Exam Domains
1 Cardiovascular
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2 Pulmonary
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3 Gastrointestinal
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4 Musculoskeletal
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5 Endocrine
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6 Reproductive
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7 Neurologic/Psychiatric
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8 Genitourinary/Renal
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9 Dermatologic
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10 Hematologic/Oncologic
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11 Infectious Disease
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12 Ophthalmic/Otolaryngologic
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13 Other
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Exam Details
Question TypesMultiple Choice (single best answer)
FormatLinear fixed-form computer-based test (CBT); NBME item development
Online ProctoringNot available
ID RequirementsGovernment-issued photo ID required. Name must match NCCPA registration exactly. Secondary ID may be requested.
RenewalRequired -- Initial PA-C certification valid for 6 years. Ongoing Maintenance of Certification (MOC) required every 10 years thereafter. MOC includes: 100 CME credits per 2-year cycle (50 must be Category 1), passing PANRE or completing PANRE-LA, and logging practice hours. Biennial application submitted through NCCPA portal.
PrerequisitesActive PA-C credential required; PANRE-LA is the alternative recertification pathway to the PANRE traditional exam
Retake PolicyPANCE: maximum 6 lifetime attempts total. After failing 6 times, candidate is permanently ineligible for PANCE. PANRE: no stated lifetime maximum; must be taken within MOC 10-year cycle. Full exam fee required for each attempt.
LanguagesEnglish