The PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) is the NCCPA exam that PA program graduates must pass to earn the PA-C credential and get licensed in any U.S. state.
Here’s the format, cost and blueprint, plus a study plan. Then try the free PANCE practice quiz.
Key takeaways
- 300 multiple-choice questions in five blocks of 60, with 60 minutes per block.
- The appointment is about 6 hours, including 45 minutes of break time.
- The application fee is $550.
- Certification is maintained with 100 CME credits every 2 years and a recertification exam every 10 years.
USA PANCE Exam: Quick Facts
- Organization
- NCCPA
- Questions
- 300 (5 blocks × 60)
- Time
- 5 hours of testing; ~6-hour appointment
- Fee
- $550
- Credential
- PA-C
- Maintenance
- 100 CME / 2 years; recert every 10 years
PANCE Exam Format
You answer 300 multiple-choice questions in five 60-question blocks, with 60 minutes per block. There are 45 minutes of break time to use between blocks and a short tutorial. Graduates of ARC-PA-accredited programs have a limited number of attempts within a set period after graduation, so check NCCPA’s current rules.
More on PANCE Exam Format →PANCE Blueprint
The blueprint covers organ systems (cardiovascular is the largest, followed by pulmonary, GI/nutrition, musculoskeletal, EENT, reproductive, endocrine, neurologic, psychiatry/behavioral, renal, genitourinary, hematologic, infectious disease and dermatologic) and task areas such as history and physical, diagnostic studies, diagnosis, pharmaceutical therapeutics, clinical interventions, health maintenance and professional practice.
More on PANCE Blueprint →How to Pass the PANCE
- Study for 6–10 weeks using the NCCPA blueprint as your checklist.
- Weight your time toward cardiology and pulmonology.
- Do thousands of practice questions and review every rationale.
- Take full-length practice exams to build stamina for 300 questions.
- Warm up with our PANCE practice quiz.
Also see the USMLE guide for physician licensure.
More on How to Pass the PANCE →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA PANCE Exam practice test →USA PANCE Exam FAQs
How many questions are on the PANCE?
300 multiple-choice questions in five blocks of 60, with 60 minutes per block.
Full answer →How long is the PANCE?
Five hours of testing plus up to 45 minutes of breaks and a tutorial, about a 6-hour appointment.
Full answer →What happens after I pass the PANCE?
You earn the PA-C credential and can apply for a state license. You maintain it with 100 CME credits every two years and a recertification exam every 10 years.
Full answer →What is the largest topic on the PANCE?
The cardiovascular system is the largest organ-system category on the NCCPA blueprint.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.