Live activities that don’t meet AMA PRA Category 1™ requirements
Unlike AMA PRA Category 1™, CME providers don’t certify their content for AMA PRA Category 2™. It’s the physician’s responsibility to claim these credits.
Earn CME Credit With In-Person and Online Events
If you’re ready to earn CME credits, start by finding an accredited provider. Browse our in-person and online events to find high-quality activities that fit your CME requirements!