CME Review Courses

Major announcement: The complete CME Review Courses catalog is now approved for AAPA Category 1 CME. The full program includes 14 clinical and exam-preparation modules, AAPA Category 1 CME credit for every module, and access to focused review content for practicing PAs and NPs.

The program is accredited as a single enduring activity:

Comprehensive Clinical Review for Practicing PAs, 2026–27
AAPA reference number: CME-2016187
Approval period: August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2027

One clarification is important: the accreditation covers the entire 14-module program, not the credit amount for one individual purchase. Each course awards the credits assigned to that specific module.

What changed for PAs

Previously, only selected CME Review Courses products carried AAPA Category 1 credit. The full library has now been reviewed and approved by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel.

That means you can select education based on your certification or clinical needs without automatically limiting yourself to Category 2 content. Choose a focused specialty course, complete the PANRE or PANRE-LA review module, or combine multiple modules across your CME cycle.

Every course includes online enduring material, a post-test, an activity evaluation, and a certificate stating the precise amount of credit earned.

The 14-course AAPA Category 1 catalog

Specialty CME packages

Each specialty module includes 200 cited, board-style questions and lecture video. Each specialty course is $399.99 with 30 months of access.

• Emergency Medicine CME Package : up to 25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits
• Family Medicine CME Package : up to 25 credits
• Pediatrics Review CME Package : up to 25 credits
• Internal Medicine/Hospitalist CME Package : up to 24.5 credits
• Urgent Care CME Review Package : up to 24.5 credits
• Cardiology CME Review Package : up to 23 credits
• Psychiatry CME Package : up to 22.5 credits
• OB/GYN CME Review Package : up to 22 credits
• Dermatology CME Package Review Course : up to 21.75 credits
• Neurology CME Package : up to 21.5 credits
• Orthopedics CME Package : up to 21.5 credits

These 11 specialty modules total 256.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits.

Pharmacology CME Review Package

The Pharmacology CME Review Package includes:

• 12.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits
• 120 pharmacology questions
• Lecture-based review organized around medication classes and clinical application
• $399.99 price with 30 months of access

Pharmacology is useful as a focused review course or as a supplement to broader PANRE preparation. It addresses the medication knowledge required in nearly every clinical setting, including anticoagulants, antimicrobials, antihypertensives, diabetes medications, psychotropics, analgesics, and adverse-effect recognition.

PANRE Review Course

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card is designated for up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits.

Course details:

• $399.99
• 30 months of access
• 1,200 total board-style questions
• Five practice examinations with 240 questions each
• Complete PANRE Study Library
• Content aligned with the NCCPA Blueprint
• Online, self-paced delivery

This course is designed for PAs preparing for the traditional PANRE while also completing a substantial portion of their CME requirement. It provides structured exam review rather than isolated question repetition.

PANRE-LA Review Course

The PANRE-LA Review Course is also designated for up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits.

It includes the same core question volume: 1,200 total questions across five 240-question exams, along with the Study Library. The material supports PAs who are completing the NCCPA Longitudinal Assessment pathway and need consistent review across the assessment period.

The PANRE and PANRE-LA modules each account for 100 credits within the program. Purchasing one does not award the credits assigned to the other.

Add Amazon or Apple gift cards to any order

CME Review Courses also offers cme gift cards as paid add-ons. You can add an Amazon or Apple gift card from $100 to $1,500 to any eligible course order.

These are paid add-ons, not free gifts. The gift card amount is added to the purchase total. Confirm that your employer or organization permits this type of CME expense before ordering.

Amazon and Apple are the only gift card options currently offered. Best Buy and Lowe’s gift cards are no longer available.

The add-on option can be useful when you have an employer-sponsored CME budget that must be used during a defined benefit period. Select the course that supports your clinical or certification goals, then choose the gift card amount that fits your approved budget.

Gift cards are processed and delivered by email according to the product-page terms. CME completion is separate: you must complete the required educational activity, pass the post-test, and submit the evaluation to earn credit.

How you earn AAPA Category 1 CME

The process is consistent across the accredited modules:

1. Review the course content.
2. Complete the module post-test.
3. Earn a score of 70% or higher.
4. Complete the activity evaluation.
5. Download the certificate stating the precise credit earned.

You may retake missed questions as permitted by the course. Claim only the credit that corresponds to your actual participation and successful completion.

PAs should log the credit according to NCCPA requirements and their certification-maintenance schedule. NPs may find the content valuable, but acceptance of AAPA Category 1 CME for NP licensure or certification varies by state, employer, and certifying organization. NPs should verify requirements with their state board of nursing before purchase.

Physicians may also find the clinical content useful. Physicians generally claim this activity as Category 2 CME, not Category 1 CME.

