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Become Certified

You’re beginning a rewarding career. Learn more about what it takes to become a Certified PA, what to expect on test day and access certification resources as you begin your exciting journey.

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Maintain Certification

Certified PAs engage in career long learning by documenting continuous study and taking periodic exams to remain certified. Learn more about recertification and certification maintenance requirements as you continue your career as a Certified PA.

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Earn Specialty Certificates

Want to stand out? Learn more about how to earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.

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Resources

Need to verify PA credentials? Access our easy-to-use Verify Certification tool.

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Title Change Update

NCCPA recognizes that the titles used by our profession have evolved and continue to evolve and that our profession’s authorization to practice medicine and legally permitted titles are governed by each jurisdiction’s practice acts and by federal regulations.  Therefore, NCCPA shall regard the titles “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and “PA” as equivalent and synonymous.  NCCPA policies and published guidance that use the terms “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and/or “PA” shall apply to any Board Certified or certifying PA, regardless of that individual PA’s preferred or assigned title. More information on board certification and title change can be found here.

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Verify Board Certification

Need to verify PA certification and/or disciplinary actions issued by NCCPA? Access our easy-to-use Board Certification Verification tool.

PA Advocates for Patient Intuition, Vigilance

• Don't dismiss the subtle signs in women's health. Board Certified PA Adrianna Kiafoulis, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, knows that quiet, persistent symptoms, and a patient's intuition can speak volumes.

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Neurology PAs Drive Innovation in Stroke Care

• During Stroke Awareness Month, we spoke with two Board Certified PAs practicing in neurology about stroke treatment and prevention. From telestroke innovations to community education, their efforts are impacting the future of neurology.

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Mental Health Grants Aim to Empower PAs

• Are you making a difference in mental health? The nccPA Health Foundation is empowering Board Certified PAs, PA students and PA organizations with seed grants for community-based mental health initiatives.

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AAPA Conference 2025

May, 16-20, 2025

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University of Wisconsin, Madison

May 7, 2025

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Idaho State University

May 5, 2025

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Physician Assistants/Associates in Critical Care: A Descriptive Analysis Using the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Dataset

Equity and Longitudinal Assessments: Perspectives from Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) Participating in PANRE-LA

Learn more about our supporting organizations

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The PA History Society

The PA History Society was created to share the history of the development of the PA profession and illustrate how PAs continue to make a difference in our society. Visit their website to learn more about how they’re preserving PA history.

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The NCCPA Health Foundation

The nccPA Health Foundation creates solutions for improving the capacity of Certified PAs to impact the quality and accessibility of health care delivery. Visit their website to learn more about how they’re partnering with PAs to make a difference in communities across the country.