Which are the four PA certification tests?

• A. PANCE, PANRE, CAQ, and NBME
• B. PANCE, PANRE, PANRE-LA, and CAQ
• C. PANCE, NBME, USMLE, and CAQ
• D. PANCE, PANRE, PANRE-LA, and NBME

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to know which exams count toward Physician Assistant certification. The four tests recognized in this context are PANCE, PANRE, PANRE-LA, and CAQ. PANCE is the initial certification you take after completing a PA program to become certified. PANRE is the recertification exam you take to maintain certification over time. PANRE-LA is an alternative long-form recertification option that can be used instead of the standard PANRE in some cases. CAQ stands for Certificate of Added Qualifications, a subspecialty certification showing advanced expertise in a specific area. NBME, USMLE, or other physician-focused exams aren’t PA certification tests, which is why they don’t appear in the valid set.