Skip to content

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Resources

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

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Verify Board Certification

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

Mentoring the Future: Five Years of PA Ambassador Program

• For five years, the PA Ambassador Program has been empowering PAs at every stage of their career. Learn how this NCCPA-led initiative is expanding the reach of the profession.

Read More

Celebrating Influential PA Educators and Profession Leaders

• In celebration of Women's History Month, the PA History Society shared a collection of oral history and biographies highlighting the collective strength and influence of women dedicated to education and leadership. Check out who's featured in this year's collection.

Read More

Role of Neurology PAs Grows Amid Physician Shortage

• With a shortage of neurology physicians, PAs are emerging as essential in providing neurological care.

Read More

Carroll University

January 9, 2025

Read More

Old Dominion University

January 8, 2025

Read More

MEAPA (Maine)

October 2nd - October 4th

Read More

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

Differences in Physician Assistant Income by Race and Gender

Demographics and Practice Attributes of Physician Assistants in Neurology

Learn more about our supporting organizations

PA History Society logo

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.

nccPA Health Foundation logo

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.