Is Continuing Education and Recertification Required for Pac

Demonstrating commitment to compassionate patient care, the health care team, & continued certification.

Maintain Certification

The 10-year certification maintenance process includes five two-year cycles during which all Certified PAs must log 100 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits online and submit a certification maintenance fee by 11:59 p.m. PT, December 31 of their certification expiration year. You will need to pass a recertification exam by the end of your 10th year.

Visit the pages below to learn more about recertification options, CME, how to regain certification, and more.

Recertification Exam Options: PANRE and PANRE-LA
PANRE
PANRE-LA
PA-C Emeritus Designation
Regaining Certification

Recertification Exam Options: PANRE and PANRE-LA

The recertification exam measures the core medical knowledge that is relevant for all clinically practicing PAs, regardless of their specialty or practice setting. Passing the exam helps PAs demonstrate they are staying up-to-date on core medical topics.

PAs now have two options for meeting their recertification exam requirement, and PAs should choose the option that best suits their individual preferences. Both exam options are based on the same content blueprint. With either option, PAs must also meet the Continuing Medical Education requirements. The fee is the same ($350) regardless of the option selected.

PANRE

About PANRE

PANRE is the traditional recertification exam that is administered in one setting at Pearson VUE test centers. You're eligible to take PANRE in the 9^th or 10^th year of the certification maintenance cycle. Here are some highlights of the PANRE process.

You may take PANRE up to two times in the 9^th year and up to three times in the 10^th year, with a maximum of four total attempts.
You will be able to schedule your exam anytime (based on test center availability) within the 180-day timeframe established for you based on the submittal of a completed application.
PANRE consists of four blocks of 60 questions with 60 minutes to complete each block. There is a total of 45 minutes allotted for breaks between blocks and 15 minutes to view a tutorial. The testing time is four hours, and the total exam schedule is five hours.
It is administered throughout the year at over 200 Pearson VUE test centers in the U.S., as well as at select international centers, except for the last few weeks of the year. For 2022, no testing occurs between Dec. 18-31, 2022.
You'll need to take two forms of valid ID to the Pearson VUE test center and follow other security check-in procedures, as noted on NCCPA and Pearson VUE's websites.
You will receive your results typically within two weeks of taking the exam.
You may only take PANRE once in any 90-day period. The 90-day limit on PANRE attempts is waived when (1) there are fewer than 90 days left in the 10^th year and (2) you have not already exhausted all PANRE attempts for the year. In such cases, one final exam attempt is permitted.
You must also meet your CME requirements in addition to passing PANRE to maintain certification.

How do I apply for PANRE?

If you are in your 9th or 10th year of your certification maintenance cycle, just log in to your NCCPA record to register for PANRE. The registration fee is $350.
There is no testing between Dec. 18-31, 2022.
You will receive an acknowledgment email that provides the 180-day testing window and instructions on how to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
If you apply late in the year to take the exam in the current year or late in your 10^th year, your testing window will be shorter than 180 days.

What are the benefits of taking PANRE?

You will complete the exam in one 5-hour session.
You will receive your results typically within two weeks of taking the exam.
If you do not receive a passing score, you can retake the exam after waiting 90 days.

PANRE-LA

About PANRE-LA

PANRE-LA is the new official alternative to the traditional PANRE that was adopted following the two-year Pilot Alternative to PANRE. It incorporates elements of a longitudinal assessment and is designed to help PAs identify and address knowledge gaps in core medical content. Feedback from PAs who participated in the Pilot helped to inform the design of PANRE-LA. Here are some highlights of the new process.

PAs apply for the PANRE-LA in the 6^th year of their cycle. The exam is administered over 12 quarters in years 7-9, but you may finish as early as 8 quarters.
Your final score will be based on your best 8 quarters. You may work straight through or skip up to 4 quarters during the process, as long as you complete at least 1 quarter in year 7 and 1 in year 8. Completing more quarters gives you more opportunities to pass.
Each quarter, you'll receive 25 questions and will have five minutes to answer each question. You can use printed or online references to help with the answer, if needed.
You will receive questions on topics missed in previous quarters to demonstrate you've closed knowledge gaps and to improve your performance.
Each quarter, you'll receive feedback so you know how you are performing.
If you don't pass by the end of the 12 quarters, you will have three attempts to take and pass PANRE in year 10 before your certification expires.
You must continue to meet your CME requirements while participating in the PANRE-LA.

