If you are a CME provider seeking AAPA Category 1 CME accreditation for an activity, this article answers the questions AAPA receives most often. It covers accreditation periods, application timing and fees, speaker disclosures, post-activity reports, account access, and payment options.
Accreditation Periods and Renewal
How long is an activity accredited for once approved?
The accreditation period depends on the activity format. Preceptorship programs may be approved for up to two years, while all other learning formats, including live, enduring, self-assessment, and PI-CME activities, have a maximum accreditation period of one year from the approval date. Providers must reapply if they wish to extend beyond that period.
Do I just renew my accreditation when the period ends?
No. AAPA accreditation is activity-based, not renewable. When your accreditation period ends, you will need to submit a new application for review. If many details remain the same, you may copy your previous application as a template. Just make sure to update all relevant information, including dates, disclosures, objectives, and any content changes.
Applications for Multiple Formats and Repeat Sessions
I have both a live and an on-demand version of my activity. Do I need to submit one or two applications?
It depends on how registration is structured:
- Single registration: If all registrants who attend the live event will also receive access to the on-demand version, you may submit one application. The accreditation period will end on the last date the recordings are available or within one year of the start of the accreditation period, whichever comes first.
- Separate registration: If the live and on-demand activities have separate registrations, they are considered two distinct activities. Each will require its own application and will be assigned a separate CME number.
I am presenting the same live event multiple times this year. Do I need to submit an application for each offering?
No. If the content, faculty, and learning objectives remain the same and only the learner cohort or date changes, you can include all sessions under one application. The accreditation period will be valid for one year, and CME certificates should reflect the specific date each participant attended the live session.
Precepting and Preceptorship Credits
Is there a maximum number of CME credits that can be awarded for precepting activities?
No. There is no maximum limit on the number of AAPA Category 1 CME credits that can be awarded.
How are CME credits calculated for individual preceptors?
Individual preceptors may be awarded AAPA Category 1 CME credits at a rate of 2 credits per PA student per 40-hour week of precepting, with no limit on the total number of credits that can be earned.
For full details on how PA programs apply for preceptorship accreditation, see the article AAPA Category 1 CME for PA Preceptors and PA Programs.
Timing, Rush Fees, and Review Times
When does the rush fee apply, and how can I avoid it?
A rush fee applies to any application submitted 21 days or fewer before the start date of the activity. To avoid the rush fee, submit your application at least 22 days in advance of the first scheduled session.
The system does not allow activities to have start dates within 7 days of submission. Be sure to plan accordingly so your application can be reviewed and approved in time.
How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?
Most complete applications are reviewed within 2 to 3 weeks. If the Review Panel requests additional clarification, allow extra time for follow-up and resubmission.
Faculty and Disclosures
I want to apply, but I do not have all my speaker disclosures yet. Can I still submit my application?
Yes. You may submit your application without all speaker disclosures to avoid incurring a rush fee. However, you must:
- Upload a document listing the names of any speakers whose disclosures are pending, and
- Submit all missing disclosures before the start of the activity.
One of my speakers canceled after my activity was already approved. What should I do?
Email cmeapproval@aapa.org with the following information about your replacement faculty:
- The new topic or session title
- The updated learning objectives
- The speaker's financial disclosure(s)
AAPA will review the information to confirm the new faculty and content are eligible and not affiliated with an ineligible company. You will also need to upload this updated information in your post-activity report to maintain accurate records.
What happens if my disclosures are older than 24 months?
Disclosures must be current within 24 months of submission. If they are outdated, new disclosures are required before CME is delivered.
Post-Activity Reports
When is the post-activity report due?
The post-activity report is due within 90 days of the accreditation period ending. This applies to all activity types.
What should be included in my post-activity report?
The report must include attendance and completion data, evaluation summaries, and any updated disclosures.
I cannot find where to submit my post-activity report. Where do I go?
To submit your post-activity report:
- Log in to the AAPA Accreditation Portal at cmeapproval.aapa.org.
- Navigate to My Account.
- Check under All or Needs Attention.
- If you do not see your activity, select Show Full History.
My preceptorship was approved for a two-year accreditation period, and one clinical year just ended. Can I submit my post-activity report now and another next year?
No. The post-activity report must be submitted once, at the end of the full accreditation period. This allows all learner data and outcomes to be aggregated and reported together.
You may document and award credit internally on your own schedule (for example, quarterly, by rotation, annually, or bi-yearly), but the final report to AAPA should only be submitted after the entire accreditation period concludes.
Your post-activity report is due within 90 days of the accreditation period ending, and it is submitted only once, after the entire accreditation period concludes.
Account Access and Transfers
The accreditation account is in another person's name. Can you switch it to me?
You will need to create your own account and then request a transfer.
- Go to cmeapproval.aapa.org and create an account.
- Email cmeapproval@aapa.org with the name of the previous account holder (and/or relevant CME number(s)) and the email address you used to create your new account.
AAPA will transfer the applications to your new account. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for your new account to appear active on the admin side, and an additional 24 to 48 hours for the applications to be transferred.
Payment Options
Can I pay by check instead of credit card?
Yes, you can pay by check; however, credit card is the preferred payment method for faster processing. Payments by check or ACH may cause a delay in the application review process.
To pay by check or ACH:
- Complete your application and reach the In Cart stage.
- Select Pay by Check and note that you prefer an ACH payment.
- Email cmeapproval@aapa.org to request an invoice.
Be sure that email includes all of your application and payment information, and that it matches the contact and program information from your account in the AAPA system.
Check and ACH payments will elongate the review and approval process. Credit card is the preferred payment method for faster processing.
Contact and Related Links
If you are unable to complete these steps, contact AAPA Customer Care for assistance. For questions about applying for accreditation, email cmeapproval@aapa.org.
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