PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam
The PANCE is the NCCPA‑administered certification exam required for Physician Assistants to practice in the United States.
- Exam fee
- $475
- Typical salary
- $110K–$150K
The PANCE is essential for PA graduates who need the credential to practice in the U.S. If you’re not pursuing a PA career, another certification may be more appropriate.
What PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam covers
Issued by NCCPA (nccpa.net). Required to practice as a Physician Assistant in the US. Tests medical knowledge across all organ systems and clinical medicine.
Key topics covered: Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Musculoskeletal, Reproductive Medicine, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Surgery Principles.
Best suited for: PA graduates completing accredited Physician Assistant programs.
Common career paths: Physician Assistant, Surgical PA, Emergency Medicine PA, Primary Care PA.
PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam exam details
Exam domains
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Musculoskeletal
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgery Principles
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $475
How to prepare for PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the Scope Review the overall purpose of the PANCE and the organ‑system breadth it covers, using the key topics listed. | Week 1-2 |
| 2 | Organ‑System Review Study each major system—cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, neurology, musculoskeletal, reproductive, psychiatry, emergency, surgery—focusing on core concepts. | Weeks 3-6 |
| 3 | Clinical Integration Link basic science to clinical scenarios, practicing case‑based questions that mirror real‑world PA duties. | Weeks 7-8 |
| 4 | Practice Exams Take full‑length practice tests to gauge readiness and identify weak areas across all systems. | Weeks 9-10 |
| 5 | Targeted Review & Test‑Day Prep Re‑visit flagged topics, refine test‑taking strategies, and ensure logistics are set for exam day. | Week 11 |
Jobs and salary with PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $110K–$150K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam questions answered
What is the PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam certification?
The PANCE is the NCCPA‑administered certification exam required for Physician Assistants to practice in the United States. It is issued by NCCPA and sits in the Medical field.
Is PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam hard?
PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam is rated Advanced. It usually assumes several years of hands-on work, so most candidates prepare for longer.
How much does the PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $475. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with NCCPA before you book.
What salary can I expect with PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam?
Professionals with PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam commonly report pay in the $110K–$150K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to PANCE – Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| USMLE Step 1 – US Medical Licensing Exam | USMLE / NBME | Advanced |
| NCLEX-RN – National Council Licensure Exam (Nursing) | NCSBN | Advanced |
| RDMS – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | ARDMS | Intermediate |
| CPC – Certified Professional Coder | AAPC | Intermediate |