Introduction
North Dakota joins Minnesota and New Mexico with a triennial (three-year) CME compliance cycle. The North Dakota Board of Medicine (NDBOM) requires 60 hours of Category 1 CME every three years, with compliance years following a 2013-based pattern.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), North Dakota offers expedited multistate licensing. This guide covers everything you need to know about North Dakota medical license renewal in 2026.
North Dakota Board of Medicine Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | North Dakota Board of Medicine (NDBOM) |
| CME Cycle | Triennial (every 3 years) |
| Compliance Years | 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025, 2028... |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Phone | (701) 450-4060 |
| Website | ndbom.org |
CME Requirements: 60 Hours Triennial
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 60 AMA Category 1 hours per 3 years |
| Credit Type | AMA PRA Category 1 |
| Mandatory Topics | None specified |
Triennial Compliance Cycle
CME compliance follows the 2013 implementation pattern:
- 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025, 2028...
The next compliance year is 2025, followed by 2028.
Pro-rated CME Based on License Duration
| Time Licensed | CME Required |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | No CME required |
| 1-2 years | 20 hours |
| 2-3 years | 40 hours |
| 3+ years | 60 hours (full requirement) |
ACCME PARS Integration
The NDBOM has collaborated with ACCME to allow licensees to have CME activities reported directly to the Board. Physicians can ask CME providers to report participation to ACCME's data system, which the Board can then verify.
CME Documentation
The Board does not require all physicians to submit documentation/proof of CME hours. However, physicians must:
- Certify compliance at renewal
- Maintain records for potential audit
- Be prepared to provide proof if requested
Exemptions
Physicians may be excused from CME requirements by submitting an affidavit certifying they will render no medical services during the next CME reporting period.
Online Renewal Process
- Access NDBOM Portal: Visit ndbom.org
- Login: Use your existing credentials
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions
- Certify CME: Attest to 60 hours (or pro-rated amount)
- Pay Fee: Submit renewal fee
- Save Confirmation: Keep receipt for records
Consequences of Non-Compliance
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| CME non-compliance | License renewal may be delayed or denied |
| False certification | Disciplinary action |
| Practice while lapsed | Board investigation |
North Dakota-Specific Considerations
Triennial Cycle
North Dakota's 3-year CME cycle provides extended time for completion. Plan for 20 hours per year on average.
No Mandatory Topics
Unlike many states, North Dakota does not mandate specific CME topics such as opioid prescribing or pain management at the state level.
ACCME Integration
The PARS integration allows automatic CME verification for activities reported through ACCME. This simplifies compliance documentation.
IMLC Membership
North Dakota is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The triennial CME requirement applies to both traditional and IMLC licensees.
Rural Healthcare Focus
North Dakota's rural character creates opportunities for physicians interested in underserved communities and locum tenens work.
Key Takeaways
- 60 hours of Category 1 CME per triennial period
- Compliance years: 2025, 2028, 2031...
- Pro-rated requirements for newly licensed physicians
- No mandatory CME topics
- ACCME PARS integration for automatic reporting
- North Dakota is an IMLC member state
Conclusion
North Dakota's triennial CME cycle provides flexibility with 60 hours over three years. The ACCME PARS integration simplifies compliance verification. No mandatory topics allow physicians to focus CME on their specialty areas.
Use CredentialMate to track your progress toward 60 hours over three years, monitor compliance year deadlines, and leverage ACCME PARS reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours does North Dakota require?
North Dakota requires 60 hours of AMA Category 1 CME every three years. Newly licensed physicians have pro-rated requirements based on time licensed.
What are North Dakota's CME compliance years?
CME compliance follows the 2013 pattern: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025, 2028... The next compliance year is 2025.
Are there mandatory CME topics in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota does not mandate specific CME topics at the state level. All 60 hours can be in areas relevant to your practice.
How does ACCME PARS integration work?
Physicians can ask CME providers to report participation to ACCME's data system. The NDBOM can then verify compliance directly through PARS without requiring manual documentation.
Is North Dakota part of the IMLC?
Yes, North Dakota is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited licensure through the IMLC process.
References
[1]: North Dakota Board of Medicine - CME Requirements
https://www.ndbom.org/practitioners/cme.asp
[2]: AMA Ed Hub - North Dakota CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/North-Dakota
[3]: North Dakota Administrative Code - CME
https://ndlegis.gov/prod/acdata/pdf/50-04-01.pdf
[4]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/