FAQs

PANCE Questions

Q. How do I become eligible to take PANCE?

A. Graduate from a PA program accredited by ARC-PA or one of its predecessors. Today, there's no other way to gain PANCE eligibility.

Q. What happens if I don't pass my exam?

A. You can take PANCE once in a 90-day period or three times a year, whichever is fewer - this applies to all applicants.

Individuals who have never been certified and who graduated from an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program on or after January 1, 2003, will be eligible to take PANCE for up to six years after completing the requirements for graduation from that program. During that six-year period, the examination may be taken a maximum of six times. When either the six attempts or six years is exhausted, whichever occurs sooner, the individual loses eligibility to take PANCE. The only way to establish new eligibility to take PANCE is to enter into and complete an unabridged ARC-PA accredited physician assistant educational program.

Q. How long must I wait to retake any single examination?

A.  There is a 90-day waiting period between retakes of the same examination.

Q. What do I need to do to have a letter verifying my eligibility for the exam sent to my state board so I can get my temporary license?

A. To request an eligibility letter, sign in to your personal record and choose Credentialing Info Release from the left-hand menu bar,e-mail us your request (including your name, NCCPA ID number and to whom it should be sent) or fax or mail your request.

Q. How do I set up my exam time?

A. After your application is processed, you'll receive an exam acknowledgement from NCCPA within 3-5 business days with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

Q. Are generic or brand names of drugs used on the exam?

A. The generic name of a drug is always provided. The trade name is provided in parenthesis after the generic name of the drug only if it is deemed necessary by NCCPA.

Q. When will I receive my score?

A. NCCPA will post your exam results in your personal certification record as soon as we receive the results (approximately two weeks after your test date.) We'll notify you by e-mail when the results are received.

Q. If I have a medical degree, can I get certified as a PA without graduating from a PA program?

A. No. You must graduate from a PA program accredited by ARC-PA or one of its predecessors.

**Even if you have earned a medical degree from another country, you must still graduate from an accredited PA program to take PANCE.

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CME Questions

Q. When are my CME hours due?

A. Your CME hours should be earned and logged by June 30 of your certification expiration year to receive the $50 discount and pay only $80. Or you can earn and log your hours through December 31 of your certification expiration year (final postmark deadline) and pay the regular $130 certification maintenance fee. Sign in your personal certification record to view any outstanding requirements and upcoming deadlines.

Does the process look a little different? That's because it is. Under our old policy, PAs had to earn and log CME hours and pay the $80 certification maintenance fee by June 30 to avoid the late fee. Between July 1 and Dec. 31, a $100 late fee was assessed. Now, if you complete all requirements by June 30, you pay the same $80. However, if you need until Dec. 31 to complete all requirements, you pay $130 instead of $180.

Q. How much does it cost to log CME?

A. The certification maintenance fee is $130 if you earn and log your CME hours by December 31 of your certification expiration year. Or you can save $50 if you earn and log your CME hours and pay the certification maintenance fee by June 30 of your certification expiration year.

Q. How do I log my CME?

A. Sign in to your personal certification record, and click the "Log New CME" link on the screen.

Q. How do I account for partial hours (i.e., a 1.5 hour seminar)?

A. Simply log the exact number of hours earned according to your certificate with up to two decimal places (i.e., 1.75, 2.5, etc).

Q. Can I get Category I CME credit for certification programs like BLS, ACLS, PALS, ATLS, etc.?

A. You can earn Category I credit for certain certification programs. View a complete list of certification programs.

Q. What is the maximum number of hours I can earn for teaching certification programs like BLS, ACLS, etc.?

A. The maximum number of Category I hours that you can earn as an instructor is included in the list of certification programs. However, you may only log those instructor hours once each year (or twice per logging cycle) regardless of how many times you actually teach the course. Additional, duplicative instructing activities may be logged for Category II credit based on the number of hours spent preparing for and teaching the course.

Q. I just completed an ATLS course but didn't receive a card. What documentation would I need to provide NCCPA if I am audited?