Practice question

Your patient is a 64-year-old man who develops sudden pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea 5 days after total knee arthroplasty. HR is 118/min, BP is 132/78 mm Hg, RR is 26/min, and SaO₂ is 89% on room air. He is alert and has no active bleeding. What is the most appropriate next diagnostic step?

A. D-dimer assay
B. CT pulmonary angiography
C. Screening lower-extremity ultrasound only
D. Electrocardiography
E. Noncontrast chest CT

Answer: B. CT pulmonary angiography

CT pulmonary angiography is the appropriate next diagnostic test because this patient has a high pretest probability for acute PE: recent major orthopedic surgery, abrupt dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and hypoxemia.

A D-dimer is not useful when clinical suspicion is high and is frequently elevated after surgery. Lower-extremity ultrasound may identify DVT but does not directly evaluate the pulmonary vasculature. ECG can support the evaluation but cannot exclude PE. A routine noncontrast chest CT is not the appropriate study.

If iodinated contrast is contraindicated or renal function prevents CT angiography, a V/Q scan may be considered. In practice, the diagnostic choice should account for pretest probability, renal function, contrast allergy, radiation exposure, and local availability.

This type of question reflects the purpose of the CME Review Courses catalog: combine practical clinical reasoning, cited explanations, and structured preparation for certification examinations.

Accreditation statement

This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. The activity is designated for AAPA Category 1 CME credits across the complete 14-module program.

Approval is valid from 8/26/2026 to 8/26/2027.
AAPA reference number: CME-2016187.

PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Each individual course awards the credits assigned to that module.

Target audience: Practicing PAs and NPs
Faculty: Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C

Choose your next course

If you are preparing for recertification, begin with the PANRE Review Course with Gift Card or the PANRE-LA Review Course.

If you need focused clinical education, select the specialty module that matches your practice or the area where you need the most review. These courses are intended for practicing clinicians; PAs seeking initial certification should review dedicated PANCE prep courses instead.

Read the full accreditation announcement and browse all 14 AAPA Category 1 CME courses →

About the author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C is an emergency medicine physician assistant with 24 years of clinical experience as a PA-C and an additional seven years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist. He is a PA educator, author, and CME developer who created the PANRE, PANCE, EOR, pharmacology, and specialty review courses at CME Review Courses.

Course price: $399.99

Access: 30 months

CME: 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME through the PANRE Review Course

Deliverables: 2,500+ PANRE practice questions, 3 full-length 240-question mock exams, detailed explanations, NCCPA Blueprint-mapped review content, readiness tracking, and downloadable slides

Gift card options: Optional Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-ons from $100 to $1,500. These are paid add-ons added to the purchase price and are not free gifts.

Choosing between PANRE-LA and the traditional PANRE depends on how you prefer to prepare, test, and manage your recertification timeline. Both options assess the same core medical knowledge and both require you to maintain your CME obligations.

The important point is that your exam choice does not eliminate the need for CME. The PANRE Review Course can help you prepare for either path while earning 100 hours of Category 1 AAPA credit through the PANRE course itself.

PANRE-LA vs Traditional PANRE: The Main Differences

Feature	Traditional PANRE	PANRE-LA
Testing format	Proctored exam at a Pearson VUE testing center	Online longitudinal assessment
Timing	Available during years 9 or 10	Apply in year 6; assessment begins in year 7
Question volume	240 questions in one examination	25 questions per quarter
Testing schedule	Four 60-question blocks	Complete each quarterly set by the deadline
References	Closed book	Printed and online references permitted
Scoring	Single exam result	Final score based on the best 8 of 12 quarters
Feedback	Results typically available within two weeks	Immediate feedback after each question
CME	Does not replace regular CME requirements	Two Category 1 Self-Assessment credits per completed quarter, with NCCPA weighting applied according to current policy

The NCCPA certification maintenance page confirms that both pathways use the same core content and that PAs must continue meeting their CME requirements while participating in PANRE-LA.

Budget note: The Amazon and Apple Gift Card add-ons remain optional paid additions of $100 to $1,500. They are added to the purchase price and are not free gifts, regardless of which exam pathway you choose.

When Traditional PANRE May Fit Better

Traditional PANRE is appropriate if you prefer a defined preparation period followed by one examination. It is administered at a Pearson VUE testing center during the ninth or tenth year of your certification maintenance cycle.

The exam includes:

• Four blocks of 60 questions
• 60 minutes for each block
• A total of 240 questions
• Approximately five hours for testing, tutorial, and breaks
• Up to four total attempts, subject to NCCPA rules and timing restrictions

This format rewards concentrated preparation, timed practice, and the ability to sustain attention during a long testing session. The PANRE Review Course includes three full-length 240-question mock exams so you can practice pacing and identify whether your performance declines during the final blocks.

A traditional PANRE study plan should include:

1. A baseline full-length exam.
2. Review of missed questions by organ system.
3. Targeted study of high-weight systems such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary medicine.
4. Additional timed question blocks.
5. At least two more full-length simulations before test day.

