How to Pass the PANCE Exam | Full Guide

Before becoming a physician assistant, you must pass the PANCE exam. Though it doesn’t come easily, you must work to succeed intentionally. To help you cushion your fear, we will show you how to pass the PANCE exam in the simplest way ever.

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is a national certifying exam that provides physician assistants with the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential. Every state requires that an individual pass PANCE and be licensed as a physician assistant. The National Commission administers the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) exam.

Before we show you how to pass the PANCE exam, let’s examine PANCE.

Table of contents

What is PANCE all about?

According to Kaptest.com, the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam is a computer-based, timed test comprised of 300 multiple-choice questions evaluating the medical and surgical knowledge required to become a certified physician assistant.

It is distributed in 5 blocks of 60 questions each, with 60 minutes given for the completion of each block.

Exam of the question in the PANCE exam falls under two categories: organ systems and diseases, disorders and medical assessments that relate to those systems, and knowledge and skills needed to confront those diseases, disorders, and assessments.

The PANCE exam is conducted by computer year-round at more than 200 Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the U.S.

Below, we will discuss how to pass PANCE exam.

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What Does the PANCE Test Consist Of?

The five-hour PANCE exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions presented in five blocks of 60 questions, with 60 minutes to complete each block.

With 45 minutes allotted for breaks between blocks, you will be responsible for managing your break time. Before starting the PANCE exam, candidates are allowed to complete the PANCE tutorial for 15 minutes, enabling them to pass the exam.

Is the PANCE Exam Difficult?

While this question may be relative, it is on record that most aspiring physician assistants complete the PANCE exam.

According to a report from NCCPA in 2019, 91 percent of test-takers – and 93 percent of first-time test-takers – received a passing mark on the exam. A good number of applicants passed the PANCE exam. That’s a 6% drop from last year’s record-breaking overall pass rate of 97 percent (and a 5% drop for first-timers).

As a professional exam, the PANCE test has a higher passing rate than tests in many other professions. It’s close to the pass rate doctors achieve in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) exam, which generally hovered around the mid-90th percentage.

In comparison, pass rates for the bar exam that attorneys take have been in the high 80%s in recent years. According to the American Bar Association Journal, for accountants pursuing the certified public accountant (CPA) credential, exam pass rates are around 50 percent. However, some portions of this four-part exam tend to see higher pass rates than others.

The above statistics show that the PANCE exam has a high percentage of pass rate, unlike other professional exams in the United States.

However, one way to improve your chances of passing the PANCE exam is by choosing a school with a high pass rate, which suggests that that program’s curriculum does an exceptional job covering the exam content.

Some PA programs have pass rates as high as 100 percent. And lastly, don’t forget the place of preparation.

Below, we will give tips on how to pass PANCE exam.

What Is PANCE Exam Passing Score?

The NCCPA uses a scale-score metric to report PANCE results. The passing score on the PANCE is 350 or above, with a minimum of 200 and a maximum of 800.

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Who Is Allowed To Take The PANCE Exam?

You must have completed a PA program certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) or its predecessors to be eligible for PANCE.

A multiple-choice exam assesses basic medical and surgical knowledge.

You’ll need to fill out an application and pay in advance, and you’ll have a choice of over 200 testing locations.

Physician assistants that pass the PANCE are certified by the NCCPA and can use the PA-C designation until their certification expires (approximately two years).

Individuals who have never been credited and who graduated from an ARC-PA recognized PA program on or after January 2003 will, on the other hand, be eligible to take the PANCE for up to six years after meeting the relevant conditions.

When the six attempts or six years are exhausted, the individual is deemed ineligible to take the PANCE. The only way to re-establish eligibility is by completing an unabridged ARC-PA accredited PA educational program again.

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How To Register For PANCE

To register for PANCE, you must complete an application and pay a $500 registration fee. After that, the next step is to schedule your exam in line with the testing center’s availability within 180 days.

Candidates can enroll for the exam as early as 90 days before their PA studies are likely to be completed.

In this situation, a candidate may need a letter of eligibility from a program administrator attesting that he or she will have completed the recognized program by the exam date.

The earliest a person can take the exam is seven days after completion. Individuals can only take PANCE once in 90 days and no more than three times per calendar year.

PANCE Registration Requirements

Please keep the following requirements in mind before registering for PANCE:

  • NCCPA does not accept applications until 180 days before the program’s scheduled end date (as provided by your program director). The “program completion date” is when your program determines that all graduation requirements have been met.
  • You will be able to test seven days after the completion of your program (provided your program director has confirmed your program completion date.) Your exam application acknowledgment e-mail will include this date.
  • You have 180 days to take the exam after the start of your exam period. Your exam application acknowledgment e-mail will include these dates.
  • You can only take PANCE thrice in a calendar year or once every 90 days.
  • You must show two forms of current and authentic identification. A permanently affixed photo with your printed name and signature must be on one ID, and your printed name and signature must be on the other. If the names on your ID do not match the names listed with NCCPA, you will not be accepted to the test. If your name needs to be altered in our records, please notify NCCPA immediately.