How do I apply for PANRE-LA?

Certified PAs due for recertification in 2024, 2025 and 2026 are eligible for the 2023 initial launch of the PANRE-LA and must apply between July 2022 – November 30, 2022. The PANRE-LA launches in January 2023.
PAs due to recertify in 2027 and beyond will apply between July – November 30 of their sixth year of their certification maintenance cycle and start the exam in January of their seventh year.
Just log in to your NCCPA record during the application window to register for PANRE-LA. The registration fee is $350.

What are the benefits of taking PANRE-LA?

PANRE-LA may help remove some of the stress and anxiety of taking the recertification assessment, as it can be completed:

- On your own device, whether it's a phone, laptop, iPad, etc. – whatever you're comfortable with!
- On your own time. You can answer as few or as many questions as you want each time you log in during the quarter, as long as each set of 25 questions is completed by the quarter's deadline.
- From anywhere! As long as you have stable internet access, you can log in to answer questions.

Want more information about PANRE-LA?

Click the link below to download the 2023 PANRE-LA Fact Sheet.

For every quarter that you answer all 25 questions, you will receive two Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits (three credits with NCCPA's 50% bonus for Self-Assessment).

PA-C Emeritus Designation

The PA-C Emeritus® designation was established in 2016 to honor PAs who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the professionalism and standards required of Certified PAs but who are no longer clinically practicing and do not have the need to be certified any longer.

Eligibility Requirements for the PA-C Emeritus Designation

Applicants will be awarded the PA-C Emeritus designation if they meet the following requirements:

Are retired from clinical practice.
Have been certified by NCCPA at least 20 cumulative years during their PA career or have retired from practice due to permanent disability and have qualified for federal Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or disability retirement or long-term disability benefits*; and
Have no reportable actions in their NCCPA disciplinary history and no NCCPA disciplinary matter in any stage of review.

*Acceptable documentation is a statement, record, or letter on official letterhead from one of the following: a treating physician/medical professional, a federal government agency that issues or provides disability benefits, or a state vocational rehabilitation agency.

There is a one-time $50 application fee. Proceeds from the PA-C Emeritus program will benefit the PA Foundation scholarship program, expanding the NCCPA Endowed Scholarship that awards multiple scholarships each year with the ultimate aim of reducing health disparities.

Applications are accepted only from PAs who are currently certified, and the Emeritus designation will be awarded in conjunction with certification expiration.

Maintenance Requirements for the PA-C Emeritus Designation

Like NCCPA certification, the PA-C Emeritus designation shall be maintained on two-year, calendar year cycles. There is no renewal fee.

Maintenance requires completion of a reapplication process, which will include attestation that the PA continues to meet the requirements established for initial eligibility. The PA-C Emeritus designation shall be suspended if the PA regains certification, and may be restored upon expiration of the regained certification if the PA establishes that he or she continues to meet the requirements established for initial eligibility.

The PA-C Emeritus designation may be verified by any third party by going to "Verify PA Certification" under "Resources" in the toolbar at the top of this page

Limitations on Use of the PA-C Emeritus Designation

The PA-C Emeritus designation is not the equivalent of PA-C credential. Those designated as PA-C Emeritus are not considered certified by NCCPA and may not hold themselves out as such.

The PA-C Emeritus designation may not be used in any clinical setting or in the context of any clinically-related interaction, including clinical volunteer service. This does not mean the PA-C Emeritus designees may not engage in clinical volunteer service. They simply may not identify themselves as a PA-C Emeritus in that setting. Doing so – or committing any other act that would trigger NCCPA disciplinary review for certified PAs — will result in review in accordance with NCCPA's Policies and Procedures for PA Disciplinary Matters .

Sign in and go to "My Account" to apply.

Regaining Certification

PAs who have lost certification may regain it by fulfilling CME requirements and passing PANRE.

First sign in to your record and log, or verify that you have logged, at least 100 Category 1 CME credits earned within the two-year period ending on the date your PANRE application is submitted to NCCPA. For example, if you plan on applying for PANRE on June 1, 2022, your CME earning window will be June 1, 2020-June 1, 2022. You can apply any CME credits that you have previously earned within the timeframe mentioned above.
Then apply for PANRE and, after receiving your exam acknowledgement email, schedule your exam as soon as you desire to take it following certification expiration. (After that first attempt to regain certification, if unsuccessful on the exam you may take PANRE only one time in any single 90-day period.)

