PANCE Writing Guide
Task types, scoring criteria, and strategies to excel in the writing section.
Writing Overview
PANCE is a 5-hour, 300-question multiple-choice exam taken after graduating from an accredited PA program. Administered by the NCCPA, it's required to become a PA-C (Physician Assistant - Certified). The exam covers 14 organ systems and 7 task areas including history/physical, diagnostics, pharmacology, and clinical intervention.
Note: PANCE does not have a dedicated writing section. This guide covers general test preparation.
High-Score Strategies
- 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.