A. The ATLS course does count for Category I (Preapproved) CME credit even though you did not receive a card or certificate for completing the course. You should have received a "letter of audit" indicating that you attended the course. If you are audited by NCCPA, the letter of audit (with a date listed) from the CME provider will be sufficient documentation of the activity.

Q. I'm an AAPA member. Do I have to pay the certification maintenance (CME logging) fee?

A. Yes. We charge for our services on an a la carte basis and are moving towards having each service we offer stand financially independent of the others. That way, you pay for the services you use but your fees aren't subsidizing the cost of services you're not using. The certification maintenance fee covers the cost of all NCCPA's work associated with CME logging.

Q. Do I have to pay the CME logging fee the first time I enter any hours?

A. No, you can pay the CME logging fee at any time during the logging cycle. But remember the $50 discount if all requirements are completed by June 30 of your certification expiration year.

Q. I have earned extra Category I CME hours. What's the best way to use those?

A. Clinical Category I CME hours earned in excess of the required amount for certification maintenance in the last six years can be logged on our Web site and "banked" to use toward the Elective Component requirement for Pathway II if you think you might be interested in the take-at-home recertification exam. Simply sign in to your record and click "Log Elective Component" from the left-hand menu and follow the on-screen instructions. When you apply for the Pathway II exam, those hours that you've banked for Pathway II will be reviewed and applied as appropriate towards the 100-point elective component requirement. Be sure to maintain the supporting documentation for all of your extra hours.

Q. How can I get a print-out of the CME I've logged?

A. Just sign in to your personal certification record, and click on the "CME History " link.

Q. How many Category II hours can I count for precepting PA students? Students from other professions? What about journal reading?

A. There are no maximums on the number of hours that you can earn for any Category II activity. All Category II hours are earned on an hour-for-hour basis.

Q. Can I earn Category I or Category II CME hours for presenting lectures to PA students or other medical professionals if I'm not a program faculty member?

A. You may only earn Category I credit for delivering lectures to PA students or other medical professionals if the lecture has been approved for Category I credit and the students are earning Category I credit with the issuance of documentation. If the lecture was not preapproved for Category I credit, you may log time spent preparing for and delivering the lecture as Category II credit.

Q. Can I earn Category II hours for lobbying activities on behalf of the PA profession?

A. Yes.

Q. Can I earn CME credit for any type of committee work performed for PA or other healthcare organizations?

A. Category II hours should be practice-related, voluntary, self-learning activities. If you serve on committees at the local, state or national level that meet those qualifications, you may log the time you spend on committee work for Category II credit.

Q. I have met my requirements for the current CME cycle. Can I begin earning and logging hours for the next cycle?

A. CME earning windows always open on May 1. You can begin earning and logging CME hours for your next cycle on May 1 during the certification expiration year of your current cycle.

Q. How long do I need to keep my Category I CME documentation?

A. You should keep your Category I CME documentation for your current CME cycle and your last CME cycle. For example, if you are currently on a 2008-2010 CME cycle you would need to keep that documentation and the 2006-2008 CME cycle documentation. We do not audit Category II CME. This is the policy for NCCPA, not the state medical boards. You will need to check with your state medical board regarding their auditing requirements.

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CME Audit Questions

Q. Why does the NCCPA audit CME hours?

A. To ensure the accuracy and professionalism of CME logging and to strengthen the value of the PA-C, NCCPA randomly audits the Category I CME hours of certified PAs. To complete the CME audit, randomly selected PAs must submit supporting documentation for at least 50 Category I hours logged during the cycle for which they are being audited.

Q. Why was I selected for the CME audit?

A. PAs being audited for the first time are selected by a completely random process. There is nothing that you did or didn't do that "caused" you to be selected for the audit.

Q. How often does NCCPA audit PAs?

A. NCCPA audits PAs for a two-year certification maintenance cycle. PAs chosen to be audited will be notified during the year after the PAs previous cycle has ended. A PA could be selected for the audit for up to an entire year after their previous cycle has ended. It is very important for PAs to keep their Category I documentation for at least one full year after their cycle has ended. For example: PAs who were audited for the 2006-2008 cycle were notified in 2009.

