What are CME Category 2 Credits?

Category 2 activities are not formally designated by an accredited provider for Category I credit, however, individual physicians may claim Category 2 credit for learning experiences that have improved the care they provide their patients.  Many times participation in these activities cannot be documented.  All of these activities should be self-reported for Category II credit. 

AMA CME Category 2 is defined as educational activities not designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ that: (1) comply with the AMA definition of CME; (2) comply with the AMA ethical opinions on Gifts to Physicians from Industry and on Ethical Issues in CME (i.e., are not promotional); (3) and a physician finds to be a worthwhile learning experience related to his/her practice. AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ activities are entirely self claimed and self documented by a physician.

Physicians may claim AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ for such learning activities as:

• Teaching residents, medical students or other health professionals
• Unstructured online searching and learning (i.e., not Internet PoC)
• Reading authoritative medical literature
• Consultation with peers and medical experts
• Small group discussions
• Self assessment activities
• Medical writing
• Preceptorships
• Research
• Participating in live activities not designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

In each case, the physician determines the number of credits by claiming one (1) AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ for each 60-minute hour engaged in the learning activity. Physicians may claim credit in 15 minute, or 0.25 credits, increments, and should round to the nearest quarter hour.  Physicians should claim and document credit for appropriate AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ activities on their AMA PRA certificate application form.

I’ve done some activities for which I’d like to claim AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™ – how do I get a certificate?

There is no certificate which will state you have been awarded AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™. This credit is entirely self-claimed and self-documented by physicians.

There are no specific documentation requirements for AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™. For purposes of applying for the AMA PRA, we ask physicians to list the activity Title, Subject or Content Area, Date(s), and number of AMA PRA Category 2 Credits™ claimed (hours spent in the activity).