In April 2019, the NCCPA announced that PANCE pass rate had dropped from 98% to 93% after the release of the newest PANCE blueprint. After trending upward to 95% in 2020, the PANCE pass rate has been declining, with PANCE pass rates down to 92% for the past three years.
While a 92% PANCE pass rate is nothing to scoff at, it does indicate a downward trend in PANCE performances that test-takers need to understand to strengthen their exam strategies. We want you to be a part of the percentage that pass (of course!), thus changing the trends toward showing the improvement that it needs!
Keep reading for a breakdown of this data, tips to pass the PANCE, and tools to create a more effective strategy for the PANCE and beyond.
Where is this PANCE pass rate data coming from?
The national first-time pass rate was down to 92% in 2022, 2023, and 2024. This usually correlates with a change in the PANCE blueprint from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Historically, these updates cause a brief drop in pass rates before performances gradually trend up again as test-takers adjust to the new certification exam.
Unfortunately, there’s a problem that muddies up the waters with this data: COVID. The pandemic posed so many unique challenges to PA education programs, and PA students that the usual data correlation is abnormal and likely not a fair comparison to the true trends expected.
Of note, the recent changes to the PANCE blueprint in 2025 may continue to affect future pass rates.
What do lower PANCE pass rates mean for you?
So, what do these “slightly ominous” statistics mean for students like you and for your success on the PANCE?
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to stay calm—trust me, we are all very capable of the creation of the dreaded “worst case scenario” and ultimately none of the terrible things we think of ever come to fruition.
However, a lower pass rate isn’t an immediate indication to overhaul your study plan! The best thing you can do is give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the PANCE, both mentally and physically. By building your confidence steadily over time, you’ll feel prepared to pass with flying colors.
If you’re taking the PANCE in 2026 and find yourself worrying about the drop in PANCE pass rates, here are a few best practices to make sure you pass the exam—on the first try!
Struggling to remember key topics during your PANCE prep? Download our FREE study sheet with mnemonics that our PA instructors use during our Live PANCE Review Course!
Best Practices to Pass the PANCE in 2026
Core Step #1: Regularly study with high-yield practice questions
Personally, among many mantras that guide my professional practice, one that comes to mind is “practice how you play.” In regard to the actual PANCE, why wouldn’t we use practice questions that mimic the style you’ll see on the actual exam?
When you study with the Blueprint PA (formerly Rosh Review) PANCE Qbank, you get 3,800 NCCPA-formatted questions that follow the PANCE content blueprint, all authored and peer-reviewed by PA-Cs who excelled on the PANCE. You’ll also find detailed explanations, images, and references to reinforce your knowledge—plus, 300 new questions with five multiple-choice answer choices, just like you’ll see on the actual PANCE.
Core Step #2: Create a study plan to schedule your practice questions
Building a PANCE study plan isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’ll keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content you’ll need to review. A clear plan shows you what to study and when, so you’re not guessing, cramming, or jumping between topics without structure.
Creating your plan starts with the PANCE blueprint. Break the exam into chunks and map out a timeline that fits the weeks or months you have left. Put the high-yield systems first, pair your content review with steady practice questions, and build in lighter days or catch-up blocks so your schedule feels doable. The key is making a plan that feels realistic, not aspirational—aka, one you can actually stick to.
You may choose to mix up your study methods so you stay engaged: quick sessions for specific topics, reviewing previously missed questions, and full-length practice exams all play a role. Check in with yourself periodically about working, what’s not, and what needs adjusting. A good plan evolves with you, and that flexibility is what keeps you on track all the way to exam day.
💡 For more info about how to create a PANCE study plan: How to Create a PANCE Study Schedule and Pass on the First Try
Core Step #3: Identify your knowledge gaps with a performance dashboard
This goes right along with completing daily PANCE practice questions—if you use a Qbank like Blueprint for your PANCE prep, you’ll have access to a personal analytics dashboard to track your performance by category and view your projected PANCE passing score (which many Blueprint learners have stated is “scarily accurate” to your actual exam score).
While working through your PANCE study schedule and PA program, it’s a good idea to check your performance data regularly to identify any areas of weakness. You can address these knowledge gaps by creating practice exams that focus on those specific categories (or even searching for specific terms that need additional review)!
Core Step #4: Don’t be afraid to get a tutor and ask for help!
For anyone to overcome difficulty, it does “take a village.” As I have mentioned in previous posts regarding mentoring, this can be the advantage that will tip the needle in your favor. Learn from those that have embarked on the journey before you and consider taking advice directly from a seasoned and experienced PA.
🤝 If you find yourself in need of more individualized support while preparing for the PANCE, consider looking into personalized tutoring that matches your learning preferences and meets you where you are in your PANCE prep.
On top of these PANCE strategies, don’t forget that I am available by email if you have any other questions! You’re not alone, and I hope that these resources and insights put you on the path to excellence for all your future exams.
Here’s to looking forward to the continued PANCE data—and to your success!
All the best,
Frank Ritz, PA-C, DScPAS, MPAS
Interested in joining a live course for accelerated review? Look no further—the 4-day Blueprint PA (formerly Rosh Review) PANCE Review Course is now open for enrollment to help you pass the exam on the first take!
Originally published February 2023 / Updated December 2025