Q. How will I know that I have been randomly selected for the NCCPA CME Audit?

A. PAs selected for the CME audit will be notified by postal mail and by e-mail.

Q. How will I know which Category I activities I need to submit documentation for?

A. NCCPA will provide you with a CME Audit Transcript that will list all Category I activities logged for the cycle being audited. This transcript will be included in the e-mailed and mailed notifications sent to you.

Q. Once I have been chosen to be audited how long will I have to submit the required Category I documentation?

A. Six weeks is the standard amount of time allotted to submit your documentation for the audit. Your exact deadline will be listed in both the e-mail and mailed notification correspondence sent to you and will be posted on your "My Record" page, which you can access by signing in to your personal certification record at our Web site, www.nccpa.net.

Q. What if I need more time to submit my supporting documentation?

A. If you have a severe and extenuating circumstance which has prohibited you from providing the requested documentation in support of your Category I hours, you may request an extension to submit your documentation. NCCPA can grant a one-time only 30-day extension of your original audit deadline. Extensions for longer periods of time cannot be granted. To request an extension of your audit deadline, please submit a written request within the six-week period given to respond to the audit explaining your situation and include any supporting documentation you may have concerning your severe and extenuating circumstance. Requests must be received before the six-week deadline passes. This request can be mailed (12000 Findley Road, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097), faxed (678.417.8135) or e-mailed to audit@nccpa.net. Be sure to include your name and NCCPA identification number on the request.

Q. If I am granted the one-time 30-day extension to submit the documentation for the audit, how will I be notified?

A. If NCCPA has a valid e-mail address on record, you will receive an official letter via e-mail. If we do not have a valid e-mail address on record, an official letter will be sent via postal mail to the mailing address we have on record for you. The letter will state your new audit deadline date.

Q. What do I need to submit as documentation to support the Category I CME hours logged?

A. Acceptable supporting documentation includes certificates received upon completion of an activity from the CME provider, a hospital-generated list of programs attended, or written verification of attendance or hours earned from the provider of a CME activity. Other documentation may be considered at the discretion of NCCPA. Acceptable documentation for Category I hours should state that the activity has been approved by one of our five CME sponsors (AMA, ACCME, AAPA, AAFP or AOA). There should also be a statement indicating the number of Category I hours awarded for the individual activity. If the documentation you have for a Category I activity does not state this information, the activity cannot be considered Category I CME.

Q. What is considered acceptable documentation for certificate programs like BLS, ACLS or PALS?

A. NCCPA will accept a copy of the card you received, a certificate of attendance or written verification of attendance or hours earned from the provider of the certificate program.

Q. What if my documentation states the hours earned for an activity are "Contact" hours or "CEU" credit?

A. This means the activity is not approved for Category I credit and if this activity has been logged as Category I, NCCPA will not be able to verify the hours logged for this activity, unless the activity is an approved certification program.

Q. On my CME Audit Transcript, some hours are listed as "confirmed." What are "confirmed" hours?

A. "Confirmed" hours are Category I hours that NCCPA has received documentation for or Category I hours logged through the Conference Logging System. Since these hours have already been confirmed as Category I, no additional supporting documentation is required.

Q. How do I submit my documentation?

A. Supporting documentation can be mailed (12000 Findley Road, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097), faxed (678.417.8135) or e-mailed to audit@nccpa.net. Be sure to include your name and NCCPA identification number on all materials.

Q. Once NCCPA has received my documentation for the audit, how long does it take for the audit process to be completed?

A. It takes approximately 7-10 business days for NCCPA to complete an audit. Once your documentation has been reviewed, if NCCPA cannot verify at least 50 Category I hours, we will notify you via e-mail (or telephone, if you do not have a valid e-mail address on record) why we were unable to verify at least 50 Category I hours. We will work with you to see if there is a way can verify at least 50 Category I hours. NOTE: It is strictly the PA's responsibility to check the status of their audit to ensure NCCPA has received the appropriate documentation.

Q. How can I check on the status of my audit?

A. Sign in to your personal certification record at www.nccpa.net and click on "CME Audit" in the left-hand menu bar and you will be taken to your "Personal Audit Record" page where you can view the status of your audit, as well as other important details pertaining to your audit.

