What are CAQs?
The CAQ is a voluntary credential that Board Certified PAs can earn to show your advanced expertise in your specialty. Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion for health care and the well-being of your patients.
Online Exam
Examinations administered outside of a proctored testing center employ a variety of measures to ensure copywritten exam content is protected and no examinee is given an unfair advantage by accessing proprietary exam content. NCCPA collects and uses data collected from the exam software (e.g., response data, IP address) from existing information (i.e., information collected through an individual’s interactions with NCCPA), and information received from third parties to prevent, detect, investigate, and remediate exam-related misconduct, such as cheating, fraud, deception, or collusion among examinees.
For more information, please watch our exam security video: Click Here for Exam Security Video
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.
PAs seeking the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CAQ must show they have advanced knowledge and experience in either or both of these surgical subspecialties, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs applying for the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Specialty Examination must have specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. They can begin CAQ process by submitting at least one of the components and the $100 administrative fee. They’ll have six years to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CAQ must have at least 4,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of two years of full-time practice) working as a PA in cardiovascular/thoracic surgery within six years of the date they attest to this. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CAQ, they can apply for the Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to cardiovascular/thoracic surgery targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of those specialties. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
To review sample questions, click here.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CAQ is valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Specialty Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. The same 125 credits may also be logged to maintain the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must submit any outstanding fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policy and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Dermatology to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.”
PAs who work in dermatology and wish to earn the Dermatology CAQ must demonstrate they have knowledge and experience in dermatology, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or experienced PAs who are new to this specialty. The CAQ designation provides an objective measure of knowledge and expertise for the PA practicing in dermatology. Earning this credential demonstrates a commitment to the specialty and supports the concept of progressively enhanced scope of practice which has been a tradition in the PA profession. It may increase employability, respect among peers and open doors for career advancement, and increase patients’ confidence in the dermatology PA’s qualifications.
PAs seeking the Dermatology CAQ must first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In addition to these prerequisites, PAs must have specialty-specific CME, experience in the field, and pass a Dermatology CAQ exam. In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
In the six years preceding the date of application for the CAQ exam, PAs must earn a minimum of 75 credits of Category I CME focused on dermatology practice, including 25 credits earned within the last two years. The same 75 credits may also be used for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Dermatology CAQ must document a minimum of 4,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of two years of full-time practice) working in the dermatology specialty within six years of the date they provide their attestation to NCCPA. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required. Although not required by NCCPA, it may be beneficial for PAs to create a log of knowledge, skills, and patient management experiences. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Dermatology CAQ, they are eligible to apply for the Dermatology CAQ Exam. This exam will consist of 120-multiple choice questions related to dermatology topics and targeted for PAs with two years of dermatology experience. It is based on the Content Blueprint. Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Dermatology CAQ will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Dermatology CAQ Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. The same 125 credits may also be logged to maintain the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must submit any outstanding fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA forfeits all fees.
Results from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam results, the exam results will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Emergency Medicine to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.
PAs seeking the Emergency Medicine CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in emergency medicine, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs seeking eligibility for the Emergency Medicine Specialty Examination must meet requirements of specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. After initiating the CAQ process by submitting the requirements for one of the components and the $100 administrative fee, PAs will have six years within which to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Emergency Medicine CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Emergency Medicine CAQ must have gained at least 3,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of 18 months of full-time practice) working as a PA in emergency medicine within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Emergency Medicine CAQ, they can apply for the Emergency Medicine Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to emergency medicine targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of that specialty. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
To review sample questions, click here.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Emergency Medicine CAQ awarded to successful candidates will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Emergency Medicine Specialty Examination before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy the CME requirement for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must fulfill all outstanding financial debts and any applicable fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the respective application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine to show your advanced expertise in the specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped rewards for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to the specialty, and the well-being of your patients. You can begin submitting documentation of the non-exam requirements via your PA Portal.
PAs seeking the Geriatric Medicine CAQ must show they have advanced knowledge and experience in providing care for older adult patients beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs applying for the CAQ examination must first meet requirements of earning specialty-specific CME and gaining experience in older adult care. They can begin the CAQ registration process by submitting at least one of these requirements and the $100 administrative fee. After initiating the process by submitting documentation of one of the requirements and the fee, PAs will have six years to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Geriatric Medicine CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a current, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency.
