Which organization is the sole certifying body for physician assistants in the United States?

• A. NCCPA
• B. AAPA
• C. PAEA
• D. NCAPA

Answer: (A)

The main idea is identifying who awards national certification for physician assistants in the United States. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants is the sole organization authorized to certify PAs and grant the PA-C credential. This body administers the national exams—PANCE for initial certification and PANRE for recertification—and maintains the credential required for licensure in most states. The American Academy of Physician Assistants is a professional association that supports PAs but does not certify individuals. The Physician Assistant Education Association focuses on PA education and program accreditation, not certification. The remaining option isn’t the recognized certifying body either. So, NCCPA is the definitive certifying organization for physician assistants.