#UPDATED PANCE BLUEPRINT UPDATE#

Yes, there is! PAs that are recertifying should not use the PANCE blueprint, as there are some key differences: Is there a difference between the PANRE/PANRE-LA blueprint and the PANCE blueprint? Knowledge at the “History & Physical” and “Diagnosis” level is the minimum requirement for all conditions on the blueprint, with the exception of macular degeneration and hydrocephalus, which both only require an understanding at the “History & Physical” level.

Intervention (Complex) – Manage a complex disease, more severe presentations, or complications of the management.

Intervention (Basic) – Provide basic management of a disease, including when/who to refer and complications of treatment.

Diagnosis – Make the diagnosis based on history, symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and/or interpretation of diagnostic study results.

History & Physical – Recognize signs, symptoms, risk factors, and complications for a specific disease.

In the 2023 update, the levels have changed to become the following performance expectation groupings: Alternatively, essential hypertension was categorized as a Level 3 topic, which would require the test taker to not only make the diagnosis, but also interpret diagnostic studies, recommend first-line treatment, and demonstrate knowledge of contraindications and complications. In the 2019–2022 version of the blueprint, topics were rated as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, with each level increasing in the depth of expected knowledge.įor example, bundle branch block was categorized as a Level 1 topic, which would only require the test taker to be able to diagnose the condition and refer appropriately. The biggest change in the expanded version of the blueprint appears to be the grouping of performance expectation levels. For example, the 2019–2022 version listed the individual valvular disorders (e.g., mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse), while in the 2023 update, all valvular disorders are now in one category. The expanded version of the content blueprint for 2023 includes the addition of new topics (e.g., myocarditis, dental pain/abscess, acute liver failure) and the regrouping of previous topics. Additionally, a new “emerging topics” area was officially added.

#UPDATED PANCE BLUEPRINT UPDATE#

**It should be noted that hematology was left off of the posted blueprint update for 2023, though it can still be found on the expanded version.

Based on feedback from PAs, topic areas either increased, decreased, or stayed the same. So, what’s different in the 2023 blueprint update compared to the 2019–2022 version? Distribution of topicsįirst, the percentage allocation of questions is different between the previous blueprint and the 2023 updates. In addition to the percentage allocation of questions to specific topic areas, there is an expanded version of the blueprint that provides a more in-depth breakdown of specific diseases and disorders under each topic area along with the degree to which the condition may be assessed. This allows PAs the opportunity to give feedback on whether a specific medical topic should be considered “core medical knowledge”-ultimately, the basis for the recertification examination.

The blueprint is developed by NCCPA based on the results of practice analysis surveys sent to certified PAs. The NCCPA content blueprint provides a framework for the allocation of exam questions based on specific topic categories (cardiology, dermatology, etc.). Whether you’re like me, deciding on the best way to prepare for your PANRE-LA quarterly question sets, or you’re in the process of preparing for an upcoming traditional PANRE, you should direct your attention to the 2023 updates made to the NCCPA PANRE/PANRE-LA content blueprint.įirst, what is the NCCPA content blueprint? On January 3, the first quarter of the PANRE-LA began for many recertifying PAs (myself included).

Updated pance blueprint