*If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all the licenses must be unrestricted (more details can be found in the Policies Regarding the Certificates of Added Qualifications Program).
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA postgraduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
In the six years preceding the date of application for the CAQ exam, PAs must earn a minimum of 75 credits of Category I CME focused on geriatric medicine practice, including 25 credits earned within the last two years. The same 75 credits may also be used for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process, accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PA leaders in geriatric medicine provided input in developing the following CME recommendations for PAs interested in pursuing a Geriatric Medicine CAQ.
How do you know if CME activities are related to the specialty? Use your best judgment. Keep in mind that the credits may be subject to a CME auditing process. If it is not immediately apparent that the credits are related to geriatric medicine, you may be asked to provide a rationale for how the activity relates to your practice.
PAs seeking the Geriatric Medicine CAQ must meet one of the following requirements within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied.
If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA postgraduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with their practice and experience within 90 days after they receive their CAQ exam score. More details are listed in the required attestation form.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Once PAs have satisfied the other non-exam requirements, they can apply for the Geriatric Medicine CAQ Exam, which includes 120 multiple-choice questions targeted for PAs with experience in the specialty. The exam is based on the Content Blueprint, developed through a practice analysis conducted by NCCPA with feedback from PAs working in the specialty.
You can review sample questions for the Geriatric Medicine CAQ to get an idea of what to expect on the exam.
PAs who complete all the requirements for earning a CAQ are awarded the CAQ credential, which is valid for a period of ten years. The PA must continue meeting the CAQ prerequisite licensure/federal privilege requirements and maintain their PA-C certification. PAs who have a current CAQ may display their NCCPA certification and CAQ credentials as follows: PA Name, PA-C, CAQ-GERI. Individuals can verify the status of the CAQ credential on NCCPA’s website through the Verify Board Certification function.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the processes for earning and maintaining a CAQ, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, the PA will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from any CAQ maintenance activity or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must submit any outstanding fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policy and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed, and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the remaining period of the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meet the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
“I feel that the CAQ will finally give me a way to quantify the level of skill and specialized knowledge that I have gained through my PA career. It will also be an easily recognizable way that patients can tell that they are being cared for by a competent individual who has gone out of his-or-her way to prove themselves in their chosen career path.”
– -Dimas J. Valentin, PA-C, CAQ-HM, MPAS
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Hospital Medicine to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.”.
PAs seeking the Hospital Medicine CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in hospital medicine, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs seeking eligibility for the Hospital Medicine Specialty Examination must meet requirements of specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. After initiating the CAQ process by submitting the requirements for one of the components and the $100 administrative fee, PAs will have six years within which to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Hospital Medicine CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Hospital Medicine CAQ must have gained at least 3,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of 18 months of full-time practice, primarily involving the management of hospitalized adult patients) working as a PA in that specialty within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Hospital Medicine CAQ, they can apply for the Hospital Medicine Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to hospital medicine targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of that specialty. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Hospital Medicine CAQ awarded to successful candidates will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Hospital Medicine Specialty Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy the CME requirement for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
Other Policies
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must fulfill all outstanding financial debts and any applicable fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the respective application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Nephrology to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.
PAs seeking the Nephrology CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in nephrology, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs seeking eligibility for the Nephrology Specialty Examination must meet requirements of specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. After initiating the CAQ process by submitting the requirements for one of the components and the $100 administrative fee, PAs will have six years within which to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Nephrology CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Nephrology CAQ must have gained at least 4,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of two years of full-time practice) working as a PA, including at least 2,000 hours (the equivalent of one year of full-time practice) in nephrology within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Nephrology CAQ, they can apply for the Nephrology Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to nephrology targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of that specialty. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Nephrology CAQ awarded to successful candidates will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Nephrology Specialty Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, an — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy the CME requirement for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must fulfill all outstanding financial debts and any applicable fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the respective application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters..
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Be among the first to earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynecology and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your specialty!
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion for health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.