PANCE prep courses may provide useful general medical review, but they are not automatically designed for the needs of an experienced PA preparing for recertification. Your clinical practice may be narrow, while the PANRE evaluates core knowledge across multiple specialties.

Budget note: If you purchase the PANRE Review Course for traditional PANRE preparation, any Amazon or Apple Gift Card amount from $100 to $1,500 is a paid add-on added to the course price: not a free gift.

When PANRE-LA May Fit Better

PANRE-LA is designed for PAs who prefer smaller assessments distributed over time. According to NCCPA, you apply during the sixth year of your certification maintenance cycle and begin the assessment in the seventh year.

Each quarter includes 25 questions, and you have five minutes to answer each question. You may use printed or online references, but you may not consult other people. The assessment provides immediate feedback, including the correct answer, explanation, and references.

The final score is based on your best eight quarters out of 12. You may skip up to four quarters, but you must participate in at least one quarter during years seven and eight. If you do not successfully complete PANRE-LA, NCCPA provides opportunities to take the traditional PANRE during year 10.

PANRE-LA may be a better fit if you:

• Prefer open-book testing.
• Learn effectively from immediate feedback.
• Want to distribute preparation across several years.
• Prefer studying in shorter sessions.
• Can maintain consistent engagement with quarterly deadlines.

The main disadvantage is that PANRE-LA requires long-term organization. Delaying every quarter until the deadline creates unnecessary pressure and reduces the educational value of the feedback. Use the assessment as a recurring learning activity rather than treating each quarter as an isolated test.

The PANRE Review Course can function as a searchable reference while you prepare. Its 100 hours of Category 1 AAPA credit apply to the PANRE Review Course, not to a separate pharmacology course.

Budget note: The optional Amazon and Apple Gift Card add-ons are available from $100 to $1,500, but the selected amount is added to the purchase price and is not a free gift.

CME Implications: Both Paths Still Require Planning

NCCPA certification maintenance is divided into five two-year CME cycles within the 10-year certification period. During each two-year cycle, you must earn and log 100 CME credits and meet the applicable Category 1 requirements.

PANRE-LA can produce additional Category 1 Self-Assessment CME for completed quarters. However, PANRE-LA does not replace your regular CME requirements. You must continue completing and logging CME while participating.

The PANRE Review Course is designed to combine exam preparation with CME fulfillment:

• 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME
• 2,500+ practice questions
• Three 240-question mock exams
• Coverage of all major systems in the current NCCPA PANRE/PANRE-LA Content Blueprint
• 30 months of access
• Self-paced online study

NCCPA may apply its 50% weighting policy to eligible Self-Assessment CME when credits are logged for certification maintenance. Confirm current requirements in your NCCPA account and claim only the credit commensurate with your participation.

Budget note: The course is $399.99, while the optional Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-on is separately priced from $100 to $1,500. The add-on is not free and increases the total purchase price.

Maximize Your CME Budget With Paid Gift Card Add-ons

Many PAs receive an annual employer CME allowance. If funds expire at the end of the fiscal year, a course that supports both exam preparation and CME can be a more efficient purchase than buying disconnected resources.

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card allows you to select an Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-on when you check out. The selected amount is added to the total price and processed as part of the order. Gift cards are generally delivered by email within two to three business days.

Use these steps before purchasing:

1. Confirm your employer’s CME reimbursement policy.
2. Verify whether bundled purchases and gift-card add-ons are permitted.
3. Select an amount that fits your available CME balance.
4. Confirm that the course’s CME designation meets your professional requirements.
5. Track your course completion and CME documentation separately from the gift card.

The add-on can help you use an approved CME allowance for a professional education purchase, but it should not be treated as a discount, rebate, or free promotional item. Amazon and Apple Gift Card add-ons from $100 to $1,500 are paid additions to the course price and are not free gifts.

Common PANRE Review Mistakes

1. Relying only on PANCE prep courses

PANCE prep courses are usually designed for students and new graduates. PANRE preparation should address the broad core knowledge expected of practicing PA-Cs and should be organized around the current NCCPA Blueprint.

2. Studying passively

Reading slides without answering questions does not adequately test clinical reasoning. Use active recall. For each missed question, identify the diagnosis, the management principle, and why the distractors are incorrect.

3. Avoiding full-length simulations

Short quizzes do not test endurance or pacing. Complete full-length 240-question exams under timed conditions before your actual PANRE.

4. Studying every topic equally

Use your baseline performance and the NCCPA content percentages to prioritize. Cardiovascular content represents approximately 12% of the examination, while gastrointestinal and pulmonary content each represent approximately 10%. Weak performance in these areas should receive focused attention.

5. Separating CME from exam preparation

Buying one resource for PANRE preparation and another for Category 1 credit can increase cost and administrative work. The PANRE Review Course provides 100 hours of Category 1 AAPA credit while you review for recertification.