Exception: PAs who have lost eligibility for certification due to NCCPA disciplinary proceedings must first apply to reestablish eligibility.

Next steps?

You can log your CME credits, apply and pay for the exam online at yourpersonal record.

Certification Maintenance Resources

Access tools to help you maintain your certification

When do I recertify?

Detailed information regarding when you are due to take a recertification exam is available on the dashboard of your online record at www.nccpa.net.

How do I apply for the exam?

You can apply for the recertification exam by signing in to your online record and selecting the "Apply Now" link in the Recertifying Exam Status section of your dashboard.

How do I set up my PANRE exam time?

Within 1-3 days after your application is processed and completed, you'll receive an exam acknowledgement email from NCCPA with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

On the exam, are temperatures given in Celsius or Fahrenheit?

They are given in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

When lab values appear in a test question, are the normal ranges also included?

Yes, the normal lab values are provided on a separate screen that displays when examinees click "Lab Values." Some questions may contain lab values that are not included in the separate "Lab Values" screen. In those cases, the appropriate normal range is provided within the text of the question.

On the exam, what units are used for referencing height and weight?

Height appears in centimeters, followed by feet and inches in parentheses. An example would be 175.3 cm (5 ft 9 in). Weight appears in kilograms followed by the pound value in parentheses. An example would be 86.2 kg (190 lb)

Are generic or brand names of drugs used on the exam?

The generic name of a drug is always provided. The brand or trade names are also provided if the drug was approved by the FDA within approximately five years or less.

Are K questions used on the exam?

No, K questions are no longer on the exam.

When will I receive my score?

You will be notified by email when the results are posted to your online record (approximately two weeks after your exam date).

What happens if I don't pass the exam?

You must pass by the end of the tenth year, but you may take PANRE up to two times in the 9th and 10th years of your recertification cycle and up to three times in the 10th year of your recertification cycle, with a maximum of four total attempts.

How long must I wait to retake an examination?

There is a 90-day waiting period between retakes of the same examination.

The 90-day waiting period on PANRE attempts will be waived when (1) there are fewer than 90 days left in the last year of your recertification cycle and (2) you have not already exhausted all PANRE attempts available for the year. In such cases, one final attempt to pass the exam will be permitted.

Do I have to submit my CME before I test?

No, you do not need to submit your CME before taking PANRE for recertification. However, if you are taking PANRE to regain certification, you must fulfill CME requirements prior to applying for PANRE.

PANRE-LA FAQs

General and Eligibility

What is the difference in PANRE and PANRE-LA?

First, there are many similarities between the PANRE and the PANRE-LA. Both recertification exams are based on the same core content blueprint. The questions on both exams are written and reviewed by PAs and medical editors. Both exams have passing standards that are based on recommendations developed by PAs who participate in standard-setting studies, and passing either the PANRE or PANRE-LA fulfills the recertification exam requirement to maintain the PA-C credential.

There are also several differences. The PANRE is administered in a 5-hour timeframe at a proctored Pearson VUE test center, with 4 hours of testing time (which averages one minute per question), 45 minutes of break time, and 15 minutes to review the tutorial. PAs complete the exam during this one scheduled appointment and receive results typically within 2 weeks after completing their exam.

The PANRE-LA has a much more flexible and extended delivery format. Over a period of 12 quarters, PAs will be required to participate in a minimum of 8 quarters. PAs will take the PANRE-LA online and can log in and out of the exam at their convenience, using a range of acceptable devices (tablets, cell phones, laptops, etc.) that are compatible with the exam delivery system. The timing allotment per question is five (5) minutes. In addition, unlike the PANRE that is administered in test centers that does not allow the use of reference materials, PAs participating in the PANRE-LA are allowed to access printed or online reference materials to aid in selecting their responses to the exam questions. Consulting with other individuals on any of the exam content is not allowed and is a breach of the exam policies.

Scoring to determine if the passing standard has been reached will begin after 8 quarters of participation. PAs who reach the passing standard will have met their recertification exam requirement and are exited from the process. PAs who haven't met the standard at that time can continue taking additional quarters until the end of the three-year process, as needed. After each subsequent quarter, scores will be recalculated using the best 8 quarters of performance to determine the pass/fail status.

Where do you get the exam questions that are on the PANRE-LA?