PAs seeking the Obstetrics and Gynecology CAQ must demonstrate they have knowledge and experience in obstetrics and gynecology, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or experienced PAs who are new to this specialty. The CAQ designation provides an objective measure of knowledge and expertise for the PA practicing in obstetrics and gynecology. Earning this credential demonstrates a commitment to the specialty and supports the concept of progressively enhanced scope of practice which has been a tradition in the PA profession. It may increase employability, respect among peers and open doors for career advancement, and increase patients’ confidence in PA’s qualifications.
PAs seeking the Obstetrics and Gynecology CAQ must first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In addition to these prerequisites, PAs must have specialty-specific CME, experience in the field, and pass an Obstetrics and Gynecology CAQ exam. In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PA’s practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements. More detailed policy information is available here.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Obstetrics and Gynecology CAQ must document a minimum of 2,000 hours (the equivalent of one year of full-time experience) of practice providing obstetrical and gynecologic care.
Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Obstetrics and Gynecology CAQ, they are eligible to apply for the OBGYN CAQ Exam. This exam will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions related to obstetrics and gynecologic topics and targeted for PAs with one year of OBGYN experience. It is based on the Content Blueprint.
This What to Expect on Test Day document will be helpful to those preparing for this exam as well.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Obstetrics and Gynecology CAQ will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the OBGYN CAQ Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. The same 125 credits may also be logged to maintain the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must submit any outstanding fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA forfeits all fees.
Results from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam results, the exam results will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed, and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Occupational Medicine (OM) to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped rewards for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty, and the well-being of your patients.
Click here to view sample Occupational Medicine questions.
Still unsure? More details about the requirements are below.
PAs seeking the Occupational Medicine CAQ must show they have advanced knowledge and experience in Occupational Medicine beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs applying for the CAQ examination must first meet requirements of earning specialty-specific CME and gaining experience in Occupational Medicine. They can begin the CAQ process by submitting at least one of these requirements and the $100 administrative fee. After initiating the process by submitting one of the requirements and the fee, PAs will have six years to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Occupational Medicine CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a current, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency.
*If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all the licenses must be unrestricted (more details can be found in the Policies Regarding the Certificates of Added Qualifications Program).
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
In the six years preceding the date of application for the CAQ exam, PAs must earn a minimum of 75 credits of Category I CME focused on Occupational Medicine practice, including 25 credits earned within the last two years. The same 75 credits may also be used for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
Recommendations for CME Activities:
PA leaders in the specialty provided input in developing the following CME recommendations for PAs interested in pursuing an Occupational Medicine CAQ.
How do you know if CME activities are related to the specialty? Use your best judgment. Keep in mind that the credits may be subject to a CME auditing process. If it is not immediately apparent that the credits are related to Occupational Medicine, you may be asked to provide a rationale for how the activity related to your practice.
PAs seeking the Occupational Medicine CAQ must have at least 2,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of one year of full-time practice) working as a PA in Occupational Medicine within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with their practice and experience within 90 days after you receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Once PAs have satisfied the other non-exam requirements, they can apply for the Occupational Medicine CAQ Exam, which includes 120 multiple-choice questions targeted for PAs with experience in the specialty. The exam is based on the Content Blueprint, developed through a practice analysis conducted by NCCPA with feedback from PAs working in the specialty.
PAs who complete all the requirements for earning a CAQ are awarded the CAQ credential, which is valid for ten years. The PA must continue meeting the CAQ prerequisite licensure/federal privilege requirements and maintain their PA-C certification. PAs who have a current CAQ may display their NCCPA certification and CAQ credentials as follows: PA Name, PA-C, CAQ-OM. Individuals can verify the status of the CAQ credential on NCCPA’s website through the Verify Board Certification function.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the processes for earning and maintaining a CAQ, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, the PA will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from any CAQ maintenance activity or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must submit any outstanding fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policy and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed, and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an
“I have been promoted and given higher pay and more responsibility since earning a CAQ.”
-Mark Wright, PA-C, CAQ-OS
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Orthopaedic Surgery to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.
