Introduction
New Hampshire requires 100 hours of CME per biennial period—tied with New Jersey for the highest CME requirement in the nation. The New Hampshire Board of Medicine mandates 40 Category 1 credits with the remaining 60 flexible between Category 1 and 2.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), New Hampshire offers expedited multistate licensing. This guide covers everything you need to know about New Hampshire medical license renewal in 2026.
New Hampshire Board of Medicine Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | New Hampshire Board of Medicine |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Licensure Cycle | January 1 - December 31 (2-year) |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Phone | (603) 271-1203 |
New Hampshire Medical License Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Renewal | $378.00 | Biennial |
| PA-C Renewal | $203.00 | Biennial |
Source: New Hampshire Board of Medicine
Last verified: January 22, 2026
CME Requirements: 100 Hours (Highest Nationally)
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 100 hours per 2 years |
| Category 1 | Minimum 40 AMA PRA Category 1 |
| Category 1 or 2 | Remaining 60 hours |
| Opioid CME | 3 hours for DEA registrants |
Opioid/Pain Management Requirement
Physicians with an NH-DEA license must include 3 hours of Board-approved opioid CME as part of their 100 credits every two years. Topics include:
- Opioid prescribing for pain management/treatment
- Treatment of opioid use disorders
Federal DEA MATE Act
Beginning June 27, 2023, all DEA-registered practitioners must complete 8 hours of one-time training on treating/managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. This is separate from the state's recurring 3-hour requirement.
Board Certification Alternative
The following satisfy the 100-hour requirement:
- Passage of an American Specialty Board examination (initial eligibility or recertification)—counts as 100 Category 1 hours
- Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program deemed adequate by the Board
Renewal Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| January 1 (Year 1) | Licensure cycle begins |
| December 31 (Year 2) | Licensure cycle ends |
| Before December 31 | Complete renewal |
Online Renewal Process
- Access NH Board Portal: Visit New Hampshire Board of Medicine website
- Login: Use your existing credentials
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions
- Certify CME: Attest to 100 hours (40+ Cat 1, 3 opioid if DEA)
- Pay Fee: Submit $378
- Save Confirmation: Keep receipt for records
Consequences of Non-Renewal
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| After December 31 | License expired |
| Expired license | Cannot practice in New Hampshire |
| Practice while expired | Disciplinary action |
New Hampshire-Specific Considerations
Highest CME Requirement
New Hampshire and New Jersey are tied for the highest CME requirement nationally at 100 hours per biennial period. Plan your CME strategy accordingly—50 hours per year on average.
Flexible Category 2
While 40 hours must be Category 1, the remaining 60 hours can be either Category 1 or Category 2, providing flexibility.
IMLC Membership
New Hampshire is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited licensure through IMLC or use New Hampshire as their State of Principal License.
MOC Satisfies Requirement
Physicians enrolled in a specialty organization's Maintenance of Certification program may satisfy the entire CME requirement if the Board deems the program adequate.
Key Takeaways
- 100 hours of CME per biennial period—tied for highest nationally
- 40 Category 1 + 60 Category 1 or 2
- 3 hours opioid CME for DEA registrants (recurring)
- $378 renewal fee
- Board certification/MOC can substitute for CME
- New Hampshire is an IMLC member state
Conclusion
New Hampshire's 100-hour CME requirement is tied for highest in the nation, requiring strategic CME planning. The flexibility between Category 1 and 2 for 60 hours provides options. Board certification and MOC alternatives offer pathways for specialists.
Use CredentialMate to track your progress toward 100 hours, monitor category distribution, and ensure opioid CME compliance for New Hampshire renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does New Hampshire require 100 CME hours?
New Hampshire and New Jersey are tied for the highest CME requirement nationally at 100 hours per biennial period. This reflects the state's commitment to ongoing physician education and competency.
What is the opioid CME requirement in New Hampshire?
Physicians with a DEA license must complete 3 hours of Board-approved CME on opioid prescribing and pain management every two years. The federal MATE Act also requires a one-time 8-hour training.
Can board certification satisfy New Hampshire CME?
Yes. Passing an American Specialty Board examination (initial or recertification) counts as 100 Category 1 hours. MOC programs deemed adequate by the Board also satisfy requirements.
How much does New Hampshire license renewal cost?
The biennial renewal fee is $378 for physicians and $203 for PA-Cs.
Is New Hampshire part of the IMLC?
Yes, New Hampshire is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited licensure through the IMLC process.
References
[1]: New Hampshire Board of Medicine
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/medicine
[2]: AMA Ed Hub - New Hampshire CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/New-Hampshire
[3]: NH Administrative Code - CME Requirements
https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-hampshire/N-H-Admin-Code-SS-Med-402.01
[4]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/