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Certification Exams

NCCPA offers several exams depending on where you are in the certification process.

New graduate? You need to take PANCE, the initial certifying exam.

Already certified? You need to take a recertification exam during the 5th or 6th year of your six-year certification maintenance cycle. Currently, we offer two recertification exams PANRE and Pathway II.

Lost certification? You can regain it by passing any of our exams, if you meet the specific eligibility requirements. For more information on regaining your certification, click here

NCCPA also offers Practice Exams to help you prepare for the PANCE and PANRE. If you are feeling unsure about how you will perform on an exam, taking a Practice Exam can help alleviate those fears and help you focus your studies.

Choose an exam, or choose one of the other exam-related topics below, to learn more about it.

PANCE

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) - the initial certification exam.

PANCE is a computer-based, multiple-choice test comprising 360 questions that assess basic medical and surgical knowledge administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Cost $475

Learn more about PANCE...

PANRE

The Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) is one of two options for recertifying PAs. PANRE is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Cost $350

Learn more about PANRE...

PATHWAY II

The Pathway II is a Web-based, "open book" alternative to the PANRE - available only through 2010. Special eligibility requirements apply. Cost $475

Learn more about Pathway II...