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Our office will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Become Certified

You’re beginning a rewarding career. Learn more about what it takes to become a Certified PA, what to expect on test day and access certification resources as you begin your exciting journey.

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Maintain Certification

Certified PAs engage in career long learning by documenting continuous study and taking periodic exams to remain certified. Learn more about recertification and certification maintenance requirements as you continue your career as a Certified PA.

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Earn Specialty Certificates

Want to stand out? Learn more about how to earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.

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Resources

Need to verify PA credentials? Access our easy-to-use Verify Certification tool.

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Title Change Update

NCCPA recognizes that the titles used by our profession have evolved and continue to evolve and that our profession’s authorization to practice medicine and legally permitted titles are governed by each jurisdiction’s practice acts and by federal regulations.  Therefore, NCCPA shall regard the titles “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and “PA” as equivalent and synonymous.  NCCPA policies and published guidance that use the terms “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and/or “PA” shall apply to any Board Certified or certifying PA, regardless of that individual PA’s preferred or assigned title. More information on board certification and title change can be found here.

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Verify Board Certification

Need to verify PA certification and/or disciplinary actions issued by NCCPA? Access our easy-to-use Board Certification Verification tool.

Joining the Peace Corps | Conversation between PAs

• Join us for a dynamic discussion between two experienced PAs, Alicia Quella and John Bradford, as they share valuable insights from the PA profession, including what it was like to serve in the Peace Corps.

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Celebrating 2025 PA Changemakers

• The nccPA Health Foundation awarded 19 grants totaling $52,000. Funds support PAs and PA programs across the U.S. for health promotion and expanded care access. The focus areas include health disparities, mental health, and workforce diversity

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Podcast Explores Booming Growth of PAs

• The newest cohort of Board Certified PAs may offer more accessible and diverse health care.

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Oregon Health and Science University

January 9, 2026

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Boston University School of Medicine

January 6, 2026

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University of Bridgeport

December 19, 2025

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Psych Congress PA Contributions to Mental Health Care

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Psych Congress PAs in Psychiatry Poster

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2024 Statistical Profile of Recently Board Certified PAs

Learn more about our supporting organizations

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The PA History Society

The PA History Society was created to share the history of the development of the PA profession and illustrate how PAs continue to make a difference in our society. Visit their website to learn more about how they’re preserving PA history.

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The NCCPA Health Foundation

The nccPA Health Foundation creates solutions for improving the capacity of Certified PAs to impact the quality and accessibility of health care delivery. Visit their website to learn more about how they’re partnering with PAs to make a difference in communities across the country.