Short answer
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.
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.
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
Free practice test
Test what you know
Random questions, instant scoring and an explanation for every answer.
Start the USA PANCE Exam practice test →More USA PANCE Exam questions
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.