Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam

Exam at a glance

Questions

300

Duration

300 minutes

Pass mark

score 350

Sections

Block: 60 · 60 min / Block: 60 · 60 min / Block: 60 · 60 min / Block: 60 · 60 min / Block: 60 · 60 min

Exam type

Written

Language

English

Authority

NCCPA

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 10 modules · 421 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Cardiovascular system67 questions · 15.9 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: anatomy of the heart
   • Foundations: conduction system and cardiac cycle
   • Foundations: circulation and blood vessels

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 24-year-old athlete collapses during practice. He had a systolic murmur at the left sternal border that became louder when he stood up from squatting. What is the most likely diagnosis?

   AAortic stenosisBMitral valve prolapse with regurgitationCVentricular septal defectDInnocent flow murmurEHypertrophic cardiomyopathy

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02EENT and dermatology52 questions · 12.4 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the eye and the visual pathway
   • Foundations: the ear and the larynx
   • Foundations: paranasal sinuses and neck lymph nodes
   • Foundations: skin structure, primary lesions and burn depth

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 70-year-old has sudden painless vision loss in one eye. Fundoscopy shows a pale retina with a cherry-red spot. What is the diagnosis?

   ACentral retinal vein occlusion with venous stasisBRetinal detachmentCCentral retinal artery occlusionDVitreous hemorrhageEMacular degeneration

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Endocrine, renal and genitourinary systems59 questions · 14 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: endocrine glands and feedback control
   • Foundations: the thyroid in the neck and endocrine emergencies
   • Foundations: structure and function of the kidney
   • Foundations: fluids and electrolytes

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 35-year-old woman has weight loss, tremor, heat intolerance, a diffuse nontender goiter and proptosis. TSH is suppressed and free T4 high. What is the most likely cause?

   AToxic multinodular goiterBSubacute thyroiditisCGraves diseaseDHashimoto thyroiditisEFactitious thyrotoxicosis

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Gastrointestinal system and nutrition52 questions · 12.4 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the digestive tract, digestion and absorption
   • Foundations: peptic ulcer disease and upper GI bleeding

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 52-year-old man with heavy alcohol use has epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and lipase 5 times normal. What is the most important initial treatment?

   AImmediate CT abdomenBProphylactic imipenemCGoal-directed IV fluids with lactated RingerDNothing by mouth for 7 daysEUrgent ERCP

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Hematologic system and infectious disease51 questions · 12.1 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: blood cells, haematopoiesis and haemostasis
   • Foundations: bacteria, the Gram stain and antibiotic targets
   • Foundations: infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 34-year-old woman with heavy menses has fatigue. Hemoglobin is 9.8 g/dL (98 g/L), MCV 72 fL and ferritin 6 ng/mL. What is the most appropriate treatment?

   AOral ironBVitamin B12 injectionsCFolic acidDBlood transfusionEErythropoietin

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Musculoskeletal system and rheumatology11 questions · 2.6 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments
7. 07Neurologic system51 questions · 12.1 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs
   • Foundations: spinal cord tracts and the cranial nerves
   • Foundations: the circle of Willis and intracranial haemorrhage
8. 08Psychiatry and behavioral science9 questions · 2.1 % of the bank
9. 09Pulmonary system58 questions · 13.8 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: anatomy of the respiratory tract
   • Foundations: alveoli and gas exchange
   • Foundations: mechanics and control of breathing
10. 10Reproductive system, obstetrics and pediatrics11 questions · 2.6 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: female pelvic anatomy
    • Foundations: placenta, pregnancy physiology and fetal circulation
    • Foundations: labour and the fetal skull
    • Foundations: the menstrual cycle in the ovary, endometrium and cervix
    • Foundations: breast anatomy and lymphatic drainage
    • Foundations: the newborn and the transition after birth
    • Foundations: growth and development
    • Foundations: the child's airway, vital signs and resuscitation

What you get

• Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
• Timed mock exams in the real exam format, with score report by topic
• Personal study plan up to your exam date and review of weak topics
• AI tutor that explains any question in plain words
• One account for the app (iPhone, iPad) and the browser

From registration to licence

The usual steps with NCCPA. Details can change; check the current rules with NCCPA before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with NCCPA and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

Frequently asked questions