You’re beginning a rewarding career. Learn more about what it takes to become a Certified PA, what to expect on test day and access certification resources as you begin your exciting journey.
Learn MoreCertified PAs engage in career long learning by documenting continuous study and taking periodic exams to remain certified. Learn more about recertification and certification maintenance requirements as you continue your career as a Certified PA.
Learn MoreWant to stand out? Learn more about how to earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) to show your advanced expertise in your specialty.
Learn MoreNeed to verify PA credentials? Access our easy-to-use Verify Certification tool.
Learn MoreNCCPA recognizes that the titles used by our profession have evolved and continue to evolve and that our profession’s authorization to practice medicine and legally permitted titles are governed by each jurisdiction’s practice acts and by federal regulations. Therefore, NCCPA shall regard the titles “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and “PA” as equivalent and synonymous. NCCPA policies and published guidance that use the terms “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and/or “PA” shall apply to any Board Certified or certifying PA, regardless of that individual PA’s preferred or assigned title. More information on board certification and title change can be found here.
Learn MoreNeed to verify PA certification and/or disciplinary actions issued by NCCPA? Access our easy-to-use Board Certification Verification tool.
9.2.2026 • Physician associates 65 and older made up 4.1% of the board-certified PA workforce in 2023, and three-quarters of them were still practicing clinically.
Read More8.27.2026 • Physician assistants in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery reported the highest mean income of any specialty in 2025 at $162,045, compared with $134,010 across all PAs
Read More8.18.2026 • For much of her career, Jennifer Vonderau, MMS, PA-C, has worked in one of medicine’s most complex settings: abdominal transplant surgery.
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The PA History Society was created to share the history of the development of the PA profession and illustrate how PAs continue to make a difference in our society. Visit their website to learn more about how they’re preserving PA history.
The nccPA Health Foundation creates solutions for improving the capacity of Certified PAs to impact the quality and accessibility of health care delivery. Visit their website to learn more about how they’re partnering with PAs to make a difference in communities across the country.