PANRE - Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam Practice Test
Build your confidence for PANRE - Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.
Try a sample questionExam overview and details
The Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) is the mandatory certification maintenance examination for Physician Assistants (PAs) in the United States, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Successfully passing the PANRE every ten years is a non-negotiable requirement for maintaining the PA-C credential, which is the standard for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This rigorous, 240-question, computer-based exam assesses the core medical and surgical knowledge essential for the generalist PA practicing across diverse clinical settings. Earning recertification validates a PA's commitment to lifelong learning and clinical competence, directly reinforcing public trust and meeting stringent state regulatory mandates. Maintaining the PA-C credential through the PANRE ensures uninterrupted practice eligibility and demonstrates a dedication to the highest standards of patient care as defined by the profession's certifying body.
Sample Questions
Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.
An 82-year-old woman with long-standing hypertension has dyspnea, edema, EF 62%, concentric LV hypertrophy, E/e prime elevated, and BNP 780 pg/mL. She is admitted with pulmonary congestion. Creatinine is 1.0 and potassium is 4.2. Which long-term medication class has outcome benefit in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
A 42-year-old man with alcohol use disorder and BMI 17 is hospitalized for pancreatitis. After 4 days with almost no intake, tube feeding is started at goal rate. Within 24 hours he develops weakness, confusion, phosphate 0.8 mg/dL, potassium 2.9, and magnesium 1.3. What complication is occurring?
A 44-year-old obese man snores loudly and has witnessed apneas. He falls asleep at traffic lights. BP is 152/90, neck circumference is 18 inches, and morning headaches are common. Which test confirms the diagnosis?
A 42-year-old man from Peru has a positive interferon-gamma release assay during pre-employment screening. Chest radiograph is normal, he has no cough, fever, weight loss, or night sweats, and sputum testing is not indicated. HIV test is negative. What is the best interpretation and management?
A 66-year-old hyperopic woman presents with sudden severe right eye pain, headache, halos around lights, nausea, and a mid-dilated poorly reactive pupil. Visual acuity is reduced and intraocular pressure is 54 mm Hg. Which initial treatment is most appropriate while arranging emergent ophthalmology care?
Exam insights and study advice
Maintaining your PA-C credential through the PANRE is fundamental to your professional legitimacy and career continuity. It is not merely an exam; it is the gateway to sustained licensure, hospital privileging, and employer credentialing. This certification is universally recognized by state boards, healthcare institutions, and insurers as the definitive benchmark of a Physician Assistant's ongoing clinical knowledge and competency. Successfully navigating the PANRE cycle solidifies your standing within the medical community, enhances your professional mobility, and is often linked to career advancement opportunities and compensation benchmarks. It is the cornerstone of professional autonomy and a powerful signal to patients and colleagues of your unwavering commitment to evidence-based practice.
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These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.