PA Program Resources
PANCE Pass Rates
The PANCE Five Year Pass Rate document includes mean scores, standard deviations, total number of certified PAs as of December 31 of the previous year, and information about the exam development and scoring processes. This document is updated in the first quarter of each calendar year.
Program Portal User Manual
The Program Portal User Manual provides information about navigating the Program Portal, managing student and class information, accessing data and reports, and other important information.
Practice Exams
PANCE practice exams can be purchased for $50 per exam through the Program Portal. Please reference the “Practice Exams” section of the Program Portal User Manual for instructions on how to order the exams for your students. Please note that practice exam results are provided to the examinee only. However, students may choose to provide you with a copy of their performance profile.
PANCE Resources
As you prepare your students for PANCE, many programs have found it beneficial to direct them to the tutorial for all NCCPA exams administered at Pearson test centers. Pearson also provides a What to Expect video that walks candidates through the check-in process and test experience, so they are prepared when they arrive at the test center. It is also important that candidates arrive at the test center with the required identification. Our website provides details on these ID requirements.
All of this information, and more, is included in NCCPA’s PANCE at a Glance presentation.
PA Program Educators Workshop
NCCPA hosts a PA Program Educators Workshop that provides guidance on test item-writing and psychometrics that can be applied at the program level. The workshop also offers information about the PANCE blueprint and how the exam is developed and scored. These workshops are typically held in February/March and September/October. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your program director and they will coordinate registration when the invitation is sent by email.
NCCPA also hosts virtual events with information on item-writing and psychometrics. Currently we offer one event each year per topic. Your program director will receive information by email when registration opens.
Below are some resources used in these workshops.
Testing Accommodations
NCCPA’s Exam Accommodations team assists students requiring PANCE accommodations. We recommend PA program faculty and disability services staff also provide guidance prior to candidates applying.
Candidates must request accommodations when applying for PANCE. As an exam cannot be scheduled until all documentation has been submitted and a decision is made regarding the request, it is most efficient for the student to have all documentation ready when they apply for the exam. They may, however, apply and submit documentation after the application process.
Applicants must have documentation from a medical provider dated within 12 months of exam application submission. If an assessment occurred more than 12 months prior to the accommodation request, the candidate must include a statement on letterhead from a medical provider certifying that there have not been changes to the applicant’s functional limitations. Guidance on the specific information that must be included in the documentation can be found on page 2 of our Policies and Procedures for Examination Accommodations.
While not required, if the candidate has received accommodations in an academic institution or PA program prior to applying for PANCE, a completed Certification of Prior Exam Accommodations form can be submitted with their documentation. This form can be submitted in addition to the documentation from the medical provider.
If you or your students have questions, please reach out to us by email at [email protected] or call 678-417-8100.
Questions Related to Supporting Your Students
Please advise the student to reach out to NCCPA directly at 678-417-8100 and we can assist them in accessing their account.
Please email [email protected] with the student’s name and new email address. We will update their account and send a new email invitation to set up their account, if necessary.
You can advise the student to use the “First time? Register” function located on the log in page, or reach out to NCCPA directly at [email protected] and an email will be sent with a new link.
A name change made between scheduling and the candidate’s exam date could affect their ability to sit for the exam. Name changes that are made via the Program Portal are typically reflected in Pearson’s system within 3 business days. More information about name changes and ID requirements can be found on our website.
Changing the graduation date will automatically change their PANCE eligibility timeframe, and possibly cancel their scheduled exam. For that reason, we recommend that you notify the student in advance of changing their expected graduation date, allowing them to reschedule their exam first.
Yes, an email will be sent to the student 180 days from the expected graduation date to let them know they can now apply for the exam. Additionally, their NCCPA portal dashboard indicates their eligibility status.
Questions Related to Program Directors or Faculty
Please notify NCCPA at [email protected] of any change in the program director so that we can provide portal access and assign the appropriate portal permissions to the new program director.
NCCPA does not have access to your secure log in credentials for the Program Portal. Please use the ‘Forgot User ID or Password’ feature located on the log in page to retrieve your log in information. You will then be directed to the security questions you used to set up your account.
Tip: Make sure you have selected “PA Programs” from the drop-down, as this is the most common error.
Program Portal access is determined by the program director. To inquire about access please reach out to your program director.
I missed the 72-hour window to set up my Program Portal access. Can you resend the invitation email?
Please reach out to your program director to have the email resent.
Please contact us at [email protected] and we will provide you with your program’s unique verification code.
For NCCPA purposes, both terms, “graduation” and “completion,” refer to the date the student has met your program’s requirements as it relates to PANCE eligibility. It does not need to coincide with a graduation ceremony or diploma conferral.
Additional Resources
NCCPA
Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, NCCPA provides certification programs that reflect standards for clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and other medical skills and professional behaviors required upon entry into practice and throughout the careers of PAs.
Contact Us:
[email protected] | 678-417-8100
nccPA Health Foundation
The nccPA Health Foundation educates, equips, and engages Board Certified PAs and PA students with the resources they need to make lasting improvements to the health of their communities. Learn about grants and other resources available to you and your students.
Website:
nccPA Health Foundation
PA History Society
The PA History Society plays a key role in documenting and preserving the history and legacy of the PA profession. The PAHx offers a wealth of information about this rich history, plus information about the new educational modules released in 2026.
Website:
The PAHx