PANCE Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
PANCE is scored on a scale of 200–800 with a passing score of 350. The scoring is not adaptive. Scores aren't reported to employers or programs — only pass/fail status typically matters in practice. You can retake up to 6 times total in 6 years; after that, you must retake PA school coursework.
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| PANCE | 300 min | 800 |
Section Breakdown
pance
Single exam split into five 60-minute blocks of 60 questions each. 15 minutes of break time total.
Cardiovascular (13%)Pulmonary (10%)EENT (7%)Musculoskeletal (10%)Neurology (7%)GI/Nutrition (9%)Genitourinary (6%)Reproductive (7%)Endocrine (6%)Hematology (3%)Infectious disease (6%)Dermatology (5%)Psychiatry (6%)Professional practice (5%)
Key Facts
- Length
- 5 hours (5 × 60-min blocks)
- Questions
- 300 MCQ (60 per block)
- Score range
- 200–800, pass ~350
- Cost
- $550 USD
- Pass rate
- ~93% first-time
- Validity of cert
- 10-year cycle (recertify)
Study Tips
- 1.Start Qbank questions early in the 2nd year of PA school.
- 2.Focus on cardiology and pulmonology — together they're ~23% of the exam.
- 3.Review ECG interpretation systematically.
- 4.Use spaced repetition (Anki) for pharm and microbio.
- 5.Take full-length NCCPA practice exams 2–4 weeks before testing.
- 6.Don't neglect OB/GYN and peds — they're commonly missed areas.