The following table represents an approximation of the breakdown of questions on the PA Entry to practice certification examination. This is intended as a guide only and the actual PA Cert Exam may vary slightly from this ideal.
PACCC PA Cert Exam Blueprint (last updated 2022)
General Examination Format
| Number of questions | 250 questions |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice, four-option only |
| Question Presentation | Standalone questions only |
| Cognitive Levels | Knowledge, Application, and Critical Thinking |
Systems based Weighting
| System | Weighting |
| Cardiovascular | 10.00% |
| Dermatology | 6.00% |
| Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat | 6.00% |
| Endocrine & Metabolic | 9.00% |
| Gastrointestinal | 10.00% |
| Genitourinary | 7.00% |
| Immune & Hematology | 4.00% |
| Infectious Disease | 4.00% |
| Mental Health | 9.00% |
| Musculoskeletal | 10.00% |
| Neurological | 8.00% |
| Obstetrics/Gynecology | 7.00% |
| Respiratory | 10.00% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) Weighting
| EPA | Weighting |
| EPA1: Practice patient-focused, safe, ethical, professional, and culturally competent medical care across the healthcare continuum. | 7.00% |
| EPA2: Obtain histories and perform physical examinations, demonstrating clinical judgement appropriate to the clinical situation. | 12.00% |
| EPA3: Formulate clinical questions and gather required clinical evidence to advance patient care; and communicate those results to the patient and medical team. | 12.00% |
| EPA4: Formulate and prioritize comprehensive differential diagnoses. | 12.00% |
| EPA5: Develop and implement patient-centered, evidence-based treatment plans within the formalized physician, clinical team, and caregiver relationships. | 12.00% |
| EPA6: Accurately document the clinical encounter, incorporating the patient's goals, caregiver goals, decision-making, and reports into the clinical record. | 5.00% |
| EPA7: Collaborate as a member of an inter-professional team in all aspects of patient care, including transition of care responsibility. | 5.00% |
| EPA8: Recognize a patient requiring immediate care, providing the appropriate management and seeking help as needed. | 10.00% |
| EPA9: Plan and perform procedures and therapies for the assessment and the medical management appropriate for general practice. | 8.00% |
| EPA10: Engage and educate patients on procedures, disease management, health promotion, wellness, and preventive medicine. | 7.00% |
| EPA11: Recognize and advocate for patients concerning cultural, community, and social needs in support of positive mental and physical wellness. | 5.00% |
| EPA12: Integrate continuing professional and patient quality improvement, life-long learning, and scholarship. | 5.00% |
| TOTAL | 100.% |