What is the purpose of the NCCPA?

• A. To certify only in emergency medicine
• B. To provide certification programs reflecting standards for clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and other medical skills and professional behaviors required upon entry into practice and throughout the career of PAs; It is the only certifying organization for PAs in the US
• C. To license physicians in 50 states
• D. To regulate PA salary levels

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the NCCPA is responsible for ensuring physician assistants meet defined standards of knowledge, clinical reasoning, medical skills, and professional behavior, both when they start practicing and as they continue their professional careers. Certification gained through the NCCPA signals that a PA has demonstrated those competencies and remains current through ongoing maintenance. This organization is the sole certifying body for PAs in the United States, meaning it administers the exams and maintains the standards that define entry-level and continuing competence. It’s important to separate certification from licensing; licensure of physicians is handled by state medical boards, and salaries aren’t set by the certifying body.