6 Tips to Succeed on the PANCE Exam


Written by Najiya Nazar
3 mins, 38 secs Read
Updated On October 28, 2024

The PANCE exam is somewhat daunting, but is the only gateway to pursuing your dream education and career. Being the last stepping stone to becoming a certified physician assistant, it is crucial to prepare for the exam in a way that will bring you much closer to cracking the first attempt. 

But, due to the unpredictable nature of the exam, you may require ace PANCE exam preparation and planning, skills to adhere to everything coming your way on the exam date. 

Here are some of the tips to perform the best on your big day.

What is the PANCE and Which Topics are Covered in it?

The PANCE, Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam, is conducted after the completion of the PA programs. The test is conducted to evaluate the knowledge of the medical field and clinical and surgical competencies of an expected PA.

To bring to your notice, your knowledge is tested across 13 categories that give you an idea of the score weightage of the topic and the number of questions you can expect. 

The exam paper was divided into 5 sets and each contains 60 questions. 

CategoryNo of Questions% of Content
Cardiovascular System4816%
Pulmonary System3612%
Gastrointestinal System/Nutrition3010%
Musculoskeletal System3010%
Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat279%
Reproductive System248%
Endocrine System186%
Genitourinary System186%
Neurologic System186%
Psychiatry/Behavioural186%
Dermatologic System155%
Hematologic System93%
Infectious Disease93%
Total300100

Master the PANCE: 7 Essential Tips to Pass the PANCE Exams

A proper study plan, learning material and time management skills can help you to score well in the PANCE exam with flying colours. So to avoid juggling between where to start and what to do, take note of the below-mentioned tips for a smooth preparation experience.

1. Understand the Concept 

The PANCE exam is not something like your regular exam cycle. It is much more than that. That is why, before starting any preparation, taking a deep analysis of the coursework, scoring, marking scheme and evaluation concept can clear any doubts in the beginning. 

For a detailed breakdown, you can check the NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physical Assistants) has offered a blueprint for the number of questions offered across the 13 categories. 

2. Develop a Learning Strategy 

For a fact, there is no rigid learning style that works best for everyone, but a certain set of practices may come as a helping hand. So, pay attention to 

developing a strategy that works in favour of you. Make a study schedule and try slowly to become consistent with it. 

Design some easy-to-achieve targets at the start to boost your confidence level of competence. 

3. Research for the Study Companion

There are numerous materials available on the internet and market that can become your study companion. Invest a good time in researching the study resources and material that can help you enhance your knowledge and review the different question banks.

When you collect satisfactory study material, do not jump straight to studying. Take some time to explore the table of contents, make the areas of your strengths and weaknesses, and start with the strengths to boost a feeling of accomplishment. 

4. Make your Smart Notes 

Reminding everything that you read and learn can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with a vast coursework. So to tackle these circumstances the best possible, making smart notes can be incredibly beneficial. 

Creating short summaries, flashcards, diagrams, pointers, mind maps or whatever is reliable for you can help you in the revision time in your spare time. 

5. Test your Knowledge

The evaluation of your knowledge can only be calculated when applied correctly in real-time exams. So, when the preparation is done from your end, it’s high time to test your acquired knowledge. Conduct regular test topics or chapter-wise, whatever remains suitable for you, give yourself challenging questions, evaluate the mistakes and practice improving them. 

Simulating test conditions not only helps you to analyse the real-time scenarios but also gives you the reality check of the exam day. 

6. Ask for Expert Assistance

When studying some new courses and topics, it is very obvious to get stuck in some challenging situations. So under these circumstances, do not hesitate to ask for help from your teachers and experts in the field. Leaving your doubts uncleared can cost you loss in exam and scores. So it is better to resolve all your doubts and concerns before the exam to not regret it later. 

Conclusion 

Adherence to the above-mentioned tips and strategies will bring you one step closer to your dream physician badge and ideal job. On the day of the exam, go through each block, review all the questions, and read them thoroughly. Remember, once you exit the block, you will not be able to re-enter that block to give the answers. 

So, make sure while simulating the test conditions, give yourself challenging tasks, and crack them down in triumph.  

FAQs 

Ans: Practice makes the man perfect. So make the study plan, collect the study material, stay consistent with your study routine, practice meditation, and do not stress.

Ans:  A score of 350 is the minimum to pass the PANCE exam, but targeting for higher score can bring you more happiness and grade points

Ans: A total of five hours timeframe is given to the aspirants to attempt the PANCE. 



Author: Najiya Nazar