The PANCE costs $550
The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) costs $550. You pay NCCPA when you apply, before you can schedule a test date. You can take the PANCE up to 6 times within 6 years of finishing your PA program. It is given all year at more than 300 Pearson VUE test centers.
PANCE fee and rules
| PANCE application and exam | $550 |
|---|---|
| Attempts allowed | Up to 6 |
| Time limit on attempts | 6 years after finishing your PA program |
| Exam format | 5 blocks of 60 questions, 60 minutes each |
| Break time | 45 minutes in total |
| Where you test | Pearson VUE test centers, all year |
| Two attempts | $1,100 |
|---|
If you use up 6 attempts or 6 years, whichever comes first, you lose the right to take the PANCE. The only way back is to finish a full accredited PA program again. Your state board charges its own license fee. Sources: NCCPA, Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
What this price covers
The $550 covers your PANCE application and one attempt. Only graduates of ARC-PA accredited PA programs can apply.
What changes your price
- Retakes. Each attempt costs $550.
- Your state. The state license fee is separate.
Ways to pay less
- Set up your NCCPA account as soon as you get the email. The link expires after 3 days.
- Use your first attempt well. Each retake costs the full fee.
- Budget for your state board's license fee too.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the group that runs the test or sets the fee, taken from its own website. Where we show a total, we only add up that group's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and we do not use prices from test prep blogs. Fees can change, so check the official page before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does the PANCE cost?
$550.
How many times can I take the PANCE?
Up to 6 times within 6 years.
Where do I take the PANCE?
At a Pearson VUE test center.