Q. If I cannot show documentation for at least 50 of the Category I hours I logged for the cycle I am being audited for, can I submit additional Category I CME hours I have earned in order to meet the audit requirements?

A. Yes. Additional Category I CME hours can be submitted to meet the audit requirements as long as the hours have not been previously logged to meet either certification maintenance or elective component requirements and the hours were earned within the earning window of the cycle that is being audited. Acceptable documentation will have to be submitted in order to have these hours applied to the audited cycle.

Q. What happens if I can't provide documentation for at least 50 of my Category I hours?

A. PAs who are unable to submit supporting documentation for at least 50 Category I hours will fail the CME audit and will automatically be audited for their new cycle.

Q. How will I be notified of the outcome of my CME Audit?

A. NCCPA will send an official letter to you via postal mail once your audit has been completed.

Q. If I fail my initial CME audit, will I lose my certification?

A. No.

Q. What happens if I fail my initial CME audit and I am being audited for my new cycle?

A. Beginning with the 2006-2008 CME logging cycle, PAs who do not pass the initial audit must follow the procedures below to complete the second CME audit:

• All CME hours for the second audit cycle must be logged on paper logging forms (online logging will not be an option for PAs who are in their second audit).
• Acceptable documentation must be submitted for all Category I hours listed on the logging form before the hours can be entered in the PAs logging record.
• PAs must earn and log additional Category I hours for those that could not be verified in the initial audit (example: If 45 Category I hours were verified in the first audit cycle, then at least 55 Category I hours must be logged for the second audit cycle – 50 Category I hours that are required for the regular certification maintenance cycle plus the 5 Category I hours that could not be verified in the first audit).
• PAs will have to pay a $100 re-audit fee.
• Once the second audit is passed, the PA will be audited in at least one of their next three certification maintenance cycles.

Q. What is the CME Audit Detail Report?

A. The CME Audit Detail Report is your audit transcript that shows which Category I hours have been verified by NCCPA and any discrepancies in activity information that was logged ( i.e., incorrect sponsor, incorrect provider, incorrect activity name and/or date).

Q. What is the CME Post Audit Final Transcript?

A. The CME Post Audit Final Transcript reflects the final outcome of the CME audit and becomes the current transcript on record for a PA for the audited cycle.

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Recertification Questions

Q. When do I recertify?

A. For the best answer to this question, sign in and view your personal certification record. But generally speaking, you need to pass the recertification exam every six years, with the option to take it a year early.

Q. Can I take the Pathway II exam after 2010?

A. The last administration of Pathway II will take place in 2010; therefore if you will not be in the fifth or sixth year of your certification maintenance cycle, you will not be able to take Pathway II.

Q. How do I apply for the exam?

A. The quickest, easiest way to apply for a recertification exam is via our online application. Just sign in and click the "View details about your recertification status" link in the Exam Notes box of your My Record page. Or you can print an application and send it to us via fax or mail.

Q. How do I set up my PANRE exam time?

A. After your application is processed, you'll receive an exam acknowledgement from NCCPA within 3-5 business days with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

Q. Are generic or brand names of drugs used on the exam?

A. The generic name of a drug is always provided. The trade name is provided in parenthesis after the generic name of the drug only if it is deemed necessary by NCCPA.

Q. What happens if I don't pass the exam?

A. You must pass by the end of the sixth year, but you can take the test in years 5 and 6 and have up to four attempts (two total per year) to test and pass.

Q. How long must I wait to retake any single examination?

A.  There is a 90-day waiting period between retakes of the same examination, whether testing for recertification or to regain certification.

Q. I have earned extra Category I CME hours. What's the best way to use those?

A. Clinical Category I CME credits earned in excess of the required amount for certification maintenance in the last six years can be logged on our Web site and "banked" to use toward the Elective Component requirement for Pathway II if you think you might be interested in the take-at-home recertification exam. Simply sign in to your record and click "Log Elective Component" from the left-hand menu and follow the on-screen instructions. When you apply for the Pathway II exam, those hours that you've banked for Pathway II will be reviewed and applied as appropriate towards the 100-point elective component requirement. Be sure to maintain the supporting documentation for all of your extra hours.

