DEA 8-Hour Training Requirement: Free Courses & Checklist
If you hold a DEA license, you’ve likely heard about the one-time DEA 8-hour training now required for new applications and renewals (effective June 27, 2023). The requirement—created by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (MATE Act)—focuses on safe opioid prescribing and substance use disorder care. This one-time requirement applies to DEA-registered practitioners. (MATE training final letter).
Below, you’ll find who must complete it, who’s exempt, and where to find free accredited courses—plus a quick renewal checklist.
DEA 8-Hour Training Requirement: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Behind It | Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 |
| Who It Applies To | All DEA-registered practitioners who prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, DDS, DPMs, etc.) |
| Effective Date | June 27, 2023 |
| Requirement | 8 hours of one-time training on safe opioid prescribing and managing patients with substance use disorder (SUD) |
| Exemptions (Satisfied Requirement) | – Board-certified in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry – Graduated within 5 years from a qualifying program with opioid/SUD training – Former DATA-waiver (X-waiver) training holders – Veterinarians |
| Where to Find Qualifying, Accredited Courses | AMA, SAMHSA, PCSS, and state medical societies/boards |
| Renewal Impact | Required for all new DEA applications and renewals after June 27, 2023 |
| Proof Needed | Keep a certificate of completion (digital + printed copy) and attest during renewal |
| Good to Know | This is a one-time requirement — once completed, it does not need to be repeated |
Providers should verify that the course description explicitly states it meets MATE/DEA requirements and includes a downloadable certificate.
All DEA-registered practitioners who prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, DDS/DMD, DPM) — except veterinarians.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- DEA 8-hour training is now mandatory for providers renewing or applying for DEA licensure after June 2023.
- Exemptions exist for board-certified addiction specialists, recent graduates, and Former DATA-Waiver (X-Waiver) holders.
- Free and low-cost courses are available via platforms like the AMA, SAMHSA, and PCSS.
- Ensure you save your certificate of completion for DEA renewal.
- Leverage this training to earn CME credits and stay ahead on education requirements.
What the DEA 8-Hour Training Is (and Why It Exists)
The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2023, passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, introduced a new nationwide education standard for prescribers of controlled substances. The law requires most DEA-registered practitioners—including physicians (MD/DO), nurse practitioners (NP), physician assistants (PA), dentists (DDS/DMD), and podiatrists (DPM)—to complete one-time training totaling eight hours on safe opioid prescribing and management of patients with substance use disorder (SUD).
The requirement took effect on June 27, 2023, and applies both to new DEA registrations and to renewals submitted after that date. It is a one-time obligation—once completed, it does not need to be repeated for future renewals. During renewal, practitioners simply attest that the training has been completed; no certificate upload is required unless specifically requested by the DEA (CSA Attestation Instructions).
If a practitioner previously finished relevant opioid- or SUD-related coursework, those hours may count cumulatively toward the eight-hour total. The only categorical exemption applies to veterinarians, who are specifically excluded from the MATE Act training requirement.
Who Must Complete the 8-Hour Training
The training requirement applies to nearly all healthcare professionals authorized to prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances. That includes physicians (MD/DO), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), dentists (DDS/DMD), podiatrists (DPM), and other DEA-registered prescribers. This training does not apply to veterinarians.
Timing is key. The training requirement depends on when you applied for or renewed your DEA license:
- New applicants (after June 27, 2023):
You must complete the 8-hour training before submitting your DEA registration application. - Renewing prescribers:
If your last renewal occurred before June 27, 2023, you’ll need to complete the training before your next renewal.
The course can be taken anytime before renewal—it does not need to coincide exactly with your expiration date. Once finished, simply attest on your DEA renewal form that you’ve completed the requirement and keep your certificate for your records.
Completing this training early ensures a smooth renewal process and prevents delays that could interrupt your ability to prescribe controlled substances.
Who’s Exempt from the Requirement
Not every prescriber needs to complete the new MATE Act 8-hour training. The DEA confirms that certain practitioners have already satisfied the requirement through prior education or certification directly related to treating patients with substance use disorders.
According to DEA guidance and the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, the following groups are considered compliant and do not need additional training:
Board-Certified in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry
Practitioners who hold an active board certification in either Addiction Medicine (via the American Board of Preventive Medicine or American Osteopathic Association) or Addiction Psychiatry (via the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) automatically meet the requirement.
Their specialty training already covers the DEA’s opioid and SUD education objectives.
Recent Graduates, NPs, and PAs with Qualifying Curricula
If you graduated from a U.S. medical, dental, nursing, or physician assistant program within the last five years, and your coursework included comprehensive training in safe opioid prescribing and substance use disorder management, you are also considered to have met the MATE Act requirement.