Budget note: Any Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-on selected with the course costs an additional $100 to $1,500, is added to the purchase price, and is not a free gift.

PANRE Practice Question

Your patient is a 72-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation who presents with sudden severe abdominal pain that began two hours ago. The pain appears disproportionate to the mild abdominal tenderness on examination. She is restless and diaphoretic. Vital signs are BP 156/92 mmHg, HR 118/min and irregular, RR 24/min, and SaO2 97% on room air. Serum lactate is elevated.

Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic study?

A. Abdominal ultrasound

B. CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis

C. Colonoscopy

D. Plain abdominal radiography

E. Upper endoscopy

Correct answer: B. CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis

CT angiography is the preferred initial diagnostic study for suspected acute mesenteric ischemia in a hemodynamically stable patient. This patient has atrial fibrillation, abrupt severe abdominal pain, pain out of proportion to the examination, and an elevated lactate, suggesting an arterial embolic event involving the mesenteric circulation.

Abdominal ultrasound is limited by bowel gas and operator dependence. Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy do not evaluate the full mesenteric arterial circulation and may delay definitive management. Plain radiography has poor sensitivity for early mesenteric ischemia.

Immediate surgical and vascular consultation is also appropriate. Avoid delaying imaging when the patient is stable enough for CT, because bowel infarction carries substantial morbidity and mortality.

Make Your Daily CME Plan More Efficient

Whether you select PANRE-LA or traditional PANRE, use a study system that combines broad medical review, question practice, and CME planning.

The PANRE Review Course provides:

• $399.99 purchase price
• 30 months of access
• 100 hours of Category 1 AAPA Self-Assessment CME
• 2,500+ practice questions
• Three full-length mock exams
• NCCPA Blueprint-mapped content and explanations

Optional cme gift cards from Amazon or Apple are available from $100 to $1,500. They are paid add-ons added to the purchase price, not free gifts. Review your employer’s policy before selecting an add-on.

For additional PA exam preparation, use the PAtopia web version, or download the PAtopia iOS app or PAtopia Android app. PAtopia is designed primarily for PANCE preparation, while the PANRE Review Course is the relevant CME and recertification resource for practicing PA-Cs.

Review the PANRE Review Course with optional CME gift card add-ons

Important: AAPA Category 1 credit acceptance for nurse practitioners varies by state and employer. Physicians may find the clinical content useful, but the activity generally counts as Category 2 CME for physicians. Verify requirements with your licensing board or credentialing organization.

About the Author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C, is a practicing Emergency Medicine physician assistant with 24 years of clinical experience as a PA-C, along with seven years of prior experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He is a PA educator, CME developer, author, and founder of CME Review Courses. Jeremy creates PANRE, PANCE, EOR, pharmacology, and specialty review content focused on clinical reasoning, practical management, and efficient exam preparation.

Course price: $399.99
Access: 30 months
Deliverables: 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME through the PANRE Review Course, 2,500+ practice questions, and three 240-question mock exams

If you are a PA approaching an NCCPA certification maintenance deadline, the type of CME you purchase matters. A course may provide clinical education, but that does not automatically mean it qualifies as AAPA Category 1 CME.

The key distinction is whether the activity has been formally reviewed and designated for Category 1 credit by an accepted accrediting organization. For PAs, AAPA Category 1 CME can help satisfy the Category 1 portion of the NCCPA requirement while also providing structured exam preparation.

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card is designed to combine both objectives: prepare for the PANRE or PANRE-LA and provide 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME in one course purchase.

What Is AAPA Category 1 CME?

AAPA Category 1 CME consists of planned educational activities designed to maintain, improve, or expand the clinical knowledge and professional skills used in PA practice.

The activity must meet established educational standards. In practical terms, that generally means the course has:

• Defined learning objectives
• Clinically relevant content
• A structured educational format
• An evaluation or assessment process
• Formal accreditation or designation
• Documentation showing the type and amount of credit awarded

The important point is that Category 1 CME is not simply any medical information you read or review. The activity must be formally designated for that credit type.

The AAPA CME FAQs explain that Category 1 CME includes approved clinical and professional education used to maintain knowledge, skills, and professional performance.

How Category 1 Differs From Category 2 CME

For NCCPA certification maintenance, PAs must earn 100 CME credits every two years, including at least 50 Category 1 CME credits. The remaining 50 credits may be Category 1, Category 2, or a combination of both.

Category 1 CME

Category 1 CME is formally reviewed and designated by an accepted accreditor or sponsor. Examples include:

• AAPA Category 1 CME
• AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from an eligible provider
• AOA Category 1-A credit
• AAFP Prescribed Credit
• Certain other recognized credit systems accepted by NCCPA

The activity typically involves an organized course, conference, self-assessment, or performance improvement program.

