The PANCE examination has been in existence since 1973, and as of 2017 over 115,547 people have taken the exam.
In 2003 the number was just over 50,000 which represents a 43% increase in just 14 years!
In most years the number of those taking the PANCE has risen.
In 2016 there were 8,025 test takers (first time and repeat) with an overall pass rate of 93%. Again, to give you some historical perspective, in 2003 there were 5,480 test takers (first time and repeat) with an overall pass rate of 80%. In the same year, there were 1,140 repeaters of the PANCE, and only 44% of them passed.
As you can see the chances of passing your PANCE the first time has risen dramatically.
Current PANCE Pass Rates
The Changing Nature of PANCE pass rates
Historically, since the PANCE was initiated, the pass rate has fluctuated between 69.0 and 94.6 percent.
Since the PANCE was introduced in 1973, there has been a shift in the number of test takers and the pass rate. In 1973 there were 880 PANCE test takers (770 passed, 110 failed; 87.5% pass rate), and in 1983 the number was 1,238 (1,605 passed, 367 failed; 79% pass rate).
In 2003, the number of certifying examinations administered totaled 5,480, with 4,340 candidates attaining certification. The failure rate was 20.1%; 1104 candidates were unsuccessful.
In 2016 the number of certifying examination administered totaled 8,631 with 8,025 attaining certification. The failure rate was less than 4%, and only 549 candidates were unsuccessful.
I am unable to find more recent data on PANCE repeaters and pass rates.
Current PANRE pass rates
For those of you (myself included) who are in the recertification cycle, the future looks bright as well.
Not only has the recertification cycle been extended to 10 years but the overall first attempt pass rate is 92% with 97% of recertifying PAs passing after one (or multiple attempts)
PAs have up to four attempts to pass PANRE during the last two years of the certification maintenance cycle.
The data provided above is based on the year in which a PA was due to take and pass PANRE, and it includes those who took advantage of the opportunity to take the exam a year early.
For example, the data for 2016 includes all PAs who were required to pass PANRE by the end of 2016, regardless of whether they took the exam in 2015 (a year early) or 2016 (certification expiration year).
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Stephen
I think we need complain to our Gov in every state. One this doesn’t prove anything about our medical knowledge or ability. I have been in medicine for years. One thing people need to understand. Our NCCPA Pres and the person that is in charge of this test, she hasn’t seen a patient herself in over ten years. No wonder her tests are worthless. She probably doesn’t know how to pull out a splinter. She hasn’t taken care of a patient in 10 years. This means she can’t write a test and medical knowledge unless she deeps in texts at the library.
Second,I called the NCCPA and complained about the test. It was interesting what I was told by the NCCPA. They thought about getting rid of the test. But TOO many companies were filing the NCCPA law suits becaiuse all the pre test books seminars were filing suits against them forthe loss of their income and losing money and filing suits against NCCPA from all the prep businesses for the tests. So the NCCPA kept the tests so they would not have to go to court and quiet all the law suits.
I have been told the NCCPA is a non profit organization and they are broke. Lets look at the math here >8k tests divide 6-10 years and 350 per tests plus failure rates. My math tells me they aren’t broke
I sat for the PANRE last Friday. I have practiced 35 years in occupational and family practice. I truly agree the exam leaves you wondering what was that test all about? The world of academia needs to get in touch with the real world of of medicine. The questions are directed at never seen diseases. Never seen in most careers.
Hi James, I think the NCCPA and AAPA agree as well. I am pretty sure we will start seeing the current PANRE phased out over the next 10-20 years. They are already testing a new model (which I am not sold is any better) but you are certainly not alone in your feelings. I am eager to see what happens.
Stephen
Rosh Review is hands down the best review I bought. I bought so many books, Davis, Oconnell, Hippo Pance Review and Rosh Review. Rosh Review questions were longer and gave a better explanation also seemed harder. It helped me get better on my time because their questions are so long. After I did all of the 1720 HIPPO test questions twice, I did all 3000 Rosh Review questions twice and then Reread Oconnell last. I was able to pic out topics in the Oconnell book that I didnt think were important when I read it the first time. I can say that Rosh Review was the reason I Passed the Pance and “Aced” two sections. When I took the PANCE I was able to identify what I was dealing with and eliminate 2 BS answers right off the bat. FYI the questions in the O’connell Book and PA easy are super simple and the PANCE is nothing like that. I would Highly recommend doing a whole bunch of questions before the PANCE, so you get better at test taking. I used a good test taking technique and it worked, 1) Read Answers first, 2) Read last question, 3) Read entire question, 4) Eliminate 2 wrong answers. Doing alot of questions over and over helped me get my time down.
This is good advice Pedro, I have also heard very good things about the Rosh Review Program.
Hi,
I failed PANCE twice and going to attempt my third one by sept 20th. I scored 315. I don’t know what i haven’t done to prepare. Did kaplan question bank, 5 day review course, online kaplan review course and cert & recert book. I need serious advices and evaluation. Please help.
200 multiple choice questions every day for 3 weeks (exam master test bank) with answers to why you missed The questions will surely make you pass. Trust me practice and experience makes perfect
what is the % required to pass, with a 240 bank and a score of 379 and up is passing what is that? 70% 75% 80%. I can find this answer no where.
I totally agree. Just sat for my exam today. Second recertification exam in past 12 years. So much obscure and zebra type questions. Seems like I was guessing on a third of the test. Hopefully there will be a large curve because I like my job
It appears that the NCCPA is in agreement as well! Looks like this will probably be the last time you (and I) will have to sit for this type of exam as the PANRE is going to be getting a big update come 2018. Yeeehaaa!!! I am rooting for you, I’m sure you did great.
Stephen
I took the PANRE for the 5th time today in my 30 year career after studying the 3 books they recommend and took a 5 day course. Maybe 20% was relevant and I am not sure I passed. I don’t believe it tested my medical abilities but tested obscure disease processes and things I would look up if needed and not memorize. I was very disappointed with this exam and the AAPA for allowing it.
Hi Pete, I don’t think there is a PA on earth who doesn’t feel exactly the same way you do after taking the PANRE. I do see some positive changes happening though (especially the change to a 10 year cycle) that makes me think things will get better in the years to come. But as you said, about 20% of the exam seems relevant, so what exactly is the point of designing a recertification exam in such a way? I am not sure it helps make us better PAs.
Thanks for you comment, and don’t stress too much, I feel like I fail every time I take the exam as well and will bet taking my PANRE later this year for my 2nd time… uggh!
– Stephen
Great information. I’m actually a little surprised that the failure rate is that high. The last statement about the numbers from 2003, are those PANCE and PANRE combined numbers?