Keep documentation—such as your program transcript or curriculum summary—in case of audit.
Former DATA-Waiver (X-Waiver) Holders
Clinicians who previously completed the DATA 2000 (X-Waiver) training to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder do not need to retake another 8-hour course. That prior training satisfies the MATE Act’s educational requirement in full.
If you fall into any of these categories, you’ve already fulfilled the new DEA education rule. Just retain proof of your credentials or training and be ready to attest compliance during your next DEA registration or renewal.
Complete the Training Online: Free & Accredited Options
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to meet the DEA’s one-time 8-hour training requirement. Several major organizations now offer free or low-cost accredited courses that satisfy the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act and count toward continuing medical education (CME) credit.
Before enrolling, make sure each course explicitly:
- States that it meets the MATE Act / DEA 8-hour training requirement
- Is provided by an accredited CME organization (ACCME, AANP, AMA, etc.)
- Issues a downloadable certificate of completion
Once you’ve confirmed those details, completing the training is straightforward. Most courses are self-paced and can be finished in multiple sessions, as long as the total equals eight hours.
Free, Accredited Options (Quick Picks)
Prefer $0 courses? Start with NEJM Group (offers up to 10 hours that satisfy the MATE/DEA requirement), Pri-Med (curated free MATE track), ASAM (meets DEA content requirements), PCSS (free, accredited on-demand modules), and SAMHSA (no-cost, federally supported trainings).
Always confirm that the course listing explicitly mentions “MATE Act” or “DEA 8-hour training” before enrolling.
AMA Ed Hub (Opioid Education and Pain Management Series)
The American Medical Association’s Ed Hub curates multiple modules tagged as “Meets MATE Act Requirements.”
Each module provides CME credit and completion certificates.
👉 Browse AMA MATE Act Courses
💡 Pro Tip: AMA members often get access to additional free or discounted training options.
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA maintains a national catalog of free, federally funded courses that align with DEA requirements. These cover opioid use disorder recognition, safe prescribing practices, and patient education.
👉 Visit SAMHSA Training Resources
PCSS On-Demand & Live Webinars
The Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS)—funded by SAMHSA—offers a dedicated MATE Act Training Track, including live and on-demand sessions covering safe opioid prescribing and SUD management.
All modules are free and fully accredited.
👉 Access PCSS Training Track
State Society or Board Offerings
Many state boards and societies—such as California’s Medical Board, Texas Medical Association, and Massachusetts Medical Society—offer no-cost courses for their licensees that fulfill both state CME and DEA training requirements.
Visit your state board’s website and verify the course listing specifically mentions “MATE Act or DEA 8-hour training.”
💡 Heads Up: Always verify that the course description explicitly mentions “MATE Act” or “DEA 8-hour training” before enrolling.
Use the Training for CME Credit
If you’re going to complete the DEA 8-hour training, you might as well make it count for continuing medical education (CME) too. Most accredited courses that meet the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requirements are also eligible for CME credit through trusted providers such as the American Medical Association’s Ed Hub.
How to Make the Hours Count
- Verify CME Accreditation
Before starting a course, confirm that it lists an ACCME or equivalent accreditation and specifies “Meets MATE Act Requirements.” - Save Your Certificate of Completion
- Download and store both digital and printed copies of your certificate.
- Label clearly (e.g.,
DEA_MATE_Training_YourName.pdf) and keep it in a “DEA Renewal” folder. - Many state boards now accept these certificates as dual proof for both CME and DEA attestation.
- Confirm Credit Hours
- Each qualifying course specifies the number of CME credits earned.
- For most 8-hour MATE Act programs, the CME credit is equal to the full 8 hours—but double-check when enrolling.
- Report the Credits
- Log in to your state CME tracking system or the AMA Ed Hub dashboard to record completion.
- Some states auto-sync CME directly from the provider (e.g., via ACCME PARS or CE Broker).
- Keep proof of submission for at least six years, in case of audit.
💡Pro Tip: If you’re due for DEA renewal, completing this course early ensures both your CME transcript and your DEA attestation are ready when you renew. No scrambling for paperwork, no missing credit hours.
Renewal & Documentation Checklist
Before you renew:
- ✅ Complete the 8-hour training (unless you already qualify as “met”).
- ✅ Attest completion in the DEA renewal form.
- ✅ Store the certificate (PDF + printed copy).
- ✅ Report CME to your board/employer, if required.
- ✅ Notify your employer/compliance team (send the PDF).
Document Your Completion for Renewal
Now that you’ve completed your DEA 8-hour online CME course, the final step is ensuring everything is properly documented for a smooth renewal process. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than scrambling for paperwork when you’re on a deadline! Here’s exactly how to handle this part so you can renew your DEA registration stress-free.
