What Is the PANCE Exam?

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the medical and surgical knowledge of physician assistant (PA) candidates. Administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the exam is a critical step for graduates of accredited PA programs to achieve certification and begin their careers as healthcare professionals.

The PANCE is crafted to measure your understanding of essential medical principles and your ability to apply that knowledge in a clinical setting. Covering a wide range of medical content categories and clinical tasks, the exam ensures that candidates are prepared to diagnose, treat, and manage various health conditions. Passing this exam signifies your readiness to deliver high-quality care and opens the door to licensure and practice across the United States.

How Is the PANCE Exam Structured?

The PANCE is designed to thoroughly evaluate your medical knowledge and clinical skills through a structured and systematic testing format. It consists of 300 multiple-choice questions, divided into five 60-question blocks. Each block is allocated one hour, and you have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam. Additionally, you are provided with 45 minutes of break time, which can be used between blocks to rest or review.

Content Dimensions:
The PANCE exam assesses candidates in two main dimensions to ensure a balanced evaluation:

  1. Medical Content Categories
    This dimension focuses on different body systems and medical topics, such as the cardiovascular system, dermatology, infectious diseases, and psychiatry/behavioral science. Each category is weighted based on its relevance to everyday clinical practice. For example:
  2. Task Categories
    This dimension evaluates your clinical decision-making skills and ability to perform essential tasks, such as: History Taking and Physical Examination: 17% of the exam; Clinical Intervention: 14% of the exam; Using Diagnostic and Laboratory Studies: 12% of the exam.

How to Prepare for the PANCE Exam

Effective preparation is key to success. Use these resources and tips:

Study Resources:
PANCE Flashcards: Simplify complex medical concepts for focused learning.
PANCE Practice Exams: Test your readiness with realistic mock tests.
PANCE Cheatsheets: Concise summaries of critical information for quick review.

Preparation Tips:
• Focus on core areas like cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal systems.
• Take timed practice exams to improve pacing and identify weaknesses.
• Create a comprehensive study plan covering all content dimensions and prioritize challenging areas.

Test Day Tips:
• Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early with two valid forms of ID.
• Follow testing protocols to avoid delays or distractions.
• Stay calm, focused, and manage your time effectively during the exam.

FAQs

How many questions are on the PANCE exam?
The exam includes 300 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections.

What is the time limit for the PANCE exam?
You have 5 hours to complete the exam, with one hour per section.

What score is needed to pass the PANCE exam?
The minimum passing scaled score is 350.

How much does the PANCE exam cost?
The exam fee is $550.

How is the PANCE exam scored?
Scores are scaled from 200 to 800, based on the number of correct answers.

What happens if I don’t pass the PANCE exam?
You can retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period, but you may attempt it no more than three times in a calendar year.

Can I take breaks during the PANCE exam?
Yes, you’re allowed 45 minutes of break time to use between sections.

Featured Reviews

"These PANCE flashcards are incredibly detailed and well-organized. They cover everything from pharmacology to clinical medicine, making them perfect for quick reviews or focused studying. They helped me retain critical information and feel confident going into the exam!"
– Sarah L., Boston, MA

"The PANCE flashcards break down complex medical topics into easy-to-digest chunks, which made studying much less overwhelming. I particularly appreciated the focus on high-yield topics like diagnostics and treatment plans. "
– Kim R., Austin, TX

"These flashcards were a lifesaver during my PANCE prep! I loved being able to study on the go and quickly review topics like pathology and disease management. They’re concise, accurate, and incredibly effective."
– Christine S., San Francisco, CA