U.S. CME Credit for International Physicians

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U.S.-Accredited CME: A Guide for International Physicians

Medical Education Resources (MER) is a jointly accredited continuing education provider. Individual MER conference materials identify the credit types and maximum number of credits available for each activity, including AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for physicians.

An AMA credit designation documents participation in an eligible U.S. physician CME activity. It does not automatically establish acceptance by a licensing authority, employer, hospital, specialty college or national continuing professional development system outside the United States. If you need credit for a specific requirement, confirm acceptance with that organization before registering.

Important: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ is a physician credit designation. Nurses, physician associates, pharmacists and other learners should review the profession-specific credit statement for the selected activity.

What AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ Means

The American Medical Association permits accredited CME providers to certify eligible activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ when the activity meets AMA and accreditor requirements. The credit is commonly used by physicians to document continuing medical education in the United States, but the organization receiving the documentation applies its own rules.

For each conference, review:

• The accredited provider and activity title
• The exact credit designation statement
• The maximum number of credits available
• Participation and evaluation requirements
• The certificate or other completion documentation
• The rules of the organization to which you plan to report the credit

A stated maximum is not a promise that every attendee earns that amount. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with their participation.

MER CME Formats and Conference Information

MER has provided primary care continuing medical education since 1983. Its current schedule includes conferences in the United States and select international destinations. Because schedules, formats and credit statements can change, use the individual conference page and agenda as the authoritative source before registering.

Conference Locations

• Destination conferences in the United States and select international locations
• Activity-specific dates, venues, topics and credit information on the current MER schedule
• Half-day educational sessions
• Presentations, materials and instruction delivered in English

Learning Formats

• Live, in-person conference sessions
• MER Live Stream access under MER’s current conference policy
• Current conferences offering 12, 16 or 20 credits, depending on the activity
• Attendance verification, participation and evaluation requirements that must be completed to claim credit

MER currently states that Live Stream is included with registrations for upcoming conferences. Availability, access periods and completion requirements can change, so confirm the selected conference page and the current MER FAQ before registering.

Accreditation and Activity-Specific Credit

In support of improving patient care, Medical Education Resources is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

• Physicians: Eligible MER live activities are designated for a stated maximum of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with their participation.
• ABIM diplomates: Activities that offer ABIM Maintenance of Certification points require successful completion, including the evaluation component. Check the activity’s current statement and provide the required ABIM information.
• Other healthcare professionals: Credit type, maximum and completion requirements vary by profession and activity. Review the current agenda and MER accreditation information.

The AMA, ABIM, AAFP, AANP and AAPA perform different roles and should not be presented as organizations that all “accredit MER.” The current MER accreditation page and the specific conference agenda control.

AMA PRA Category 1 and Category 2 Credit

These are categories within the AMA’s U.S. physician credit system. They are not international rankings and do not, by themselves, determine whether an authority outside the United States will accept the education.

Category 1 and Category 2: Different Documentation Paths

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™:

• Is designated for eligible activities by an accredited CME provider or awarded through another AMA-recognized pathway
• Requires completion of the activity’s stated participation requirements
• Is documented by the provider or the AMA
• Should be claimed only in proportion to participation

AMA PRA Category 2 Credit™:

• Is self-claimed and self-documented by an individual physician
• Applies to eligible learning that is not certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
• Must meet the AMA’s applicable requirements
• Is not certified or awarded by an accredited CME provider

For either category, the licensing, certification or credentialing organization decides whether and how the credit may be used.

Participating in an MER Conference

Review the current conference listing, agenda, credit statement and attendance requirements before choosing a format.

In-Person Attendance

• Attend the live sessions at the listed conference venue
• Verify attendance during the conference dates
• Complete the required evaluation and credit-claiming steps
• Claim only the credit supported by your participation

Live-Stream Attendance

MER currently provides Live Stream access with upcoming conference registrations. Registered participants must verify attendance during the live conference dates and complete the activity’s other requirements to claim credit.

• Access the activity through your MER account or the MER PCC app
• Verify attendance during the live conference dates
• Complete the evaluation and credit-claiming steps
• Check whether the organization receiving your credit treats live-stream and in-person participation differently

Check MER’s current FAQ and the selected activity for current access and technical requirements.

Using U.S. CME Credit Outside the United States

Acceptance varies by country, profession, specialty, employer and intended use. MER can document the education it provides, but it cannot decide another organization’s licensing, certification or credentialing rules.

Before registering, ask the responsible organization:

• Whether it accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from a U.S. jointly accredited provider
• Whether the specific activity and delivery format qualify
• How many credits or hours may be reported
• Whether an application, conversion, fee, translation or additional documentation is required
• What reporting deadline or recency rule applies

When the credit is required for licensure or certification, obtain written confirmation and retain it with the activity agenda and completion certificate.

Europe

The UEMS-EACCME describes a mutual-recognition agreement with the AMA for eligible live educational events and e-learning activities. It also emphasizes territorial responsibility and states that AMA credit conversion applies only to physicians. This should not be described as automatic one-to-one conversion or universal acceptance in every European country. Consult the current UEMS-EACCME guidance and confirm the specific activity with the responsible authority.

Canada

Requirements vary by Canadian certification and reporting system. The College of Family Physicians of Canada currently states that its members may claim up to 50 Mainpro+ certified credits per five-year cycle from AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, with additional credits eligible as non-certified credits. That rule does not establish automatic acceptance by other Canadian organizations. Review the current CFPC guidance or contact the organization responsible for your requirement.

Middle East and Asia

There is no single credit rule for this region. Requirements vary by country, profession, specialty, employer and licensing authority. Do not assume that an AMA agreement involving a regional body creates reciprocal or automatic acceptance. Confirm the specific activity, format, documentation and reporting process directly with the appropriate authority before registering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Review the Credit Details Before You Register

Use the current MER conference schedule to compare destinations, dates, topics, formats and activity-specific credit information.

1. Select the conference you are considering.
2. Review its agenda and accreditation statements.
3. Confirm acceptance with the organization responsible for your requirement.
4. Register only after you understand the applicable documentation and reporting steps.
5. Retain the agenda, written confirmation and completion certificate.

You can also review MER’s current accreditation information. MER can assist with registration and activity documentation; the organization receiving the credit determines acceptance.

Last reviewed: August 2026. Accreditation and recognition rules can change; verify current requirements directly with the responsible organization.