Learn more about the requirements and how to complete your DEA license enrollment.
| Platform | Cost | CME Credits | DEA Requirement Fulfilled? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMA | Free/Low | Yes | Yes |
| SAMHSA | Free | Sometimes | Yes |
| PCSS | Free | Yes | Yes |
| State Medical Boards | Varies | Yes (if offered) | Yes |
Quick Summary: What to Remember Before Renewal
Before your next DEA renewal:
- Complete the 8-hour online training unless you qualify for one of the three exemptions.
- Make sure you have proof of completion, as you’ll need it during the renewal process.
- Take advantage of free training options available through reputable platforms like the AMA.
Oh, and if you’re like most providers juggling multiple requirements, this course might actually help you stay ahead on CME credits and compliance deadlines.
Save Your Certificate of Completion
Once you finish your 8-hour training, you’ll typically receive a certificate of completion from the course provider. This certificate is your proof that you’ve met the DEA’s new education requirement.
Here’s what to do with it:
- Save it Digitally
- Create a folder on your computer labeled “DEA Renewal 2024” (or whatever year your renewal is due).
- Save a scanned or PDF copy of your certificate here.
- Consider backing it up to cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud—because we all know how easy it is to misplace files!
- Print a Hard Copy
- Keep a printed version in your professional records just in case.
- Store it alongside other critical documents like your DEA registration, state license, and CME certificates.
💡 Pro Tip: Label your digital file clearly, like this: DEA_8-Hour_Training_Completion_YourName.pdf. This makes it easier to locate when needed.
Update Your DEA Renewal Application
When it’s time to renew your DEA registration, the system will ask whether you’ve completed the 8-hour training requirement. You’ll check a box affirming completion during initial registration or renewal — a step in effect since June 27, 2023.
Here’s how to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Answer the Question Honestly
- If you’ve completed the training, you’ll simply mark it as “Yes” during your renewal application.
- Upload Proof (If Required)
- While you may not always be required to upload the certificate, keep it ready just in case.
- Follow the prompts in the DEA registration system if they request documentation.
- Double-Check Dates
- Ensure the date on your certificate matches the timeframe required by the DEA (i.e., after the new rule went into effect in June 2023).
Notify Your Employer/Compliance Team
If you work for a hospital, clinic, or larger practice, it’s a good idea to let your employer know that you’ve completed the training. Many institutions track this information for compliance purposes.
Here’s how to do it:
- Send a quick email to your practice manager or HR department with a copy of your certificate attached.
- Confirm that they’ve logged the information into their system.
💡 Pro Tip: For solo practitioners, keep a checklist of all your licensure and compliance requirements to stay ahead of deadlines.
Track and Report CME Credits
If your training course offered CME credits, don’t forget to report them! Most states and certifying boards require continuing education, and this is an easy way to check off some hours.
- Log into your CME tracking system (if you have one).
- Upload the certificate and record the hours earned.
- Some states might also let you report these credits as part of your DEA renewal process, so check with your licensing board.
Finally, don’t wait until the last minute to renew your DEA registration. The renewal process isn’t something you want to leave to the 11th hour—especially with this new training requirement in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DEA 8-Hour Training Requirement
What is the DEA 8-hour training requirement?
The DEA 8-hour training, created under the MATE Act of 2023, is a one-time education requirement for DEA prescribers. It focuses on safe opioid prescribing and managing substance use disorder (SUD). Complete it once and attest during DEA renewal—no repeats needed.
Who is exempt from the DEA 8-hour training?
Providers who already completed equivalent education meet the rule. This includes those board-certified in addiction medicine or psychiatry, recent graduates with approved curricula, and former DATA-Waiver (X-Waiver) holders.
Do I need to retake the training every time I renew?
No. The requirement is one-time only. Once finished, save your certificate as proof and simply check “Yes” when DEA asks about completion during future renewals.
Where can I find free DEA 8-hour courses?
What should I do after finishing the 8-hour course?
Save your certificate both digitally and on paper. Report CME credits to your board or employer if applicable. Keep it handy—you’ll need to attest completion on your next DEA renewal form.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of DEA Requirements
The DEA 8-hour online CME requirement might seem like one more thing to add to your plate, but it’s manageable with the right resources and planning. By completing the training, documenting it properly, and staying ahead of deadlines, you’ll breeze through your renewal process.
Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your DEA registration. With the new training requirement, early preparation helps avoid last-minute stress.
If this guide was helpful, don’t forget to share it with your colleagues! Many providers are still unaware of this new requirement, and a quick heads-up could save them a lot of hassle.
(AMA Ed Hub; PCSS)