

In the interest of transparency, NCCPA requires that the cumulative first time pass rates over five years be clearly visible on the institution’s website. In part, this is because it is a matter of public record. For most, this has meant foregoing 2+ years without earning an income, focusing all their resources on their education and a future profession.įor educational institutions, particularly those with high first time pass rates, news of one of its students failing the PANCE test is not taken lightly. That’s 3 months added to the previous 27 months spent fulltime in studies. NCCPA requires that they wait at least 90 days before they attempt the certification exam again. Those who pass can add the credential PA-C (for certified) after their name, and begin their careers as physician assistants.īut for those who fail the PANCE on their first attempt, life gets a bit more complicated. In quick order, the test results are known and reported back to NCCPA, the student, and the educational institution. A typical testing center where MEDEX graduates might go to take the national PANCE licensure exam. All testing is done using secure computers. Once they register for a PANCE session, graduates report to one of any number of regional testing centers to take the exam. Many take the national test-the PANCE, or Physician Assistant National Certification Exam-right out of PA school, others in the months that follow graduation. In the United States, the certifying body is NCCPA-the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. A ll graduates of physician assistant training programs must pass a certification exam before they can practice in their new profession.