The questions included on all NCCPA's exams are written by Certified PAs. PAs from across the country, working in a wide array of clinical practice areas write the test questions and then convene to review and discuss every question. The topics covered on PANRE and PANRE-LA are based on the core blueprint that resulted from a practice analysis study that included surveying all Certified PAs to gather feedback on the content that would be appropriate for a core recertification exam. Results from these studies were reviewed by panels of PAs to develop the updated content blueprint that is used for both PANRE and the PANRE-LA. The blueprint is updated for 2023 and can be found here.

Who is eligible for the PANRE-LA?

PAs who are currently certified may choose the PANRE-LA as their recertification exam process. PAs who are due for recertification in 2024, 2025, and 2026 are eligible to apply for the PANRE-LA administration that begins in January 2023. PAs seeking to regain certification are not eligible for the PANRE-LA. PAs who participated in the Pilot Alternative for PANRE but were withdrawn or did not pass the Pilot in the 2019-2020 administration are not eligible to apply for the PANRE-LA to meet the exam requirements that were associated with the Pilot. However, they may be able to apply for the PANRE-LA for future recertification exam cycles. No exceptions will be considered for the eligibility requirements to participate in PANRE-LA.

I am due for recertification in 2024 or 2025. How can I complete PANRE-LA before my certification expires?

PAs whose recertification is due in 2024 but who are not passing PANRE-LA by the end of 2024 will be given a 12-month extension to continue participating in 2025. If they do not pass after 12 quarters, they will be given an additional extension of 12 months and will have up to three attempts to take and pass the proctored PANRE before their certification expires. Similarly, PAs whose recertification is due in 2025 but who are not passing PANRE-LA after 12 quarters will be given a one-time extension of 12 months and will have up to three attempts to take and pass PANRE before their certification expires. Please note that any extensions applied will not affect the next recertification cycle.

Do I have to also complete the CME requirements to maintain certification while taking the PANRE-LA?

Yes, PAs who choose to participate in the PANRE-LA must continue to meet the two-year CME and certification maintenance fee requirements to remain eligible for the PANRE-LA and to maintain their PA-C credential. PAs who do not complete the CME requirements to maintain certification will be withdrawn from the PANRE-LA process and will lose access to all the PANRE-LA content and information.

Can I take the PANRE-LA to regain my certification?

PAs seeking to regain certification are not eligible to take the PANRE-LA and will need to take PANRE to regain certification.

While I'm participating in PANRE-LA, can I also apply and take the traditional PANRE?

No, you can only be enrolled in one recertification assessment at a time.

Why is a current email address a requirement for the PANRE-LA?

PAs who had extenuating circumstances that caused them to miss the November 30, 2022, deadline may request an exception to the policy. The request must be submitted to NCCPA no later than December 15, 2022, for it to be processed in time to begin the exam in January. After December 15, 2022, PAs may submit an exception to policy to apply for the PANRE-LA only if they have an extenuating personal medical issue that prevented them from applying during the application period.

Application

When can I apply for PANRE-LA?

PAs will apply for the PANRE-LA in the 6th year of their recertification cycle and will have access to the exam in January of their 7th year. For the initial launch of PANRE-LA, PAs who are due to recertify in 2024, 2025, and 2026 will be able to apply in July 2022. (PAs due to recertify in 2024 and 2025 will be starting the process late due to the initial launch of the new process, and NCCPA will work with those individuals to ensure they have the full timeframe for completing the PANRE-LA, if necessary.) PAs who want to participate in the new process must complete their application by November 30, 2022.

What is the deadline to apply for the PANRE-LA?

For PAs due for recertification in 2024, 2025, and 2026, the deadline to apply for the PANRE-LA is November 30, 2022.

How do I apply for the PANRE-LA?

In 2022, PAs who are due for recertification in 2024, 2025, and 2026 will receive additional information on applying for the exam, and the application period will open in July 2022 and close November 30, 2022. PAs will log into their personal certification record online through NCCPA's web site to complete the application process.

What is the fee for the PANRE-LA?

The fee for PANRE-LA is the same as PANRE, $350.00. The fee must be submitted for the application to be processed.

If I missed the November 30, 2022, deadline, can I still apply before the exam starts?

