NCCPA Continuing Education and Development 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours must a Physician Assistant (PA) complete every two years to maintain certification?
- 50 hours
- 75 hours
- 100 hours (Correct answer)
- 150 hours
Correct answer: 100 hours
To maintain certification, a Physician Assistant (PA) must complete 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years. These hours are divided into Category 1 and Category 2 CME, ensuring PAs engage in structured learning activities. This requirement helps PAs stay current with medical advancements and best practices.
Question 2: Which of the following is required for Physician Assistants during the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process?
- Completing 50 hours of CME every year
- Passing a national recertifying exam (PANRE) (Correct answer)
- Writing a research paper
- Completing a minimum of 3 years of clinical practice
Correct answer: Passing a national recertifying exam (PANRE)
During the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process, Physician Assistants are required to pass a national recertifying exam, known as the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE). This exam assesses a PA's general medical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring they maintain a current level of competency. While CME is also required, passing PANRE is a distinct and essential component of the recertification cycle.
Question 3: What type of activities can count toward a Physician Assistant’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements?
- Attending lectures and seminars
- Writing clinical papers
- Teaching medical students
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Various activities can count toward a Physician Assistant’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements, reflecting the diverse ways PAs can learn and grow professionally. These include attending accredited lectures and seminars, writing clinical papers, and teaching medical students. The NCCPA recognizes a broad range of educational activities that contribute to a PA's ongoing professional development.
Question 4: How often must a Physician Assistant take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE)?
- Every 3 years
- Every 5 years
- Every 6 years (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
Correct answer: Every 6 years
A Physician Assistant must take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every six years. This exam is a critical component of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process, ensuring that PAs periodically demonstrate their continued medical knowledge and clinical competency. The six-year cycle aligns with the overall recertification period.
Question 5: Which of the following activities is NOT part of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process for Physician Assistants?
- Completing an approved self-assessment
- Participating in clinical rotations every year (Correct answer)
- Submitting proof of CME credits
- Passing a recertification exam (PANRE)
Correct answer: Participating in clinical rotations every year
The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process for Physician Assistants includes several key components, such as completing approved self-assessments, submitting proof of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, and passing a recertification exam (PANRE). Participating in clinical rotations every year is not a specific, mandated component of the MOC process, although ongoing clinical practice is essential for maintaining skills.
NCCPA Continuing Education and Development 1
How many Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours must a Physician Assistant (PA) complete every two years to maintain certification?