Factors associated with PAs' choice of the traditional PANRE over the PANRE-LA

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with physician associates' (PAs') selection of the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE) versus the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination–Longitudinal Assessment (PANRE-LA) for maintenance of board certification. METHODS: We utilized data from 80,553 PAs due for recertification between 2024 and 2027 to examine associations between selecting the traditional PANRE versus the PANRE-LA and PA demographics, practice characteristics, prior traditional PANRE experience, most recent examination performance, and first-attempt Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) scores. RESULTS: Overall, 77.6% of PAs chose the PANRE-LA. Selection of the traditional PANRE was most strongly associated with older age, previous experience with the traditional PANRE, male gender, and African American/Black race. Performance on the PANCE and the most recent traditional PANRE had a negligible association with PAs' choice of assessment type. CONCLUSION: Understanding the factors associated with examination choice is crucial for addressing PAs' current and future credentialing needs.