PAs who had extenuating circumstances that caused them to miss the November 30, 2022, deadline may request an exception to policy. The request must be submitted to NCCPA no later than December 15, 2022, for it to be processed in time to begin the exam in January. After December 15, 2022, PAs may submit an exception to policy to apply for the PANRE-LA only if they have an extenuating personal medical issue that prevented them from applying during the application period.

Exam Administration and Accommodations

When will I be able to access the exam questions on the PANRE-LA?

The first quarter for the PANRE-LA will be available on January 3, 2023.

How is the PANRE-LA administered?

The PANRE-LA is administered over 12 quarters, and PAs are scored on 8 quarters of questions. In each quarter, 25 questions are administered, with each having a 5-minute time limit. After answering each question, PAs will receive immediate feedback on whether the question was answered correctly or incorrectly and will have access to a rationale that explains why the correct answer is the best response and why the other options are incorrect. PAs will also be provided with references in case they want to read more about the content of the question.

PAs must participate in at least one quarter in the first year and one quarter in the second year. Other than that, PAs may select the 8 quarters they complete, and skip quarters based on their preferences and schedules. However, PAs are encouraged to participate in as many quarters as possible early in the process. After participating in 8 quarters, PAs who have met or exceeded the passing standard will receive notification that they have passed and have met their recertification exam requirement. PAs who have not met the passing standard after 8 quarters can continue participating in the PANRE-LA process until the end of the three-year process. After each subsequent quarter, scores will be recalculated using only the responses from the best 8 quarters to determine if the passing has been met, and PAs will be notified when they have passed. This process allows PAs the opportunity to continue closing their knowledge gaps and improving their performance to hopefully achieve the passing standard before the conclusion of the PANRE-LA administration.

Do I have to participate in all 12 quarters?

PAs are required to participate in at least one quarter in the first year and at least one quarter in the second year of the PANRE-LA process. PAs who don't meet this minimum participation requirement will be withdrawn and will lose all access to the PANRE-LA content and information. The PANRE-LA score will be based on eight quarters of exam questions. Other than these requirements, PAs have the flexibility to choose the quarters to participate in; however, they are encouraged to participate in as many quarters as possible early in the process to provide more opportunities to reach the passing score. PAs may be able to complete the exam with a passing score after participating in eight quarters.

If I complete the questions early in the quarter, can I start on the next quarter questions?

No, the PANRE-LA is designed to incorporate the principles of spaced education, spaced assessment, and knowledge retention. Therefore, the structure of the process requires that the exam be administered in smaller sections over a more extended timeframe.

What happens if the quarter ends and I didn't complete all the questions?

The timeframe for completing questions cannot be extended. If you have met the minimum participation requirement, you may continue in the process. The questions you didn't answer will be scored as incorrect.

If I missed a quarter, can I make it up?

If at the end of the PANRE-LA process, you have not passed and you missed participating in a quarter due to personal health issues only, you may file a request for an exception to the policy. These exceptions to policy are limited to participation in up to two quarters and must be completed in the year immediately following the conclusion of the three-year PANRE-LA process. For additional information, see Exceptions to Policy and Exam Grievances.

Will I know what content categories are covered each quarter?

The blueprint content categories are covered throughout the quarters. However, before each question is provided, PAs will receive information on the content category for the next question and whether that question includes an image. This way, PAs can make the choice of whether to proceed with opening the question to complete it, deferring the question until later in the quarter in case they want to review information on that content area, or wait to open the question because they want to use another device with a larger screen to view an image.

If I don't know the answer to a question, should I answer with my best guess?

The exam score is based on the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing, other than incorrect answers are marked as incorrect.

What happens if the time runs out before I click on the submit button?

If you have selected a response prior to the time expiring, that response will be scored and marked as either correct or incorrect, based on the response you chose. If you have not selected response, the question will be marked as incorrect.

I've heard the exam is somewhat individualized for each PA. What does that mean?

Throughout the PANRE-LA process, NCCPA gathers data on PA performance through the feedback submitted after each question. Using this data, we are able to customize the exam somewhat, while still ensuring adequate coverage of the exam blueprint. For example, after the first quarter, PAs may receive additional questions on topics they answered incorrectly. This provides PAs the opportunity to demonstrate they have improved their knowledge on the topic since the most recent response to the targeted question will be scored. In addition, we are also able to use the data to provide PAs with questions that are more relevant to their practice, again while still ensuring adequate blueprint coverage.

Can I work with others to help find the answers to the exam questions?

