The History of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
The inception of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ dates back to the 1960s when the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized the need for a standardized method to support and quantify physicians' ongoing education. The system evolved in response to the rapid advancements in medical science, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning for healthcare providers.
Defining AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ is the benchmark for continuing medical education (CME) across the United States, signifying high-quality learning activities that are designed to enhance the practice of medicine and the provision of patient care. These credits are recognized by all state medical boards, medical specialty societies, specialty boards, hospital medical staffs, the Joint Commission, insurance groups, and others.
Comparing AMA PRA Category 1 Credit and General CME
While all AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ fall under the umbrella of CME, not all CME qualifies as Category 1. To distinguish itself, Category 1 credit is typically awarded by accredited providers and requires rigorous documentation and educational standards, whereas CME activities not meeting these criteria may be classified differently, often as Category 2 credits. You can find a list of Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) accredited CME providers here and a list of American Academy of Family Physicians Continuing Medical Education Providers here. If listed here your CME credits are AMA PRA category 1 credits.
AMA Category 1 Credits for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
For nurse practitioners and physician assistants, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are applicable to be utilized for state licensure/re-licensure and board certification/recertification.
Physician Assistant Licensure/Certification
Licensure - must be done on the respective state licensure website of interest
Certification - You can verify physician assistant certification here.
Nurse Practitioner Licensure/Certification
Licensure - verification can be performed here
Certification - You can verify nurse practitioner certification here (costs money)
How to Earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
Physicians and other healthcare providers can earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ through a variety of activities including accredited live events, online courses, and more. If you are receiving CME credits from an accredited provider and the education is relevant to helping healthcare professionals provide better care, your credits are AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Differences Between Category 1 Credits and Category 2 Credits
Category 2 credits are self-designated CME activities chosen by physicians that are considered educational but are not formally accredited. Unlike Category 1 credits, which require formal documentation and are provided by accredited organizations, Category 2 credits are self-reported and include informal learning experiences such as reading medical literature, consulting with colleagues, or teaching. While Category 1 credits are widely accepted for licensure and certification, the recognition of Category 2 credits varies by state and certifying boards, and they may not be accepted by all. Physicians must manage their own Category 2 credit records and may need to validate their educational value to relevant authorities.
Acceptance of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Across Medical Boards
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are widely accepted by medical boards for licensure and certification.
FAQs on AMA PRA Category 1 Credits Section
Q: Can international medical graduates earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits?
A: Yes, international medical graduates can earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits if they participate in CME activities provided by accredited organizations that meet AMA criteria.
Q: Are AMA PRA Category 1 Credits transferable between different states or specialties?
A: Yes, an AMA PRA Category 1 Credit is the same irrespective of the state or specialty. Some certifying boards will only accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits for educational material directly related to a specific specialty or disease area.
Q: Do AMA PRA Category 1 Credits expire?
A: Category 1 Credits do not expire per se, but physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are typically required to earn a certain number of credits within a specific time frame, such as a licensure or certification renewal period.
Q: Can I earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits for teaching medical students or residents?
A: Yes; however, only if the activity is submitted to an accredited CME provider to certify the activity. Generally without a formal application, this would be considered a Category 2 credit.
Q: How do I document my earned AMA PRA Category 1 Credits?
A: Documentation is usually provided by the CME activity organizer, which you should retain for your records. Additionally, you may need to report your credits to a tracking service or certifying board, depending on their requirements.
