What is re-election?
- As a condition of continued membership, active members are required to report at least 150 credits of approved CME every three calendar years. This period is called a re-election cycle.
- Once members have met the CME requirement, they are “re-elected” to AAFP membership. If re-election requirements are not met, membership is canceled.
- For AAFP members in their first re-election cycle, the cycle is four calendar years: the year in which they become an active member, plus the next three full calendar years.
- In order to be eligible for re-election, members must earn and report the required CME credits within their re-election cycle. In addition, CME credits must be reported in the year in which they were earned.
What are the CME requirements for re-election to AAFP membership?
Active members must report at least 150 credits of approved CME every three calendar years (i.e., during their re-election cycle). The 150 credits must include at least 75 AAFP Prescribed credits. Some chapters also require “chapter credits.” Check with your chapter for more information.
Members in other AAFP membership categories are not required to report CME but may do so to maintain a centralized CME record.
Does the AAFP require evidence-based CME?
No. Evidence-based CME is not a requirement of AAFP membership.
Are there maximum credit allowances for certain CME activities during the three-year re-election cycle?
Yes.
- Professional enrichment: limited to 25 AAFP Elective credits
- Teaching health professions: limited to 60 AAFP Prescribed credits
- Advanced training: limited to 25 AAFP Prescribed credits
- ABFM or AOA one-day certification: limited to 30 AAFP Prescribed credits
- Scholarly activities: limited to 100 AAFP Prescribed credits
How can I check my re-election status?
You can check your re-election status online.
Questions? Contact us at (800) 274-2237 or aafp@aafp.org.
I have more than 150 CME credits on record, but my re-election status says I need more. Why?
You may need additional CME credits for one or more of the following reasons:
- You have not reported enough credits to fulfill the minimum requirement of 75 AAFP Prescribed credits.
- You have exceeded the maximum amount of credit allowed for certain activities during a three-year re-election cycle.
- You have not reported enough credits to fulfill your chapter’s minimum requirement. (Check with your chapter for more information.)
- The 150 credits you have reported were not all earned during your re-election cycle.
Is there a deadline for earning and reporting the required 150 CME credits?
Yes. The required 150 credits of approved CME must be earned by Dec. 31 of the year in which your re-election cycle ends (e.g., by Dec. 31, 2025, for a re-election cycle that ends in 2025). In addition, your CME credits must be reported in the year in which they were earned.
If I don't have the required 150 CME credits by the deadline, can I have an extension?
No. The AAFP Bylaws do not allow for an extension to earn CME credit.
If you are concerned that you may not meet the CME requirement by the end of your re-election cycle, contact us at (800) 274-2237 or aafp@aafp.org. We can help you get all of your CME recorded. In many cases, after speaking with one of our Member Resource Center Specialists, members find they can meet the requirement by the deadline.
I have more CME credits than I need for this re-election cycle. Can I carry them over to the next cycle?
No, because your CME credits must be reported in the year in which they were earned.
I have to report my CME to other entities. Why do I have to report it to the AAFP, too?
By reporting your CME to us:
- You fulfill a requirement of AAFP membership.
- You maintain a centralized CME record.
- You have 24-hour access to your CME transcript.
- You can email a copy of your CME transcript to other organizations to which you belong.
As an added benefit, in most cases, we can report your name to the American Board of Family Medicine when you have met its CME requirements.