A physician assistant (PA) is a type of mid-level health care provider. PAs may diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and may serve as a principal healthcare provider.PAs are required in many states to have a direct agreement with a physician.. In the United States and Canada, PAs are certified by their respective certifying bodies.

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) are certification examinations taken by physician assistants (PAs) in the United States.The examinations are administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.The tests are computer-based and consist of practical medical and …