Q. Do I have to submit my CME before I test?

A. No. However, any past due fees (i.e., certification fee) must be paid before you can test.

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Practice-Focused PANRE Questions

Q. What is included in the adult medicine and surgery areas of the exam?

A. Each exam is built to the same content blueprint. For the adult medicine and surgery practice-focused exams, 60% of the exam will cover the same content as always, the remaining 40% will be focused in either adult medicine or surgery but will still follow the same content blueprint.

Q. Will there be any pediatric questions on the adult medicine or surgery practice-focus exams?

A. Since 60% of the exams will cover the same content as always, pediatric questions may be included. If the adult medicine is chosen for the additional 40% of the exam, no additional pediatrics questions will be added. There could be additional pediatric questions that deal with surgery on the surgery practiced focused exam.

Q. Has the content blueprint changed for the new practice-focused PANRE?

A. No, the content blueprint is the same for each exam.

Q. Is there a content blueprint booklet specific for the practice-focused exams?

A. No, each exam is built to the same content blueprint so we will not have a different content blueprint for the practice-focused PANRE.

Q. Does NCCPA plan to develop Practice Exams that are specific to the content of the practice-focused exams?

A. Practice Exams specifically dealing with adult medicine and surgery will not be developed.

Q. Will the current PANRE Practice Exam accurately access PAs knowledge of the general and practice-focused areas?

A. Yes, since the Practice Exam and all PANRE options are based on the same content blueprint.

Q. What is the difference between the primary care, surgery and adult medicine PANRE?

A. The questions on PANRE - no matter which focus area you choose - are all still generalist questions. Choosing the primary care option gives you the same PANRE we've always offered. For those who choose adult medicine or surgery, 60% of the exam will be generalist questions (the PANRE as it has always been) and the other 40%, while still meeting the content blueprint, will be generalist questions focused in either adult medicine or surgery.

Q. Will the practice-focused PANRE - adult medicine include women's health questions (i.e GYN, OB)?

A. The adult medicine option will include questions that meet the content blueprint, however, 40% will be focused only in adult medicine.

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Online Pathway II Administration Questions

Q. I am registered for the Pathway II exam but have not yet been notified how to access it. When will I be notified?

A. Approximately 7 to 10 days prior to the opening of the exam window, you will receive an e-mail from NCCPA with exam access instructions.

Q. Where will I access the Pathway II exam?

A. Sign in to your personal certification record using your NCCPA ID number and chosen password. Then, click the Pathway II Exam Access link in the left-menu column, and follow the instructions on the Pathway II Access Page.

Q. When will I first be able to access the Pathway II exam?

A. At 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time on the first day of the exam window.

Q. When must I have the exam completed by?

A. All responses must be entered online before 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on the last day of the exam window.

Q. I cannot sign in to the exam. What should I do?

A. E-mail nccpa@nccpa.net or call 678-417-8100. Support is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (except on holidays).

Q. Are there sections to the exam?

A. The examination has two sections: The Tutorial and the Exam. The 300-question exam itself is only one section.

Q. How do I print the exam?

A. Sign in to your personal certification record using your NCCPA ID number and chosen password. Then, click the Pathway II Exam Access link in the left-menu column, and follow the instructions on the Pathway II Access Page.

Q. I cannot print the exam what should I do?

A. E-mail nccpa@nccpa.net or call 678-417-8100. Support is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (except on holidays).

Q. My computer crashed while taking the exam. What should I do?

A. If your computer crashes or you are disconnected from the Internet during the exam, try restarting your computer and logging back in to the exam. Your answers are saved each time a new question is accessed, so you will not lose any of your work. If you are unable to re-access the exam, try accessing the exam from another computer or e-mail nccpa@nccpa.net or call 678-417-8100 for technical support. Support is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (except on holidays).

