NCCPA Credential Process 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A PA-C whose certification has lapsed may apply for reinstatement. What is typically required to restore 'certified' status without retaking PANCE?
- Completing 50 additional CME hours and paying a reinstatement fee within 2 years of lapse (Correct answer)
- Completing an APA-approved refresher course
- Passing a specialty-specific oral board exam
- Submitting three letters of professional reference
Correct answer: Completing 50 additional CME hours and paying a reinstatement fee within 2 years of lapse
Within the reinstatement window, a lapsed PA-C can restore certification by completing 50 extra CME credits and paying the reinstatement fee.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a component of the NCCPA certification maintenance program?
- Completing 100 CME credits per 2-year cycle
- Passing a recertification examination every 10 years (Correct answer)
- Logging CME credits in the NCCPA online system
- Paying annual certification fees
Correct answer: Passing a recertification examination every 10 years
NCCPA eliminated the mandatory 10-year recertification exam; PAs now maintain certification through continuous CME and periodic reassessment options.
Question 3: The NCCPA issues specialty Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQ). How many CAQ specialties are currently available?
- 4
- 7
- 9 (Correct answer)
- 12
Correct answer: 9
NCCPA offers CAQ credentials in 9 specialties, including cardiovascular/thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, and others.
Question 4: What is the primary eligibility requirement related to practice hours to sit for a CAQ examination?
- 500 hours in the specialty within the past 12 months
- 1,000 hours in the specialty within the past 6 years (Correct answer)
- 2,000 hours in the specialty within the past 3 years
- 3,500 hours in the specialty at any time
Correct answer: 1,000 hours in the specialty within the past 6 years
CAQ eligibility requires at least 1,000 hours of practice in the specialty area within the most recent 6 years.
Question 5: A newly graduated PA student passes PANCE in July. From which date does their first 2-year CME cycle begin?
- The date they passed PANCE (Correct answer)
- January 1 of the following year
- The date their PA program ended
- The date they obtained state licensure
Correct answer: The date they passed PANCE
The first CME cycle begins on the date the PA passes PANCE, not on a calendar year basis.
Question 6: Which of the following actions by a PA-C must be self-reported to NCCPA?
- Changing employers within the same specialty
- A felony conviction or loss of state licensure (Correct answer)
- Relocating to a new state
- Adding a new DEA registration number
Correct answer: A felony conviction or loss of state licensure
NCCPA requires PAs to self-report criminal convictions, loss of licensure, and certain adverse actions that may affect certification.
Question 7: If a PA-C voluntarily surrenders their state license while under investigation, what is NCCPA's likely response?
- No action unless a court conviction occurs
- Automatic permanent revocation of certification
- Review of the circumstances with possible suspension or revocation of certification (Correct answer)
- A mandatory 6-month probationary period
Correct answer: Review of the circumstances with possible suspension or revocation of certification
Voluntary surrender under investigation triggers NCCPA review, which can result in suspension or revocation depending on the findings.
NCCPA Credential Process 3
A PA-C whose certification has lapsed may apply for reinstatement.
What is typically required to restore 'certified' status without retaking PANCE?