200+ Free PANCE Practice Questions
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Key Facts: PANCE Exam
93%
First-Time Pass Rate
NCCPA 2024
300
Total Questions
5 blocks of 60
350
Passing Score
Scaled 200-800
$126,010
Median PA Salary
BLS 2024
11%
Cardiovascular
Largest section
28%
Job Growth
BLS 2024-2034
The PANCE has a 93% first-time pass rate for graduates of accredited PA programs (NCCPA 2024). The exam contains 300 multiple-choice questions over 5 hours. Content follows the NCCPA blueprint with cardiovascular (11%), pulmonary (9%), and GI/nutrition (8%) as the largest sections. Certified PAs earn a median salary of $126,010/year (BLS 2024) with strong job growth.
About the PANCE Exam
The PANCE is the national certification examination for physician assistants. The exam covers medical content across all organ systems including cardiovascular, pulmonary, GI/nutrition, musculoskeletal, neurologic, psychiatry, infectious diseases, reproductive, endocrine, EENT, and professional practice.
Questions
300 scored questions
Time Limit
5 hours
Passing Score
350 (scaled score)
Exam Fee
$550 (NCCPA)
PANCE Exam Content Outline
Cardiovascular System
Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular disease, peripheral vascular disease
Pulmonary System
Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease
GI/Nutrition
GERD, peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder disease
Musculoskeletal
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, low back pain, osteoporosis, gout, fibromyalgia
Neurologic System
Stroke, seizure disorders, headache, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease
Psychiatry/Behavioral
Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, personality disorders
Infectious Diseases
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, bacterial infections, viral infections, tick-borne diseases, STIs, tuberculosis
Reproductive System
Contraception, pregnancy complications, menstrual disorders, menopause, prostate disorders, breast disorders
Endocrine System
Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, pituitary disorders, metabolic syndrome
EENT (Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat)
Conjunctivitis, glaucoma, hearing loss, sinusitis, otitis media/externa, pharyngitis
Professional Practice
Ethics, legal issues, patient safety, evidence-based medicine, cultural competence, health disparities
Hematologic System
Anemia, clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, transfusion medicine
Renal System
Acute and chronic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infections, electrolyte disorders
Dermatologic System
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, melanoma, dermatitis, wound care
Genitourinary System
UTIs, BPH, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, STIs, renal calculi
How to Pass the PANCE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 350 (scaled score)
- Exam length: 300 questions
- Time limit: 5 hours
- Exam fee: $550
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
PANCE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PANCE pass rate?
The PANCE first-time pass rate is approximately 93% for graduates of accredited physician assistant programs (NCCPA 2024 data). Repeat test-takers have lower pass rates around 75-80%.
How many questions are on the PANCE?
The PANCE consists of 300 multiple-choice questions administered over 5 hours in five 60-minute blocks of 60 questions each. There is a 15-minute tutorial and 45 minutes of scheduled break time.
How long should I study for the PANCE?
Most PA students study for 4-6 weeks before the PANCE, completing 1,500-2,500 practice questions. Create a study schedule covering all organ systems, with more time allocated to high-yield areas like cardiovascular, pulmonary, and GI. Use our practice questions to identify weak areas.
What is the PANCE passing score?
The PANCE uses a scaled scoring system with a passing score of 350. Scores range from 200-800. You will receive your score report within 2 weeks of testing, showing your total score and relative performance in each content area.
How much do Physician Assistants earn?
According to BLS 2024 data, PAs earn a median salary of $126,010/year, with top earners exceeding $168,000. Salary varies by specialty, with surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine typically paying higher. Job outlook is excellent with 28% projected growth.
What are the largest content areas on the PANCE?
The five largest content areas are: Cardiovascular System (11%), Pulmonary System (9%), Gastrointestinal/Nutrition (8%), Musculoskeletal System (8%), and Neurologic System (7%). Together these account for 43% of the exam content.