Q. How do I know my exam has been electronically submitted?

A. After the close of the Pathway exam window, you will receive an e-mail confirming that we received your exam.

Q. When will I receive my Pathway II scores?

A. You should receive your Pathway II exam scores approximately eight weeks after the end of the examination window.

Q. Since the exams are completed electronically, why does it take up to eight weeks for the scores to be received?

A. Even though the exam is electronic, Pathway II questions are not pre-tested, which means each question goes through a validation process prior to scoring. After a preliminary analysis of the exam results, additional statistical analyses are used to identify items that appear to have been problematic or flawed. Content experts review those items to determine whether the answers had been keyed incorrectly or whether the item itself was flawed in some way. Also, from time to time, Pathway II examinees will contact NCCPA with questions or concerns about particular exam items, which are also reviewed prior to scoring. When a flawed item is identified by the content experts, it is removed from the group of scored items and is not included in the scoring process.

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Practice Exam Questions

Q. Who can take a Practice Exam?

A. The Practice Exams are designed for PAs who are eligible for an NCCPA examination. PAs should use the practice exam as a tool to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses, to direct their study efforts and to familiarize themselves with the types of questions they'll see on the actual certifying examinations.

Q. Will a Practice Exam show how me how I'll do on the PANCE or PANRE?

A. NCCPA's research indicates that, in certain cases, there may be a moderate relationship between performance on the Practice Exams and subsequent performance on PANCE and PANRE. However, this should not be interpreted as any guarantee that any individual performance on a Practice Exam will be an indicator of performance on any of NCCPA's exams, and PAs are urged against relying on any potential correlation between the two.

Q. Is there a Practice Exam for Pathway II?

A. No. Since Pathway II is a six-week, open-book, un-timed exam, it is not possible to offer a Pathway II Practice Exam. However, PAs deciding whether to take the PANRE or the Pathway II recertifying exam are encouraged to take the PANRE Practice Examt, so they'll be able to make a more informed decision.

Q. What types of content do the Practice Exams cover?

A. The content of the Practice Exams mirror the examination content blueprint.

Q. What is the format of the Practice Exam?

A. Each Practice Exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections of 60 questions each. PAs have 60 minutes to complete each section for a total of two hours of testing time.

Q. How much time is allotted to answer the items on a Practice Exam?

A. Like the certifying exams, the Practice Exams provide approximately one minute per item.

Q. Are the Practice Exam items actually previously used items on PANCE and PANRE?

A. Yes.

Q. How much do the Practice Exams cost?

A. Each Practice Exam costs $35, which must be paid by credit card when you apply.

Q. How do I apply for a Practice Exam?

A. PAs can access the Practice Exam application online by signing in to their personal certification record 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once registered, PAs will have 180 days to complete the Practice Exam online.

Q. When can I first access the Practice Exam after I apply?

A. After you apply, you'll be able to immediately access the Practice Exam. You'll have 180 days to complete the Practice Exam.

Q. Are there special computer requirements needed to take a Practice Exam?

A. When you access the Practice Exam application from your personal certification record, you'll see a list of the system requirements. If you see a green check next to each requirement, your computer will support the Practice Exam program. If you see a red "X" next to any of the requirements, your computer, as it is currently configured, will not support the Practice Exam program; please contact your system administrator.

Q. Do I have to finish the Practice Exam in one sitting?

A. No. Unlike the actual certifying examinations, the Practice Exam allows you to stop working on the Practice Exam and return later. You will not lose any time; and when you log back into the Practice Exam, you'll be returned to the last question that you had previously accessed. All responses are saved when you access the next question, so taking a break will not cause you to lose any answers you've already entered.

Q. Are answers and/or explanations to the Practice Exam items available?

A. No. The Practice Exams are designed to provide participants with feedback about their relative strengths and weaknesses in the content areas that make up NCCPA's examination content blueprint.

Q. What kind of performance feedback will I receive?

A. As soon as you complete the Practice Exam, you'll receive a performance profile, which graphically displays your relative strengths and weaknesses in the content areas that make up NCCPA's examination content blueprint. The performance profile should be used to help drive your study and preparation efforts for the actual exam.

Q. Can I view a sample performance profile?

A. Yes. To view a sample performance profile, click here.

Q. Will my performance profile be released to anyone else?

A. No. Performance profiles are available only to participants.

Q. How long will my performance profile be available?

A. You'll always be able to access your performance profile from the Practice Exam overview page in your personal certification record.

