PANCE study plan: 10 weeks built on NCCPA’s 2025 blueprint
Last checked October 19, 2026 · Sources: NCCPA PANCE blueprint (effective January 2025) and Become Certified page; prep prices from Blueprint PA, UWorld and BoardVitals. The weekly schedule is our suggestion.
A good PANCE study plan follows NCCPA’s 2025 blueprint. Cardiovascular (11%), pulmonary (9%), GI and nutrition (8%) and musculoskeletal (8%) together make up 36% of the exam, and every medical question is also coded to a task, led by formulating the most likely diagnosis (18%). NCCPA lets you test from seven days after finishing your program, so the 10-week plan below is our suggestion for the final stretch of school and the weeks after.
Where the questions come from
| Area | Share | About this many questions |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | 11% | 33 |
| Pulmonary | 9% | 27 |
| GI / Nutrition; Musculoskeletal | 8% each | 24 each |
| Infectious disease; Neurology; Psychiatry; Reproductive | 7% each | 21 each |
| Endocrine; EENT; Professional practice | 6% each | 18 each |
| Hematology; Renal | 5% each | 15 each |
| Dermatology; Genitourinary | 4% each | 12 each |
From NCCPA’s 2025 PANCE blueprint. Approximate question counts are our calculation on 300 questions.
A 10-week PANCE study plan (our suggestion)
Download the blueprint, take a baseline (UWorld's free 7-day trial gives 60 questions) and list your weakest systems. Apply to NCCPA, which accepts applications from 180 days before completion.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary, 20% of the exam together, focusing on diagnosis, workup and management.
GI and nutrition, musculoskeletal, infectious disease and neurology.
Psychiatry, reproductive, endocrine, EENT, hematology, renal, dermatology and genitourinary.
Professional practice (6%) and a pharmacology pass, since pharmaceutical therapeutics is 15% of task coding.
Full 60-question blocks at one question a minute, an NCCPA practice exam ($50), then review weak areas and test.
What to study with
Free first: NCCPA’s blueprint and sample items, and UWorld’s 60-question trial. For a question bank, Blueprint PA has 3,800 questions from $259 for a year, BoardVitals lists 6 months for $199, and UWorld has 2,050+ questions with prices at checkout. See our best PANCE prep page.
Tips that make the plan work
- Study the task angle: for each condition, practice diagnosis, workup, treatment and pharmacology.
- Practice full blocks: 60 questions in 60 minutes, five times in a day.
- Plan your breaks: 45 minutes in total, or about 11 minutes between each block.
- Use your window: you have 180 days to test, and each retake costs $550 and a 90-day wait.
Common questions about PANCE study plans
How long should I study for the PANCE?
Many graduates plan about two to three months of focused study; our 10-week plan is a suggestion to adjust to your baseline.
What's the biggest PANCE topic?
Cardiovascular, at 11% of the 2025 blueprint, followed by pulmonary at 9%.
Are there official practice exams?
Yes. NCCPA sells practice exams built from its own item banks, listed at $50 each.
How soon can I take the PANCE?
Seven days after you complete your program, within a 180-day window, according to NCCPA.
See also PANCE pass rates, PANCE exam day and the 2025 PANCE blueprint. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with NCCPA or any provider.