Your Ultimate Guide to PANCE, PANRE, and PANRE-LA
PANCE and PANRE Overview PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam): The PANCE is a comprehensive exam that physician assistant (PA) graduates must pass to obtain their initial certification. It assesses the medical and surgical knowledge necessary for a PA to provide effective care. The exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions administered over five hours, covering various medical topics and clinical scenarios. PANRE (Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam): The PANRE is a recertification exam for PAs who have already passed the PANCE and are seeking to maintain their certification. Unlike the PANCE, which is a one-time exam, the PANRE must be taken every ten years to ensure that PAs continue to meet professional standards and stay current with medical advancements. The PANRE consists of 240 multiple-choice questions and focuses on general medical and surgical knowledge. PANRE-LA (Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination - Longitudinal Assessment