AAPA Responds to NCCPA PANRE Alternative Pilot Process

October 4, 2017

The National Commission on the Certification of PAs (NCCPA) announced its upcoming pilot program to test an alternative to the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) set to begin in January 2019 for PAs who otherwise would be required to take the PANRE in 2018 or 2019.

“I was pleased to see this announcement.  NCCPA has listened to PAs across the country.  This is definitely a step in the right direction,” said L. Gail Curtis, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, “and we look forward to learning more details from NCCPA about the pilot.”

According to NCCPA, this alternative to PANRE will “allow eligible PAs to answer core medical knowledge questions over time, from any device, anywhere,” and helps “show what you know and grow what you know in a much more flexible format than traditional exams.” NCCPA goes on to say that the pilot will require no advance preparation, no scheduling and no trips to a test center.

This new approach is similar to pilots underway for physicians by approximately half the Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.

AAPA has been vocal about the need for an evidence-based recertification process for PAs that is less burdensome and has more relevance to daily practice, as well as offering learning opportunities and supporting high quality care. AAPA continues to oppose laws that tie current certification to license renewal.

Information on eligibility, registration, along with a list of frequently asked questions regarding the pilot program can be found on NCCPA’s website here.