Rest assured, we hear your feedback on the new longitudinal assessment model – PANRE-LA – loud and clear.

We are continuously using your input to ensure this assessment meets your needs. In addition to incorporating your feedback into PANRE-LA, we would like to help you have a stress free experience.

As we enter the second year of PANRE-LA, we would like to share valuable test-taking advice based on information we gathered from participating PAs. With first-hand insights from those who have experienced the process, these tips aim to prepare you for success.

• Review the PANRE-LA content blueprint. The blueprint includes a detailed list of conditions categorized by task and difficulty level. This blueprint has been updated to accurately reflect the current core medical knowledge for PAs practicing across all specialties and settings. The blueprint will help guide you on the depth you need to review for each condition within the content areas.

Here is a snapshot of the cardiovascular system content section:

• It may also be helpful to review some practice questions beforehand, using your selected resources/reference materials. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with seeking the necessary information you need during the exam.

• When you are ready to open an exam question, you will be presented with a preview of the question’s content area, such as dermatology. Before opening the question, you can review the blueprint and ensure you have the necessary resources at hand. Remember, the test questions are designed for the generalist level of core medical knowledge. If you need more time to review the resource, you can save the question for later, but just don’t open the question. You can have up to 5 questions saved and must answer some of them before adding new ones.

• You are permitted to use printed or online medical references for the exam, but it is prohibited to use “people resources,” and to discuss or share the exam materials with others. To take the exam, use one device such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. Have your resources readily available on either another device or in printed format. First, read the question and select the most suitable answer. Before you submit, verify your answer using a resource. Keep in mind that you have 5 minutes for each question.

• Based on our recent survey results, PAs used resources^* such as UpToDate, medical textbooks, epocrates, Medscape and search engines to assist them in finding answers. On average, each question was answered in less than 2 minutes.

• Once you complete the question, you will receive immediate feedback that will improve your learning experience and assist in identifying knowledge gaps. Before beginning a new quarter, remember to review questions you have missed on your dashboard. You will be given 5 exam questions each quarter related to topics covered in a previous quarter, and the better of the two responses will count towards your score.

• Find out what works best for you. Some people prefer a window of quiet time for completing all 25, or a significant number of questions, in one session. Others opt for answering a few of the questions in the midst of their busy day. Ultimately, it is important to do what works best for you, but just make sure you have a stable internet connection.
• When you have completed 25 questions for the quarter, remember to log your Category I Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. You will earn 2 CME credits for each quarter you complete. NCCPA will increase this by adding a 50% bonus, giving you a total of 3 Self-Assessment CME credits per quarter.

For more details, application timelines, and FAQs, visit the NCCPA website.

^*NCCPA does not own and is not affiliated with any resources.