PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) Pass Rate 2026
Complete analysis of PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam difficulty, pass rates, and strategies to pass on your first attempt.
Pass Rate
Difficulty Verdict
Relatively Accessible
Recommended Study Time
2-4 weeks
Typical Attempts
Most pass on first try
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) has a ~93% pass rate — higher than average for medical exams. This doesn't mean you can skip preparation. The 7% who fail typically underestimate the exam or rush their study. At $550 per attempt, failing is costly. The certification is valid for 10 years (with ongoing requirements), so investing in solid prep pays off long-term.
Top Reasons Candidates Fail PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam):
Do This for PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
- 300 questions in 5 hours
- Rosh Review highly recommended
- Study organ systems approach
- Focus on primary care scenarios
Avoid This
- Passive re-reading of textbooks instead of active question practice
- Ignoring First Aid, Pathoma, or Sketchy (proven high-yield resources)
- Studying 16-hour days and burning out before exam day
- Skipping practice question banks like UWorld or Amboss
Ready to Beat the Odds?
Get our complete PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) study guide with practice questions.