How to Evaluate an Online CME Course

Online CME ranges from excellent to thinly disguised marketing. A few checks separate the two before you commit time or money.

Who is behind it? A legitimate activity clearly names the accredited provider — the organization authorized to certify the credit — not just the website hosting it. If you can't tell who accredits it, be cautious.

Exactly what credit does it offer? Look for a specific, written credit statement: the type of credit (for physicians, often AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™), the amount, and the expiration date for claiming it. Vague phrasing like "CME available" without specifics is a warning sign.

Is it current? Medical content dates quickly. Check the release and review dates, and whether the material reflects up-to-date practice. Enduring materials are supposed to be reviewed and re-dated periodically.

Is education kept separate from selling? Accreditation rules require independence from commercial influence. Be wary if a single product or brand dominates the content, if faculty conflicts aren't disclosed, or if the "course" is really a sales presentation.

Does it fit your requirements? Convenient credit is useless if your board or state doesn't accept that type. Confirm acceptance with the authority that requires the credit.

Practical fit. Consider the format (video, text, interactive), the time commitment, the assessment, and whether you'll get a downloadable certificate for your records. A well-run activity also makes its learning objectives explicit, so you can judge in advance whether the material addresses a genuine gap in your practice rather than repeating what you already know.

Providers, credit amounts, and expiry dates change, so verify the credit statement on the official course page and confirm acceptance with your board before relying on it.