No, working with others is prohibited. PAs are allowed to use printed or online medical references, but they are not allowed to discuss or share the content of the exam questions or materials with anyone. Doing so is a breach of the exam policies and may result in serious disciplinary actions from NCCPA, including the potential revocation of certification.

Will I be able to review the questions and rationales for the questions or quarters I skip?

No, PAs only have access to the questions they opened during the PANRE-LA process. PAs who participate in a quarter but don't open all the questions in that quarter will only have access to the content and critique for those questions that were opened.

What happens if I start the PANRE-LA process and then decide it's not for me? Can I still take PANRE? Do I get a refund?

PAs who don't want to continue in the PANRE-LA process can submit a withdrawal request by email ([email protected] nccpa .net) to NCCPA at any time. PAs who have not accessed any exam questions and submit a written request to withdraw from PANRE-LA prior to the close of the first quarter on March 10, 2023, will receive a full $350 refund . No refunds will be issued after the closing of the first quarter of the PANRE-LA administration unless the PA has filed a request for an Exception to Policy that has been approved. PAs will lose all access to the PANRE-LA content and information when the withdrawal process is completed. The timeframe to apply for and take the proctored PANRE while still certified will vary depending on the timing of the withdrawal.

What are the reasons NCCPA may withdraw me from the PANRE-LA?

PAs may be administratively withdrawn from the PANRE-LA if they don't meet the participation requirements in the first and second years or if they don't complete their certification maintenance requirements (earning and logging CME and submitting the fee) that are due while enrolled in the PANRE-LA. In addition, PAs could also be removed from the program due to concerns with exam irregularities or disciplinary actions.

What testing accommodations are available for the PANRE-LA?

Since the PANRE-LA is not administered at testing centers and has a flexible delivery format, some of the routine accommodations (i.e., separate room, frequent breaks) are not applicable. The exam delivery system accommodates font size and color contrast adjustments. Therefore, the only accommodation provided for the PANRE-LA is extended time per question. The standard time allotment per question is 5 minutes. Based on documented disabilities, PAs may be approved for 1.5 or double-time to answer each question. For clarification, the extended time is per question and not on the overall window for completing each quarter's questions.

What happens if my internet goes down while I'm in the middle of a question?

One of the challenges of having a more flexible exam program that can be taken at PAs' chosen location, on various devices, and flexible schedules is the potential for unstable internet connections or device problems. PAs are encouraged to take their exams in locations where they routinely have strong and stable internet service and on devices that are compatible with NCCPA's system. We are unable to consider requests to reset questions for completion or to consider exceptions to policy related to internet connectivity or device issues.

Performance and Scoring

How do I know how well I'm doing on the PANRE-LA? How do I know if I'm passing?

After each quarter, PAs will receive information on their performance. After participating in 8 quarters, PAs who have met or exceeded the passing standard will receive notification that they have passed and have met their recertification exam requirement. PAs who have not met the passing standard after 8 quarters can continue participating in the PANRE-LA process until the end of the three-year process. After each subsequent quarter, scores will be recalculated using only the responses from the best 8 quarters to determine if the passing standard has been met, and PAs will be notified when they have passed. This process allows PAs the opportunity to continue closing their knowledge gaps and improving their performance to hopefully achieve the passing standard before the conclusion of the PANRE-LA administration.

What happens if I don't pass?

The PANRE-LA is administered during years 7-9 of the certification maintenance cycle. Therefore, PAs who do not pass the PANRE-LA will have up to 3 opportunities to take and pass the traditional PANRE in year 10 of the certification maintenance cycle before their certification expires.

If I pass before the three-year process is over, can I stay in the process to get a better score and earn more CME?

No, as soon as a passing score has been achieved, PAs are exited from the PANRE-LA process. This helps to reduce exposure to exam content and preserves the integrity of the exam process.

I believe there is a problem with an exam question and that the answer NCCPA provided was not correct. What can I do?

First, before any question is included for scoring on the exam, it undergoes rigorous review processes. Certified PAs write and review each exam question. When those questions are administered, we collect and analyze performance data. Questions that don't perform within the expected statistical standards are reviewed by Certified PAs and may be removed from the scoring process based on the analyses and the content expert review.

PAs are also provided the opportunity to give feedback on questions as they complete them during the PANRE-LA process. After each question, PAs are asked to provide an indication of the accuracy of the content, and feedback received is analyzed and reviewed in the process noted above.