Category 2 CME

Category 2 CME is elective education related to medicine, patient care, or the PA profession that has not been formally designated for Category 1 credit.

Examples may include:

• Reading medical journals or textbooks
• Reviewing clinical research
• Participating in certain professional meetings
• Precepting students
• Completing other practice-related educational activities that do not carry Category 1 designation

Category 2 credit can be useful, but it does not replace the minimum Category 1 requirement for NCCPA certification maintenance.

The NCCPA CME requirements provide the current details on Category 1, Category 2, self-assessment, and performance improvement CME.

Who Can Claim AAPA Category 1 Credit?

Physician Assistants

PAs are the primary audience for AAPA Category 1 CME. If you complete an activity designated for AAPA Category 1 credit, you can generally claim the awarded credit toward NCCPA certification maintenance, provided the activity falls within your current CME earning window.

For the PANRE Review Course, participants must complete the course requirements and electronic evaluation before claiming the credit. You should claim only the amount of credit that corresponds to your participation.

Nurse Practitioners

NPs may find the clinical content useful, but acceptance of AAPA Category 1 CME varies by state, employer, and credentialing organization.

Some state boards and employers accept AAPA Category 1 credit for NP continuing education. Others require credit approved through nursing-specific organizations. NPs should verify acceptance with their state board of nursing and credentialing body before purchasing.

Physicians

Physicians may also use the clinical content for professional education. However, this activity is not Category 1 CME for physicians. Physicians should generally claim it as Category 2 CME, subject to their state medical board and employer requirements.

This distinction is important when comparing a course’s educational value with its credit value. The same clinical material may count differently depending on your profession and licensing requirements.

How the PANRE Review Course’s 100 AAPA Category 1 Hours Work

The 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 credit apply specifically to the PANRE Review Course. They do not apply to the Pharmacology Course.

The PANRE course is designated for 100 AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits, with AAPA reference number CME-203981. The course covers major clinical areas tested on the current NCCPA Blueprint and is structured around board-style questions, explanations, and review materials.

The course includes:

• More than 2,500 board-style practice questions
• Three full-length mock exams
• 720 mock-exam questions total
• Interactive quizzes with explanations
• Organ-system review modules
• A performance dashboard
• Unlimited question attempts
• 30 months of online access

This makes the course useful for both certification maintenance and PANRE preparation. You are not completing a disconnected CME activity solely to collect credit. You are reviewing the clinical content you may need for the recertification exam while working toward the CME requirements attached to your certification cycle.

The NCCPA gives a 50% additional weighting to eligible self-assessment CME when logged for NCCPA certification maintenance. This weighting applies to NCCPA certification maintenance only. It does not change the number of hours awarded on the course documentation, and state licensing boards may require you to report the actual awarded amount without additional weighting.

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card includes the complete course details, accreditation statement, and available purchase options.

Do Not Confuse the PANRE Course With the Pharmacology Course

CME Review Courses offers a separate Pharmacology CME Review Course.

That course provides 12 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME in pharmacology. It is intended for clinicians who need focused pharmacology education, including prescribing principles, drug safety, contraindications, and medication management.

It does not provide the 100 Category 1 hours associated with the PANRE Review Course.

If your primary goal is to complete a large portion or all of your NCCPA CME requirement while preparing for recertification, the PANRE course is the relevant product. If you need additional pharmacology-specific education, the Pharmacology Course can be considered separately.

Paid CME Gift Card Add-Ons: What the Purchase Includes

The PANRE Review Course can be purchased with optional Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-ons ranging from $100 to $1,500.

These are paid add-ons, not free gifts. The selected gift card amount is added to the total purchase price. For example, choosing a $500 Amazon Gift Card add-on increases the package total by $500.

The add-on structure may help clinicians use an employer-sponsored CME allowance for a substantial educational purchase while also obtaining funds for additional professional resources. Depending on your employer’s policy, the gift card may be used for items such as:

• Medical textbooks
• Clinical reference tools
• Computer or tablet equipment
• Educational subscriptions
• Other approved professional-development expenses

Before purchasing, confirm that your employer permits this type of CME package and add-on structure. Amazon and Apple are independent companies and are not affiliated with or sponsors of CME Review Courses. Gift cards are processed separately and typically delivered by email within two to three business days.

Practice Clinical Vignette

Your patient is a 67-year-old man with hypertension and hyperlipidemia who presents with sudden, severe chest pain radiating to the interscapular region. His BP is 204/112 mmHg in the right arm and 178/96 mmHg in the left arm. HR is 118/min. Chest radiography shows a widened mediastinum.

Which medication should be administered first to reduce aortic wall shear stress?

A. IV nitroprusside
B. IV labetalol
C. Oral amlodipine
D. IV heparin
E. Sublingual nitroglycerin

Correct answer: B. IV labetalol.