Q. How many Practice Exams can I take?

A. PAs who are eligible to take an NCCPA examination may take as many Practice Exams as there are available, but each Practice Exam may only be taken once. Practice Exams may only be taken one time to ensure that the content area rather than the particular question asked is being studied.

Q. Can I review my Practice Exam?

A. Once your Practice Exam has been scored, you CANNOT review the questions or your answers. However, while you are working within each section, you can change answers or mark them for review. When you exit a section, your responses have been saved and submitted making your answers final. You can review and print your performance profile at any time after completing the Practice Exam.

Q. Can I get my money back if I'm unable to take the exam after applying for it?

A. No. Refunds will not be issued for a Practice Exam.

Q. What happens to my answers if I lose my Internet connection while taking the Practice Exam?

A. The system records all of your answers each time you access a question. If you are disconnected from the Internet or logged out of the Practice Exam program, you will re-start the Practice Exam on the same test question you left off on when you sign back in to the Practice Exam.

Q. Can I take the exam un-timed?

A. No. The Practice Exams are designed to mirror the testing environment and timing constraints of an actual exam. If you need to take a break during the Practice Exam, you have the convenience of being able to log out of the Practice Exam without losing any of your time. When you log back in, you have the same amount of time remaining to finish the block of questions. For the real PANCE and PANRE examinations, you are not able to take any breaks within a section of the test.

Q. Can I print the Practice Exam?

A. No. The only part of the Practice Exam that you'll be able to print will be your performance profile.

Q. Can I submit a NCCPA Practice Exam for Category I CME credit?

A. No. NCCPA's Practice Exams are not preapproved for Category I CME credit. However, the Practice Exam can be submitted for Category II CME credit.

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Miscellaneous Questions

Q. What is the minimum system requirements to access the Web site and PA secure area of the Web site?

A. The minimum recommended browser requirements are:

• Internet Explorer (Windows) 7.0
• Mozilla Fire Fox 3.0.17
• Netscape 7.2
• Safari (Mac) 3.0.4

The browser/security settings must allow Java-Script.
The browser must handle cookies.
Your monitor resolution should be at least 800x600 pixel resolution (requires scrolling).  NOTE:  To ensure best viewing of the online exams features, a 1024 pixel resolution width or better is recommended and your browser MUST handle frames.

If you have problems accessing the secure PA section of the Web site, please contact NCCPA at 678-417-8100.

Q. How can I be sure that it's safe to provide my credit card number over the Web?

A. We use the best encryption technology available - the same software used by all Fortune 500 companies who conduct e-commerce. The credit card data you provide to us on our Web site can only be interpreted here at our office.

Q. How can I get a receipt for the payment I submitted?

A. To print a receipt for any payments made to NCCPA since 2004, sign in to your personal certification record at www.nccpa.net and click the "Receipt" link in the left-hand column of your My Record page and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Q. How long do I have to request a refund?

A. You have 30 days from the date the payment was received to request a refund. You can request a refund in writing with a signature by fax (678-417-8135) or mail (NCCPA, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097)

*NCCPA exams and Practice Exams have unique refund policies. Please review the specific refund policy in the policies section when applying for an exam or Practice Exam.

Q. How do I get my scores/verification sent to my state for licensing?

A. We can provide verification of certification over the phone (678.417.8100), but we need to receive requests for the release of scores online or in writing. You can sign in to your personal record and choose Credentialing Info Release, e-mail us your request (including your name, NCCPA ID number and to whom it should be sent) or fax or mail your request.

Q. My name has changed. How do I update NCCPA's records?

A. To make name changes, sign in to your personal certification record, click on the "Personal Info" link, and follow the instructions from there. A name change is not final until NCCPA receives a copy of your valid drivers license or passport.

Q. How do I change my contact information (address, telephone, e-mail)?

A. Glad you asked! Sign in to your personal certification record, click on the "Make Corrections " link in the top right-hand corner of your My Record page, and follow the simple instructions from there. Or, e-mail the new information to nccpa@nccpa.net; be sure to include your name and NCCPA ID number.

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