CME and Certification Maintenance While Participating in PANRE-LA

If I am taking the PANRE-LA, do I also need to meet each of my two-year cycle requirements?

Do I get CME credit for participating in the PANRE-LA?

Yes, the AAPA has approved participation in the PANRE-LA as a Category 1 Self-Assessment activity. For each quarter that you complete all 25 questions, you will receive 2 Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits. For NCCPA certification maintenance requirements, NCCPA will automatically apply the 50% bonus for self-assessment activities, but keep in mind this bonus only applies to NCCPA CME requirements. Awarding CME credits for the PANRE-LA process recognizes the important element of learning that is incorporated into the longitudinal assessment format.

If PAs can earn Category 1 CME for the PANRE-LA, why wasn't I able to claim it for the Pilot?

The AAPA determines whether a self-assessment activity will qualify for Category I CME credit, based on data about learning outcomes of that activity. As indicated by its name, the Pilot Alternative to PANRE, was a pilot program conducted in 2019-2020 to help NCCPA gather information to inform future decisions on developing an official alternative recertification process for PAs. While implementing the Pilot Alternative to PANRE, NCCPA conducted extensive analyses on the data obtained as PAs progressed through the assessment to complete the exam questions. One important factor that we analyzed was how PAs performed over time, throughout the Pilot administration, and we looked at this data based on a variety of demographics, such as specialty and years of certification. The result of our analyses showed that every subgroup demonstrated improvement, or learning, throughout the Pilot process. Once we had this information, and as we moved forward with adopting the longitudinal process as an official alternative for recertification, we were able to apply to the AAPA to seek approval for the PANRE-LA as an accredited Category 1 Self-assessment CME activity. This data was not available prior to the completion of the Pilot, and it would have been premature for us to apply for approval for Category 1 CME credit at that time. However, PAs who participated in the Pilot could record that time as a Category 2 CME activity.

If PAs can get Category 1 CME for participating in the PANRE-LA, why can't I get it for my own self-directed study?

As noted above, the AAPA determines whether a self-assessment activity will qualify for Category 1 CME credit, based on data about learning outcomes of that activity. The new PANRE-LA is designed to cover core medical content deemed important for all certified PAs to know, as reflected in the Content Blueprint for PANRE and PANRE-LA. The PANRE-LA assessment process also incorporates the principles of "assessment for learning" which are integral to the longitudinal approach for knowledge assessment. The PANRE-LA, which is administered over an extended period, requires PAs to self-reflect on their level of confidence in their knowledge on each questions/topic covered on the exam, and the PANRE-LA also offers a robust educational component by including explanations and references for each question. This systematic and standardized process facilitates PAs identifying areas on the content blueprint where they may have knowledge gaps or weaknesses and provides information to help strengthen those areas. The entire process epitomizes self-assessment CME, as defined by AAPA:

Self-assessment is the process of conducting a systematic review of one's own performance, knowledge base or skill set, usually to improve future performance, expand knowledge or hone skills. Self-assessment activities, in their most common form, are simply an in-depth medical knowledge test that provides feedback on your performance and the opportunity to learn from the experience.

The AAPA has established criteria that is used to determine if activities are approved for Category 1 CME credit. Based on the design of the PANRE-LA and the information provided to PAs who participate in the process, the AAPA has approved participation in the PANRE-LA as a Category 1 Self-assessment activity. Independent self-directed study would typically not meet AAPA's criteria for approval of Category 1 CME credit. Of course, PANRE-LA is just one of a multitude of activities that PAs choose to participate in for earning Category 1 CME, and PAs should choose the CME offerings that are most meaningful and relevant to their practice.

Financial

What is the fee for taking the PANRE-LA?

The fee is $350.00, and the fee must be submitted for the application to be processed.

Can I get a refund if I decide not to do the PANRE-LA or if I am withdrawn by NCCPA?

PAs who have not accessed any exam questions in the first quarter that the exam launched and wish to be withdrawn from the PANRE-LA may request a refund of their $350 fee by submitting a written withdrawal notice and refund request to prior to the close of the first quarter on March 10, 20 23 . No refunds will be issued after the closing of the first quarter of the PANRE-LA administration unless the PA has filed a request for an Exception to Policy that has been approved.

hoseatwored.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.nccpa.net/maintain-certification/