In suspected acute aortic dissection, initiate rapid beta-blockade to reduce HR and ventricular contractility before adding a vasodilator. IV labetalol decreases shear stress through beta blockade with additional alpha blockade. Nitroprusside may be added after beta blockade if hypertension persists, but using it first can produce reflex tachycardia. Heparin is inappropriate when dissection is suspected because of hemorrhage risk. Oral therapy is too slow for this hypertensive emergency.

One Course Purchase, 100 Category 1 Hours

For a PA, the value of the PANRE Review Course is the combination of exam preparation and CME fulfillment.

You receive:

• A course designed for PANRE and PANRE-LA preparation
• 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME from the PANRE Review Course
• More than 2,500 practice questions
• Three 240-question mock exams
• 30 months of access
• Optional paid Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-ons from $100 to $1,500

Always confirm your personal NCCPA earning window, state licensing requirements, and employer reimbursement rules before enrolling. For most PAs who need both recertification preparation and a substantial amount of Category 1 CME, completing one comprehensive course can be more efficient than assembling credits from multiple unrelated activities.

Continue Studying With PAtopia

If you are still in PA school or preparing for the PANCE, PAtopia’s web version provides PANCE, PACKRAT, EOC, and EOR review resources. PAtopia is an exam-preparation platform and is separate from the AAPA-accredited PANRE CME activity.

You can also study on mobile:

• Download PAtopia for iOS on the App Store
• Download PAtopia for Android on Google Play

PAtopia includes board-style practice questions and study libraries for clinicians seeking pance prep courses and PA school exam preparation.

About the Author

Jeremy Boroff, PA-C is an emergency medicine physician assistant with more than two decades of clinical experience. He has served as an advanced practice clinician director, written PA board-review materials, and developed PANRE, PANCE, EOR, and specialty CME courses for physician assistants. His educational content focuses on practical clinical reasoning, exam-relevant decision-making, and evidence-based patient care.

Course price: $399.99 for the PANRE Review Course
Access: 30 months
CME: 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME through the PANRE Review Course
Deliverables: 2,500+ practice questions, 15 system-based modules, 3 full-length mock exams, high-yield lectures, slides, and performance tracking
Gift card options: Paid Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-ons from $100 to $1,500

The gift card add-ons are added to the purchase price and are not free gifts. Review your employer’s CME reimbursement policy before selecting an add-on.

CME planning is easier when you understand exactly which credits count, how they are weighted, and how your recertification pathway affects your study schedule. The following five facts cover the core AAPA Category 1 rules, followed by practical guidance on PANRE-LA, Traditional PANRE preparation, common review errors, and using your CME budget efficiently.

1. NCCPA requires 100 CME credits every two years

To maintain NCCPA certification, PAs must earn and log 100 CME credits during each two-year cycle. At least 50 credits must be Category 1 CME. The remaining 50 credits may be Category 1, Category 2, or a combination of both.

This requirement is separate from the examination requirement. During the 10-year certification maintenance process, you must also complete the applicable recertification pathway, such as PANRE-LA or the Traditional PANRE.

The NCCPA continuing medical education requirements provide the current rules for credit types, logging, and audits. State licensing requirements may be different, so check your state board before relying on one activity for every professional requirement.

The PANRE Review Course is designed to simplify this process by providing 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME in one comprehensive course. You must complete the activity and claim credit commensurate with your participation.

2. AAPA Category 1 credit must come from an approved educational activity

AAPA Category 1 CME is not simply any medical education activity. It must meet established educational and accreditation criteria and be designated by an accepted CME sponsor.

AAPA describes Category 1 CME as education that maintains, develops, or increases the knowledge, skills, and professional performance used in patient care and professional practice. Examples include accredited courses, approved self-assessment activities, and qualifying performance-improvement activities.

When selecting a course, confirm:

• The activity clearly states its credit designation.
• The number of credits is listed.
• The accrediting organization is identified.
• The activity falls within your current NCCPA earning window.
• You receive appropriate completion documentation.

The PANRE Review Course is specifically designated for 100 AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits. This designation applies to the PANRE Review Course. It does not mean that every CME Review Courses product provides 100 hours of Category 1 credit.

The AAPA CME FAQs explain the difference between regular Category 1 CME, Category 1 Self-Assessment CME, PI-CME, and Category 2 credit.

3. Self-assessment CME receives additional NCCPA weighting

AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME is different from a standard one-time lecture or reading activity. Self-assessment involves evaluating your knowledge or performance, receiving feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.

For NCCPA certification maintenance, self-assessment CME receives a 50% additional weighting. For example, 20 credits of qualifying self-assessment CME are converted to 30 credits in the NCCPA certification maintenance calculation.

The 100 AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment credits associated with the PANRE Review Course may therefore receive NCCPA’s additional weighting when properly logged. The weighting applies to NCCPA certification maintenance. It does not automatically change the number of credits accepted by a state licensing board.

