Which organization is primarily responsible for certifying Physician Assistants after completing their education?

• A. NCCPA
• B. ARC-PA
• C. AMA
• D. AAPA

Answer: (A)

Certification for Physician Assistants after completing their education is provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. This organization creates and administers the certification exams—the PANCE and the PANRE—that verify a PA’s knowledge and clinical competence. Obtaining this certification is typically required to practice and is often a prerequisite for state licensure. After initial certification, PAs maintain their credential through ongoing CME and periodic recertification as defined by NCCPA.

ARC-PA, by contrast, accredits PA education programs to ensure quality, rather than certifying individual clinicians. The American Medical Association is a broad professional association for physicians and does not issue PA certification. The American Academy of Physician Assistants is a professional organization that supports PAs with resources and advocacy but does not certify.