PAs seeking the Orthopaedic Surgery CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in orthopaedic surgery, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs seeking eligibility for the Orthopaedic Surgery Specialty Examination must meet requirements of specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. After initiating the CAQ process by submitting the requirements for one of the components and the $100 administrative fee, PAs will have six years within which to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Orthopaedic Surgery CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Orthopaedic Surgery CAQ must have gained at least 4,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of two years of full-time practice) working as a PA in that specialty within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Orthopaedic Surgery CAQ, they can apply for the Orthopaedic Surgery Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to orthopaedic surgery targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of that specialty. It will be based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered during the 2023 PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
To review sample questions, click here.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Orthopaedic Surgery CAQ awarded to successful candidates will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Orthopaedic Surgery Specialty Examination before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy the CME requirement for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must fulfill all outstanding financial debts and any applicable fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the respective application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care (PMHC) to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Click here to view PMHC sample questions.
Still unsure? Read more about the requirements below.
Palliative medicine and hospice care focus on the physical, psycho-social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of serious illness. Palliative care is person/family-centered, aligning a person’s values to possible treatments and interventions with the goal to relieve suffering. Through early integration of service, an effort is made to improve quality of life, for the patient and their family.
The Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care (PMHC) CAQ program is applicable to all PAs who practice in diverse specialties such as palliative medicine and hospice care, critical care, emergency medicine, family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, geriatrics, hospital medicine, nephrology, neurology, oncology, etc. and in a wide range of settings, such as private practices, health systems medical groups, cancer centers, dialysis centers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and hospices may routinely rely on palliative care skills and knowledge in caring for their patients.
PAs who wish to earn the Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care CAQ must demonstrate they have knowledge and experience in palliative medicine and hospice care, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or experienced PAs who are new to this area of care. Earning a PMHC CAQ will help PAs who want to document their experience and knowledge and/or who are required to have such a credential for privileges or reimbursement in this specialty area.
PAs seeking the PMHC CAQ must first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In addition to these prerequisites, PAs must have specialty-specific CME, experience in the field, and pass a PMHC CAQ exam. In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care CAQ must document a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of one year of full-time practice) providing palliative medicine and/or hospice care to patients with serious and life-threatening illnesses and advanced/serious chronic health within six years of the date they provide their attestation to NCCPA. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required. Although not required by NCCPA, it may be beneficial for PAs to create a log of knowledge, skills, and patient management experiences.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care CAQ, they are eligible to apply for the PMHC CAQ exam. This exam will consist of 120-multiple-choice questions related to palliative medicine and hospice care and targeted for PAs with experience in this area.
The Content Blueprint for the PHMC CAQ exam can be found here.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care CAQ will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the PMHC CAQ Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. The same 125 credits may also be logged to maintain the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must submit any outstanding fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA forfeits all fees.
Results from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam results, the exam results will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program
“I feel having a CAQ in pediatrics is a testament to my commitment to the field, my fellow physicians and patients I work with on a daily basis. I feel it is important as a PA to show my interest and dedication in pursuing my education in pediatrics and the Pediatrics CAQ is the perfect opportunity.”
-Lauren Donaldson, PA-C, CAQ-Peds
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Pediatrics to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
PAs seeking the Pediatrics CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in pediatrics, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs seeking eligibility for the Pediatrics Specialty Examination must meet requirements of specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. After initiating the CAQ process by submitting the requirements for one of the components and the $100 administrative fee, PAs will have six years within which to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Pediatrics CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Pediatrics CAQ must have gained at least 4,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of two years of full-time practice) working as a PA in that specialty within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Pediatrics CAQ, they can apply for the Pediatrics Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to pediatrics targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of that specialty. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions.
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Pediatrics CAQ awarded to successful candidates will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Pediatrics Specialty Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy the CME requirement for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must fulfill all outstanding financial debts and any applicable fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the respective application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.
Earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Psychiatry to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
CAQ recipients seeking the following benefits have reaped reward for their achievement:
Earning a CAQ shows your employers that you are committed to your specialty. It demonstrates your dedication and passion to health care and the well-being of your patients.
Still unsure? Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions. Then read more about the requirements below.