That distinction matters. If your state requires 100 hours of CME based on the number printed on your certificate, the state may count the activity as 100 hours rather than applying NCCPA’s additional weighting. Confirm the rule with your state board.

This is one reason a structured course can be useful: you receive clinical review, practice questions, feedback, and a large block of Category 1 CME in the same activity.

4. PANRE-LA and Traditional PANRE affect CME planning differently

Your choice of recertification pathway should influence when and how you study.

PANRE-LA

PANRE-LA is a longitudinal assessment. Participants answer question sets over multiple quarters rather than completing one traditional examination sitting.

For each quarter in which you complete all 25 PANRE-LA questions, you earn 2 Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits. NCCPA applies its 50% self-assessment weighting to those credits for certification maintenance purposes.

PANRE-LA can support steady review because the assessment is distributed over time. However, it does not eliminate the need to plan for the broader 100-credit CME requirement. The credits earned through PANRE-LA represent only part of the total CME needed during a two-year cycle.

Traditional PANRE

The Traditional PANRE is a conventional, proctored recertification examination. The examination itself does not provide the same quarterly CME award associated with PANRE-LA. You must earn your CME through separate approved activities.

If you select the Traditional PANRE, a comprehensive PANRE Review Course can combine two tasks:

1. Review the clinical content tested on the exam.
2. Earn 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME through the course.

The content is organized around the 15 sections of the NCCPA Blueprint, including cardiology, dermatology, EENT, reproductive health, gastrointestinal and nutrition, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, neurology, genitourinary, renal, emergency topics, infectious disease, psychiatry, hematology, and endocrinology.

Before choosing a pathway, review the current information directly from NCCPA and consider your schedule, testing preferences, and ability to study consistently.

5. Gift card add-ons can help you use an expiring CME allowance: but they are paid add-ons

Many employers provide an annual CME or professional development allowance. Those funds may expire if they are not used by the deadline. A CME package with an optional gift card add-on may help you direct that budget toward a substantial educational purchase while receiving additional spending value.

For the PANRE Review Course, the base price is $399.99 for 30 months of access. You may add an Amazon or Apple Gift Card in amounts from $100 to $1,500, depending on the option available at checkout.

The important point is straightforward:

The Amazon and Apple Gift Card add-ons are paid add-ons included in the total purchase price. They are not free gifts, rebates, or no-cost bonuses.

The add-on amount increases the total price of the order by the same amount. Amazon and Apple Gift Cards are generally processed by email within 2–3 business days, subject to the terms listed on the PANRE Review Course product page.

Before purchasing, verify that:

• Your employer allows the selected type of CME purchase.
• The total order fits within your available allowance.
• The gift card add-on is permitted under your organization’s policy.
• You understand that gift card packages may have separate refund restrictions.

The value is in combining legitimate exam preparation and CME education with a budget option that fits your professional development funds. The gift card itself does not create CME credit. Only the completed, accredited educational activity provides the CME.

Common PANRE review mistakes

Mistake 1: Waiting until the final year

A last-minute review creates unnecessary pressure. Whether you choose PANRE-LA or the Traditional PANRE, start by identifying your certification deadline and building a weekly study schedule.

Mistake 2: Studying without performance feedback

Reading alone does not show whether you can recognize the correct diagnosis or management decision under exam conditions. Use question-based learning and review every missed question.

The PANRE Review Course includes 2,500+ practice questions, explanations, and performance tracking so you can identify weak organ systems instead of studying every topic equally.

Mistake 3: Confusing Category 1 and Category 2 credit

A medical article, promotional program, or nonaccredited educational activity may qualify as Category 2 rather than Category 1. Confirm the designation before spending study time on it.

Mistake 4: Treating all PANCE and PANRE prep courses as interchangeable

Many pance prep courses are designed for initial certification candidates and may not provide the same recertification-focused CME structure. PANCE candidates should confirm the course’s exam alignment and question volume. Certified PAs should also confirm whether the course offers AAPA Category 1 credit that can be used for NCCPA maintenance.

Clinical practice question

Your patient is a 67-year-old man with sudden-onset substernal chest pain radiating to the back. He has a history of hypertension. His BP is 182/98 mmHg in the right arm and 148/86 mmHg in the left arm. HR is 96 bpm, and SaO₂ is 98% on room air. You hear a new diastolic decrescendo murmur along the left sternal border. He is alert and hemodynamically stable.

Which diagnostic study is most appropriate to confirm the suspected diagnosis?

A. Portable chest radiograph
B. CTA of the chest with IV contrast
C. Exercise stress test
D. Noncontrast CT of the chest

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. CTA of the chest with IV contrast

CTA of the chest with IV contrast is the preferred initial imaging study for suspected acute aortic dissection in a hemodynamically stable patient. It rapidly evaluates the aorta and can identify an intimal flap and involvement of the true and false lumens.

