Getting Started
Reporting CME credit doesn’t have to be complicated. This Quick Start Guide walks accredited providers through the essential steps to report CME credit for physician learners, clearly, efficiently, and with confidence.
If you can gather learner data and access PARS/JA-PARS, you’re already most of the way there. Let’s get started.
At a glance, you’ll:
- Gather learner data
- Fill in gaps and get permission
- Set up activities in PARS/JA-PARS
- Choose a reporting method
- Report credit on time
- Promote CME Passport to learners
Step 1. Gather learner data
Start by collecting the basic information needed to accurately match learners with their licensing boards. You may already have much of this in your records or LMS.
You’ll need:
- First name
- Last name
- Month and day of birth (no year)
- Primary state of licensure
- State license ID or National Provider Identifier (NPI)
Tip: Using an NPI instead of a state license number often makes this step easier for physicians and still allows accurate matching.
Step 2: Fill in gaps and get permission
If any information is missing, choose a collection method that fits naturally into your workflow and be sure to obtain learner permission to report credit.
Common approaches include:
- Registration forms
- LMS profiles
- Activity evaluations
- A reusable learner spreadsheet for repeat participants
Step 3: Enter activities in PARS/JA-PARS
As you begin offering activities, enter them into PARS/JA-PARS with enough information for the activity to be considered active.
Don’t worry, you can update activity details later, right up until the activity is closed.
Learn more about activity statuses here.
Step 4: Choose your credit reporting method
Select the option that best fits your organization’s size, volume, and resources:
- Manual data entry – best for small volumes
- Excel batch upload – efficient for recurring activities
- Automated reporting (XML or JSON-based web services)
Step 5: Report credit promptly
Whenever possible, report learner credit in PARS/JA-PARS within 30 days of activity completion. Licensing boards review credit on a rolling basis, so timely reporting helps learners access their records when they need them.
Step 6: Let learners know
Promote the activities for which you’re reporting credit using the CME Passport provider mark and display this slide during your CME activities.
Questions? Contact info@accme.org. We’re happy to help.
