How to register for the PANCE
Last checked October 16, 2026 · Sources: NCCPA Become Certified page and FAQs
To register for the PANCE, graduate from an ARC-PA accredited PA program, apply to NCCPA and pay $550 with your application. NCCPA accepts applications from 180 days before your expected program completion date; the earliest you can test is seven days after completion, and you then have a 180-day window to sit the exam at a Pearson VUE center.
Graduate from an entry-level PA program accredited by ARC-PA. NCCPA verifies your graduation with your program.
Submit your application and the $550 fee to NCCPA in advance.
NCCPA emails scheduling instructions within one to three days of processing your completed application.
Book with Pearson VUE at any available center within your 180-day window. Pearson VUE's site has a PANCE tutorial.
NCCPA emails you when your results are posted to your NCCPA Portal, about two weeks after your exam.
Eligibility limits
- Six years, six attempts. Never-certified graduates from an ARC-PA program (on or after January 1, 2003) can take the PANCE for up to six years after graduating, up to six times.
- After that, NCCPA says the only way to regain eligibility is to complete an accredited PA program again.
- A medical degree doesn’t qualify you; NCCPA requires graduation from an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
PANCE registration timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before graduation | Your program tells NCCPA your expected completion date; NCCPA emails you a link to set up your account, which expires after 3 days |
| From 180 days before completion | You can submit your application and the $550 fee |
| Within 3 days of applying | NCCPA sends an exam acknowledgement with scheduling instructions |
| 7 days after completion | The earliest date you can test |
| 180-day window | Schedule and sit the exam at a Pearson VUE center within your window |
| About 2 weeks after testing | Results posted to your NCCPA Portal |
From NCCPA’s Become Certified page, checked October 16, 2026.
What the PANCE appointment looks like
NCCPA describes a six-hour appointment: a 15-minute tutorial, five 60-minute blocks of 60 questions, and 45 minutes of break time between blocks that you manage yourself. Pearson VUE’s website has an exam tutorial you can view in advance. The exam runs year-round at over 300 Pearson VUE test centers.
Common questions
Can I test in a different state from where I'll practice?
Yes, at any Pearson VUE center; PANCE certification is national, not state-based.
When can I apply for the PANCE?
From 180 days before your expected program completion date, as set by your program director, according to NCCPA.
How soon after graduation can I take the PANCE?
Seven days after you complete your program, once your program director has confirmed the date, according to NCCPA.
How much is the PANCE application?
$550, paid when you submit your application.
See our PA exam guide. We first checked these sources on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 16, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with NCCPA or Pearson VUE.