Which organization is the national certifying body for PAs?

Which organization is the national certifying body for PAs?

• A. ARC-PA
• B. AAPA
• C. NCCPA
• D. PAEA

Answer: (C)

National certification for physician assistants is provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. This body administers the exam that a PA must pass to become certified (and the ongoing recertification process to maintain that credential), which is the credential most states require for licensure and practice. Other organizations have different roles: ARC-PA handles accreditation of PA education programs to ensure they meet standards; AAPA is the professional association for practicing PAs; PAEA focuses on PA education and programs. So the NCCPA is the national certifying body for PAs.

National certification for physician assistants is provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. This body administers the exam that a PA must pass to become certified (and the ongoing recertification process to maintain that credential), which is the credential most states require for licensure and practice. Other organizations have different roles: ARC-PA handles accreditation of PA education programs to ensure they meet standards; AAPA is the professional association for practicing PAs; PAEA focuses on PA education and programs. So the NCCPA is the national certifying body for PAs.