Want to have a direct impact on what’s included on the recertification exam? Here’s your chance to get involved!

In early July, you will receive an email inviting you to participate in NCCPA’s practice analysis for the recertification exams. Consistent with NCCA accreditation standards, practice analysis studies are conducted periodically to ensure the appropriateness and relevancy of the content covered on NCCPA’s exams. PAs helped develop the survey and PAs are involved throughout NCCPA’s exam development processes. However, the practice analysis study is one place where every Certified PA has an opportunity to provide input.

NCCPA’s President and CEO Dawn Morton-Rias, Ed.D., PA-C had this to say about the practice analysis:

“All PAs and NCCPA want our exams to be relevant, and we need your help. The best way to ensure that our exams focus on the right content is for PAs to provide their feedback on this practice analysis survey.  We changed our recertification exams a few years ago to focus on the core medical knowledge that all certified PAs should know, regardless of their discipline or practice setting. We want to be make sure our exam blueprints stay current. This is your chance to make a difference.”

The practice analysis survey invitation will be sent to all Certified PAs. Each PA will be assigned an individual link so make sure that you don’t forward your invitation to colleagues.  This helps NCCPA to keep the survey as short as possible by not asking about information we already have in our database–like number of years certified.  The survey will provide a list of diseases and disorders and ask you to indicate what level—if at all—each of these diseases and disorders should be tested on a recertification exam for the PA profession.  The list of diseases and disorders will be divided up, so don’t panic if you feel there’s something missing.  Chances are that it’s being rated by other PAs.

Later this year, a panel of PAs will convene to review the results of the survey and to work with our staff on developing any revisions that need to be made to the recertification exam blueprint.  We will be sure to keep you informed of any blueprint changes and when they will become effective.

In addition to having direct input on the recertification exam, you will also have the opportunity to enter a drawing for some great prizes. Be on the lookout for your email invitation in early July, and let your voice be heard!