Montana physician (MD and DO) CME requirements for license renewal
Montana sets no CME requirement for MDs or DOs. Here is what renewal does require, when your license expires and what happens if you renew late.
Last reviewed October 2026. Requirements change; confirm with the Board before you rely on this guide. This is general information, not legal advice.
The Montana Board of Medical Examiners, part of the Department of Labor and Industry, licenses both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians. The same rules apply to both, so this guide covers both degrees.
The short version
| Requirement | Hours | How often | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| General CME | None | — | Montana sets no CME requirement for MDs or DOs |
| Required topics | None | — | — |
| License renewal | — | Every two years, by March 31 of your expiration year | Every MD and DO |
No CME requirement
The Board's FAQ asks, "Are Physicians in Montana required to acquire Continuing Medical Education to acquire or renew a license?" and answers: "No. Montana does not require Physicians to acquire CME in order to acquire or renew a license."
The Board's rules (Administrative Rules of Montana Chapter 24.156) contain continuing education rules for some other professions the Board licenses, such as acupuncturists. They contain none for physicians, and the physician renewal application asks no CME questions.
You may still need CME for other reasons: hospital privileges, specialty board certification, or licenses in other states. Montana simply does not check it at renewal.
When your license expires
The Board's FAQ says physician licenses "are good for a maximum of two years and expire on March 31 of the expiration year." Physicians renew online in eBiz between February 1 and March 31 of their renewal year. Your expiration year is printed on your license; the renewal schedule is set by ARM 24.101.413.
If you miss March 31:
- For the first 45 days the license is "lapsed." You may keep practicing (ARM 24.101.408), but you pay a late fee on top of the renewal fee.
- After 45 days it is "expired." You may not practice until you renew, with the late fee.
- Two years after the expiration date it is "terminated," and you must apply for a new license.
Other things renewal asks for
- Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR): licensees who can prescribe or dispense must register with the MPDR (MCA 37-7-1503) and pay its fee with renewal (MCA 37-7-1511). Since July 1, 2021, prescribers must check the MPDR before prescribing an opioid or a benzodiazepine, with some exceptions (MCA 37-7-1515). This is a registration and a practice rule, not CME.
- Disclosure questions: the renewal application asks about discipline, malpractice judgments, impairment and changes to privileges during the last renewal period.
Federal requirement
The federal DEA requires a one-time 8-hour training on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders (the MATE Act) when you first register or renew a DEA registration. It is a federal requirement, separate from Montana's rules.
Checklist before you renew
- Check the expiration year on your license.
- Renew online in eBiz between February 1 and March 31 of that year.
- Keep your MPDR registration current if you prescribe.
- Keep any CME you need for privileges, board certification or other state licenses; Montana does not ask for it.
Requirements change. This guide was checked against the sources below on October 7, 2026; confirm with the Board before you rely on it.
Sources
- Montana Board of Medical Examiners — FAQ (physician CME, license expiration, late renewal)
- Montana Board of Medical Examiners — Renewal process
- Montana Board of Medical Examiners — Physician renewal application (active)
- Administrative Rules of Montana Chapter 24.156 (Board of Medical Examiners), Board compilation as of September 30, 2022
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