Congratulations! You have chosen an admirable and exciting profession, one in which you will be challenged and rewarded every day. The information on this page is intended to provide a brief overview of how to get from your PA program to PA practice.
Certification
One of your first steps after graduating from an accredited PA program should be taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by NCCPA. PANCE is a 360-question, multiple-choice exam that is a prerequisite for licensure in all U.S. states.
You should apply for PANCE before you graduate, but you must complete all requirements for graduation before you can actually take the exam. When you’re ready, you can apply right here online.
After you apply for PANCE, you'll receive and exam acknowledgement with details about what to expect on test day and the information you’ll need to schedule your exam. PANCE is administered at more than 200 testing centers located throughout the U.S. and other select countries so schedule your exam early to get a convenient testing appointment and location. Read more about PANCE testing dates and locations.
After you pass PANCE, you’ll be NCCPA certified and able to use the title, Physician Assistant-Certified. Your certification will be valid through December 31 of the second year after you pass PANCE. You will begin a six-year certification maintenance cycle. Read more about certification maintenance.
Licensure
The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a license to practice as a PA vary from state to state. You should contact your state’s licensing board to find out the specific requirements. Some states issue temporary licenses to PAs who have applied for PANCE; many of them require a letter from NCCPA verifying your eligibility for the exam. To request an eligibility letter, sign in to your personal record and choose Credentialing Info Release or e-mail us your request (including your name, social security number and to whom it should be sent).
For permanent licensure, most states require verification of your certification or a report of your actual exam scores. You can sign in to your personal record and choose Credentialing Info Release, e-mail us your request (including your name, social security number and to whom it should be sent) or fax or mail your request.
Other Resources
In addition to the links provided above and at left, here are some others you might find helpful.
List of accredited PA programs
List of state licensing boards
Frequently asked questions—PANCE
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
webmaster • (678) 417-8100
12000 Findley Road Suite 200 • Duluth, GA 30097-1409
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