Lastly, no personal belongings like hats, handbags, books, or watches are allowed in the testing room. If you can’t afford to come with any of those items, endeavor to keep them in a secure locker provided by the test center. While taking a “scheduled” break, you can access personal items stored in your locker during the exam.

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When Are The PANCE Exam Dates In 2024?

Testing is conducted year-round, except December 20-31, 2024. After registering, a candidate gets 180 days to schedule and take the exam.

A candidate may take the exam no sooner than seven days after graduating from a PA program that has been accredited.

You will not see a list of available exam dates until you receive your acknowledgment email.

How can I pass the PANCE exams?

If you want to stand a favorable chance in the PANCE exam, preparing for the exam is inevitable.

After excelling in your undergraduate education and the PA program that lasts for two years, the last step of passing the PANCE to ignite your career as a full-fledged physician assistant must not be left to the hands of fate; conscious efforts must be made.

Here are our five step-by-step guidelines on how to pass the PANCE exam.

1. Take the PANCE practice exam

This is, without a doubt, the most crucial aspect of your test preparation. Taking practice tests allows you to improve your question comprehension and receive immediate feedback on your progress.

Practice questions will also identify any areas of weakness that need to be addressed further.

Answer your practice tests on a computer whenever possible, which will mirror real-world situations. Several paid practice test programs are available, as well as some free online options.

The NCCPA also allows you to take a mock PANCE or PANRE on their website for $35. They will score it at the end of the mock test and highlight your weak and strong areas.

The test outcome will give you a baseline to guide your studies.

2. Be at the test center on time and stay optimistic

While Pearson VUE has testing centers nationwide, some PA candidates may have to travel to their exam site.

On your test day, it’s crucial to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins. This helps you beat the impeding factors like traffic and all.

Therefore, you are advised to rent a nearby hotel room without worrying about traffic, parking, or other unexpected challenges.

Eat a nutritious breakfast the morning of your test, but avoid heavy items that can make you sluggish later in the day.

Also, dress comfortably because you’ll be on your feet long. Check-in with the proctor when you arrive at the test center, and then choose a computer at a location that best suits your needs.

Lastly, keep a positive mind. This always comes from a place of good preparation, so prepare!

Also, see: Full Guide On How To Prepare For IELTS In 2024

3. Manage your time well

When taking online practice tests, keep track of your time to understand how fast you’re going.

On test day, you’ll need to know how quickly you go through each block without constantly checking the clock.

If you’re running out of time, review the remaining questions and answer the easier ones before moving on to the more difficult material.

4. Use the elimination process to answer every question

Throughout the test, you aim to discover the best answer to each question. Use the elimination process to limit your options, and don’t decide until you’ve reviewed all the material. Go over your answers again if you have time at the end of your block.

You have every right to change an answer if you’re unsure of if you have a valid explanation. If you don’t have any other information, trusting your instinct is the best decision.

Whatever you do, answer each question since the computer will flag any unanswered question as an automatic error.

5. Watch for Signs of Fatigue

Passing a five-hour test requires a lot of mental and physical endurance. Physically healthy candidates will be better able to focus for longer periods, so make regular exercise a part of your exam preparation.

Obtaining a good night’s sleep the night before your exam is also crucial.

If your mind starts to stray during the test, it could be a sign of mental fatigue. If you don’t solve this issue, your performance may decline as you lose focus.

Therefore, you should take regular mini-breaks to breathe, closes your eyes, and relax to combat this.

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Conclusion

To succeed in the PANCE exam, there is every need to prepare for the exam. One of the ways to prepare for the PANCE is by taking the PANCE practice test.

The practice test gives you firsthand insight into what to expect in the exam while highlighting your strengths and weaknesses.

I hope you find this article helpful. Good luck!

FAQs on How to Pass PANCE Exam

How much is the five-hour PANCE exam?

The five-hour PANCE exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions presented in five blocks of 60 questions, with 60 minutes to complete each block. With 45 minutes allotted for breaks between blocks, you will be responsible for managing your break time.

When is PANCE test?

Testing is conducted year-round, except for December 20-31, 2024.

How do I register for PANCE?

To register for PANCE, you must complete an application and pay a $500 registration fee. After that, the next step is to schedule your exam in line with the testing center’s availability within 180 days.

What do I need to be eligible of PANCE?

You must have completed a PA program certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) or its predecessors to be eligible for PANCE. A multiple-choice exam assesses basic medical and surgical knowledge. You’ll need to fill out an application and pay in advance, and you’ll have a choice of over 200 testing locations.

References

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Ajah Excel is a team growth and performance expert with over nine years of experience in blogging and personal development. He leads a team of 36 crazy, restless innovators with an enviable work culture at Silicon Africa Technologies Limited – a fast-rising tech firm from the SouthEast. Excel is the founder of Kiiky.com and WriterGig. He is also the co-organizer of TEDx Ikenegbu and convener of Social Media Fest. He is a vibrant learner who yearns to share his knowledge to educate and inspire young Africans. He has a B.Tech in Information Management Technology with certifications in growth hacking, effective communication, leadership, team, and personal development, to mention a few. Ajah Anayochukwu Excel is a passionate public speaker, creative writer, and brand storyteller.

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