What is the NCCPA?

• A. Only certifying organization for PAs in the US
• B. A state medical board
• C. A professional association for PAs
• D. A federal regulatory agency

Answer: (A)

NCCPA is the national certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States. It administers the main certification exams for PAs, starting with the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and maintaining certification through recertification and ongoing CME. Certification from NCCPA is typically required by employers and is a common prerequisite for state licensure, which is handled by state medical boards rather than NCCPA. It is not a professional association that represents PAs, and it is not a federal regulatory agency. In short, NCCPA is the private, national body that certifies PAs in the U.S.