Pediatrics: board certification, CME and credentials

Last verified October 7, 2026. Rules change; confirm with your board before you rely on this page. This is general information, not legal advice.

Board certification

Cycle: 5-year Maintenance of Certification cycle Confirm with your board Source: ABP: Earning points in your MOC cycle
Points: 100 points every 5 years: 50 lifelong learning (Part 2) and 50 quality improvement (Part 4) Confirm with your board Source: ABP: Earning points in your MOC cycle
Assessment: MOCA-Peds, up to 20 questions a quarter, or a proctored exam Confirm with your board Source: ABP: Earning points in your MOC cycle
Fee: $322 a year for one certificate (2026) if you pay yearly, or the full amount at the start of the cycle Confirm with your board Source: ABP: MOC enrollment and fees

DO If you are a DO with an AOA board certification

DOs certified by an American Osteopathic Association board

Cycle: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Credits: 120 credits per 3-year cycle for non-time-limited certificates; time-limited certificates follow their board's numbers Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Your board's numbers: Each AOA board sets its own CME split Confirm with your board Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Reporting: AOA-accredited sponsors report for you; other credit you add yourself in the AOA Physician Portal Source: AOA: CME FAQs

Physicians in pediatrics often keep these. Your state, hospital or employer decides which you need.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Renewal: Every 3 years Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Fee: $888 per registration Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Window: Renew no more than 60 days before it expires Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Per state: A separate registration in each state where you prescribe Source: 21 CFR 1301.12 (separate registrations for separate locations)

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Training: 8 hours on substance use disorders, once Source: DEA letter to registrants on the MATE training requirement (March 27, 2023)
When: Affirmed on your next DEA registration form Source: DEA letter to registrants on the MATE training requirement (March 27, 2023)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

CAQH (DataSpring)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

American Academy of Pediatrics

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AAP NRP FAQ: Providers (Students)
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AAP NRP FAQ: Providers (Students)

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