What Are NCCAA CME Requirements?
AuthorPatrick Flaherty CAA
Practicing CAA for 19 years
Reviewed
Published · Updated
Quick Facts
- 50 CME hours must be completed and registered every two years to maintain NCCAA certification.
- At least 40 hours must be CAA Category I CME; all 50 hours may be completed as Category I.
- June 1 is the standard registration deadline in the year registration is due.
Learn everything you need to know about NCCAA CME requirements, including the 50-hour rule, CAA Category I and II CME breakdowns, and important deadlines.
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are required to maintain their certification through the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) by fulfilling Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements every two years. This article breaks down the NCCAA CME requirements, ensuring you have the information needed to stay compliant and certified.
50 CME Hours Every Two Years
To maintain NCCAA certification, CAAs must complete and register 50 hours of CME every two years. These hours ensure that CAAs stay updated on advancements in their field and continue delivering safe, effective anesthesia care.
Breakdown of CME Hours
- CAA Category I CME (minimum of 40 hours): Category I CME focuses specifically on anesthesia or its subspecialties, such as critical care, pain management, and pediatric anesthesia. CAAs may complete all 50 hours in Category I CME.
- CAA Category II CME (up to 10 hours): If a CAA completes only the minimum 40 hours of Category I CME, the remaining 10 hours may be Category II general medicine or professional development CME.
Deadlines and Submission Process
To avoid late fees or lapses in certification, CAAs must:
- Complete the required CME hours within the applicable two-year cycle.
- Register CME credits through the NCCAA account access method currently available. The NCCAA currently directs users to its web portal while its CME guidance also references the mobile app.
- Submit all required activity information and documentation by June 1 of the registration year.
- Pay the standard $295 registration fee, or the $895 late registration fee after the deadline.
Late submissions are accepted until August 31, but the NCCAA late registration fee applies. After this date, failure to comply may result in decertification.
Learn how to register your CME creditsCAA Category I CME: Anesthesia-Focused Education
CAA Category I CME activities are specific to anesthesia practice and must be accredited by an NCCAA-recognized organization such as the ACCME or AAPA. Topics can include:
- Advanced airway management.
- Neurocritical care.
- Pediatric anesthesia techniques.
- Pain management strategies.
- Pharmacology updates.
- Critical care advancements.
- Techniques in regional anesthesia.
- Management of anesthesia-related complications.
By completing all 50 hours as CAA Category I CME, CAAs can enhance their expertise and align their education with their career focus.
Browse CAA Category I CME coursesCAA Category II CME: General Medicine and Professional Development
While CAA Category II CME is optional, it offers opportunities for broader professional growth. Eligible activities can include:
- Presentations at educational meetings, excluding faculty teaching at an educational institution.
- Clinical preceptorship.
- Publications.
- Academic credit from an institution of higher learning.
- Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives or projects.
- Mission activities.
- Original research.
- Non-faculty program instruction, such as serving as a guest lecturer.
- Clinical administrative involvement, such as committee work.
These activities can complement clinical practice. They also need to be accredited by an NCCAA-recognized CME accreditor such as ACCME or AAPA and registered with the required documentation.
Plan Ahead to Stay Compliant
To ensure a smooth process, CAAs should:
- Log activities early: Enter CME activities in your NCCAA account as they are completed.
- Monitor deadlines: Be mindful of the biennial June 1 deadline.
- Keep documentation ready: Save all certificates of completion for submission and possible audit.
- Choose high-quality CME resources: Select properly accredited activities that align with your NCCAA requirements.
Staying compliant with NCCAA CME requirements does not have to be challenging. By understanding the requirements and planning your activities, you can maintain your certification and continue advancing in your career as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant.