Introduction
Connecticut stands out with its requirement for six specific mandatory CME topics—more than most states. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) oversees physician licensure with a 50-hour biennial CME requirement and unique topic mandates including infectious disease, risk management, and veteran behavioral health.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Connecticut offers expedited multistate licensing for New England and beyond. This guide covers everything you need to know about Connecticut medical license renewal in 2026.
Connecticut Department of Public Health Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Deadline | Last day of birth month |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Online Portal | portal.ct.gov/dph |
Connecticut Medical License Renewal Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biennial Renewal (Physician) | $575.00 | MD and DO |
| PA Renewal | $190.00 | Physician Assistant |
| Initial Application | $565.00 | New licensure |
| Reinstatement | $565.00 | Lapsed license |
Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health
Last verified: January 22, 2026
CME Requirements: 50 Hours with Six Mandatory Topics
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 50 contact hours per biennial period |
| Contact Hour Definition | At least 50 minutes of CME activity |
| Documentation Retention | 6 years |
Six Mandatory CME Topics
Connecticut requires completion of 1 hour each in six specific topics:
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Infectious Disease (including HIV/AIDS) | 1 | First renewal, then every 6 years |
| Risk Management | 1 | First renewal, then every 6 years |
| Sexual Assault | 1 | First renewal, then every 6 years |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | First renewal, then every 6 years |
| Cultural Competency | 1 | First renewal, then every 6 years |
| Behavioral Health (Veterans Focus) | 1 | First renewal, then every 6 years |
Mandatory Topic Timeline
- First Renewal: Complete all 6 mandatory topics (1 hour each)
- Subsequent Renewals: Complete each topic once every six years (3 renewal cycles)
Behavioral Health Requirement
The behavioral health topic must emphasize mental health conditions common to veterans and their families. This unique Connecticut requirement reflects attention to veteran healthcare needs.
Qualifying CME Activities
Connecticut accepts CME from multiple sources:
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA)
- Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS)
- Connecticut Osteopathic Medical Society (COMS)
- County medical societies or equivalent organizations
- Hospital or health care institution educational offerings
- Regionally accredited academic institutions
- State or local health departments
Renewal Timeline
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 60 days before | DPH sends renewal notice |
| Birth month | Renewal deadline |
| After deadline | Late fees may apply |
Online Renewal Process
- Access Portal: Visit portal.ct.gov/dph
- Login: Use your eLicense credentials
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions
- Certify CME: Attest to 50 hours including 6 mandatory topics
- Pay Fee: Submit $575 via electronic payment
- Retain Documentation: Keep records for 6 years
CME Waivers and Exemptions
Available Waivers
- Illness/Disability: Physician-certified medical condition
- Medical Examining Board Service: Active board members may qualify
Non-Practicing Exemption
Physicians not actively practicing during a one-year license renewal period may apply for CME exemption before the period ends. Returning to practice requires:
- Completion of specified CME hours
- In some cases, an examination
Consequences of Non-Renewal
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Late Renewal | Late fees and penalties |
| Expired License | Cannot practice medicine in Connecticut |
| Reinstatement | $565 fee plus CME compliance |
| Practice While Expired | Disciplinary action; potential criminal charges |
Connecticut-Specific Considerations
Six Mandatory Topics
Connecticut's requirement for six specific CME topics is more extensive than most states. Plan ahead to ensure you complete all mandatory topics, especially before your first renewal.
Six-Year Topic Cycle
After the first renewal, mandatory topics rotate on a six-year cycle. This means you'll complete each topic once every three renewal periods.
IMLC Membership
Connecticut is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The state can serve as a State of Principal License or additional state for IMLC applications.
New England Regional Practice
Physicians practicing in the New England region often maintain licenses in multiple states. IMLC facilitates multistate licensure, though each state's CME requirements must be met separately.
Key Takeaways
- 50 contact hours of CME required per biennial period
- Six mandatory topics: infectious disease, risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency, and veteran behavioral health
- 1 hour required in each mandatory topic
- $575 renewal fee for physicians
- Mandatory topics repeat every 6 years after first renewal
- Retain CME documentation for 6 years
- Connecticut is an IMLC member state
- Renewal due in birth month every 2 years
Conclusion
Connecticut's medical license renewal requires careful attention to six mandatory CME topics beyond the 50-hour total. The unique veteran behavioral health requirement reflects the state's healthcare priorities. Planning ahead for mandatory topic completion—especially before first renewal—is essential for compliance.
Use CredentialMate to track your progress toward 50 hours, monitor completion of all six mandatory topics, and ensure you meet Connecticut's comprehensive requirements before your birth-month deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Connecticut's mandatory CME topics?
Connecticut requires 1 hour each in six topics: infectious disease (including HIV/AIDS), risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency, and behavioral health with emphasis on veterans. These must all be completed for the first renewal, then every six years thereafter.
How many CME hours does Connecticut require?
Connecticut requires 50 contact hours of CME per biennial (two-year) period. A contact hour equals at least 50 minutes of CME activity.
How much does Connecticut medical license renewal cost?
The biennial renewal fee for physicians (MD and DO) is $575. The initial application fee is $565, and reinstatement is also $565.
When is my Connecticut medical license renewal due?
Connecticut medical licenses are due for renewal by the last day of your birth month every two years. DPH sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before the deadline.
Is Connecticut part of the IMLC?
Yes, Connecticut is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited Connecticut licensure through the IMLC process or use Connecticut as their State of Principal License.
References
[1]: Connecticut DPH - Continuing Medical Education
https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/physician/continuing-medical-education
[2]: Connecticut State Medical Society - CME Requirements
https://www.csms.org/for-physicians/for-physicians-cme/
[3]: AMA Ed Hub - Connecticut CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/Connecticut
[4]: UConn Health - CME Licensure Requirements
https://health.uconn.edu/continuing-medical-education/about-us/licensure-requirements/
[5]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/