PAs seeking the Psychiatry CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in psychiatry, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice. PAs seeking eligibility for the Psychiatry Specialty Examination must meet requirements of specialty-specific CME and experience in the field. After initiating the CAQ process by submitting the requirements for one of the components and the $100 administrative fee, PAs will have six years within which to complete all four components for the CAQ, including passing the specialty exam.
PAs seeking the Psychiatry CAQ must also first satisfy two basic pre-requisites: (1) current PA-C certification and (2) possession of a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one jurisdiction in the United States or its territories, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency. (Note: If a PA holds licenses in multiple states, all of the licenses must be unrestricted.) The licensure prerequisite is addressed more fully here.
In support of the procedures and patient case requirement, each applicant must provide attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with the PAs’ practice and experience. PAs may find it helpful, however, to secure such a sponsor at the beginning of the process for the purpose of seeking guidance on the pursuit of the other requirements.
After completing the CME requirements for the CAQ, PAs may attest to this requirement through the online registration process that is accessed by logging into their personal certification record.
PAs seeking the Psychiatry CAQ must have gained at least 2,000 hours of experience (the equivalent of one year of full-time practice) working as a PA in that specialty within six years of the date they attest to NCCPA that the experience requirement has been satisfied. If selected for an audit, documentation substantiating that work experience will be required.
PAs must provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in the specialty and is familiar with your practice and experience within 90 days after your receive your CAQ score. More details are listed in the required attestation form here.
Once PAs have satisfied other requirements for the Psychiatry CAQ, they can apply for the Psychiatry Specialty Exam — 120 multiple-choice questions related to psychiatry targeted for PAs with experience in the practice of that specialty. It will be based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered during the 2023 PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA. It is based on the Content Blueprint, developed using data gathered from the most recent PA Practice Analysis conducted by NCCPA.
Get a feel for the exam by reviewing some sample questions.
Earning a Psychiatry CAQ
All exams for earning the initial CAQ are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
Exams for maintaining a CAQ are administered both online and in the Pearson VUE Test Center
The Psychiatry CAQ awarded to successful candidates will be valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond that timeframe, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C and licensure requirements required of those seeking the CAQ for the first time, pass the Psychiatry Specialty Exam before the expiration of the current CAQ, and — during the ten-year CAQ cycle — earn and log at least 125 credits of Category I CME focused on the specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy the CME requirement for maintenance of the PA-C credential.
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the CAQ and maintenance processes, NCCPA may audit the requirements of PAs who have applied for a CAQ or have successfully completed the CAQ process. PAs who fail the audit or refuse to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of the CAQ and/or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by NCCPA and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ after submitting the application and fee, he or she will be deemed ineligible and restricted from registering for the exam or from maintenance of CAQ activity, or will be withdrawn from the examination or maintenance activity if registration has already been processed.
PAs must fulfill all outstanding financial debts and any applicable fees to NCCPA prior to becoming eligible to apply for a CAQ or for CAQ maintenance.
If a PA loses eligibility for a CAQ or CAQ maintenance after submitting the respective application and fees or if, at any time, it is determined that a PA provided incorrect eligibility information on any NCCPA application, the PA shall forfeit all fees.
Scores from the CAQ exams will be released to examinees after NCCPA has completed all scoring and validation processes. PAs may not register to repeat an examination if they have scores pending from a previous administration of the same examination. If a PA is deemed ineligible for the CAQ after taking the exam but prior to the release of exam scores, the exam scores will be invalidated and not reported to the PA.
Nothing in this policy shall limit or prevent NCCPA from imposing sanctions as set forth in its Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters.
PAs who lose a CAQ due to the expiration of their PA-C certification may reinstate their CAQ upon regaining their PA-C certification, as long as the original or most recent CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PA meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program. The CAQ will be reinstated for the period of time remaining in the CAQ maintenance period. PAs who lose a CAQ for any other reason, including NCCPA disciplinary actions, must begin the CAQ process anew by meeting the eligibility requirements for initial CAQs, including passing the CAQ examination, or may seek a reinstatement of their CAQ when they regain certification by filing a request for an exception to policy, as long as the CAQ expiration date has not passed and the PAs meets the licensure/federal privilege requirements for the CAQ program.