Psychiatry: 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: 3-year blocks Source: ABPN: Continuing certification
CME: 90 Category 1 CME credits and 16 self-assessment credits per block Source: ABPN: Continuing certification
Practice improvement: One improvement in medical practice activity per block, and a one-time patient safety activity Source: ABPN: Continuing certification
Assessment: Continuing certification exam every 10 years, or the Article-Based pathway: 20 article exams per certificate per 3-year block Source: ABPN: Continuing certification
Fee: $175 a year for one certificate, $240 for two, $310 for three or more; due December 31 Source: ABPN: Fee schedule

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 psychiatry 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)

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