A portable chest radiograph may show mediastinal widening but cannot reliably exclude dissection. An exercise stress test is inappropriate in a patient with a high-risk acute aortic syndrome presentation. A noncontrast CT does not provide the vascular detail required for definitive evaluation. If the patient becomes unstable, transesophageal echocardiography may be preferred because it can be performed rapidly at the bedside.

Plan your next CME step

If you are preparing for the Traditional PANRE, the PANRE Review Course provides exam-focused review and 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME with 30 months of access.

If you are preparing for the PANCE or looking for additional pance prep courses, PAtopia provides web and mobile review resources for PA students:

• PAtopia web version
• PAtopia on iOS
• PAtopia on Android

About the author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C, is an emergency medicine physician assistant, PA educator, author, and CME developer. He has more than two decades of clinical experience as a PA-C and created the PANRE, PANCE, EOR, specialty review, and pharmacology education products offered through CME Review Courses. Learn more about Jeremy Boroff and CME Review Courses.

Ready to organize your recertification plan? Review the PANRE Review Course with 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME, and verify your CME and gift card reimbursement rules before checkout.

If you are approaching recertification, choosing between PANRE-LA and the traditional PANRE should be based on your schedule, testing preferences, and ability to maintain a consistent study routine. The clinical content is closely aligned, but the testing experience is different.

Course Details at a Glance

• Price: $399.99 for the full PANRE Review Course
• Access: 30 months
• Deliverables: More than 2,500 practice questions, 15 body-system modules, three full-length mock exams, answer explanations, lectures, slides, and a readiness dashboard
• CME: 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME through the PANRE Review Course

The PANRE Review Course is designed for practicing PAs who want structured review and a substantial amount of CME in the same purchase. The course addresses the NCCPA PANRE/PANRE-LA content areas and can support preparation for either assessment format.

You may also add an Amazon or Apple Gift Card in amounts from $100 to $1,500. These are paid add-ons, not free gifts. The selected amount is added to the purchase price. Check your employer’s CME policy before selecting an add-on, and choose an amount that fits your available CME budget.

PANRE-LA vs. Traditional PANRE: What Is Different?

The NCCPA describes PANRE-LA as an alternative, longitudinal assessment. The traditional PANRE remains a single, proctored examination at a testing center. Review the current NCCPA PANRE-LA information and official policies before making your final decision.

Feature	Traditional PANRE	PANRE-LA
Format	One proctored examination at a Pearson VUE testing center	Online, longitudinal assessment completed through the NCCPA portal
Question volume	240 multiple-choice questions in four 60-question blocks	25 questions per quarter
Timing	Four 60-minute blocks	Five minutes per question
References	Closed-book	Open-book; printed or online references may be used
Schedule	Generally taken during years 9–10 of the certification cycle	Application begins in year 6; questions are delivered during years 7–9
Participation	One scheduled testing event	Twelve quarters are available; at least eight quarters must be completed
Testing environment	Pearson VUE test center	Home or work using a compatible device
Scoring	Scaled score; the current passing standard should be confirmed with NCCPA	Cumulative scoring based on the best eight quarters; confirm the current passing standard with NCCPA

Both pathways assess core medical knowledge using the applicable NCCPA PANRE/PANRE-LA content information. The difference is how and when you demonstrate that knowledge.

Who May Prefer PANRE-LA?

PANRE-LA may be a better fit if you:

• Prefer repeated, lower-stakes assessments over one high-stakes test day
• Can maintain a quarterly schedule for several years
• Like using clinical references to verify uncertain answers
• Want immediate feedback and rationales after answering questions
• Have an unpredictable clinical schedule but can protect short study periods throughout the quarter

The open-book format does not eliminate the need for preparation. Five minutes per question is limited when you must interpret a clinical vignette, identify the key issue, search a reference, and select the best answer. You need enough baseline knowledge to recognize what matters before opening a reference.

A practical PANRE-LA strategy is to divide the 25 quarterly questions into two or three planned sessions. Do not wait until the final days of the quarter. Complete questions early enough to review rationales and address knowledge gaps before the next assessment.

Who May Prefer the Traditional PANRE?

The traditional PANRE may be more appropriate if you:

• Want to complete recertification assessment in one planned event
• Prefer closed-book testing
• Perform well under timed conditions
• Do not want a multiyear quarterly commitment
• Can schedule a focused eight- to twelve-week study period

The traditional PANRE requires pacing and endurance. Your review must include timed blocks that approximate the actual testing structure. It is not enough to answer isolated questions while checking references. You must practice making decisions quickly without outside materials.

How a Focused PANRE Review Course Supports Both Options

A focused panre review course can support either exam because the underlying clinical domains overlap. The preparation emphasis changes, but the content review remains relevant.

The CME Review Courses program includes:

• More than 2,500 board-style questions with detailed explanations
• 15 body-system modules, including cardiology, pulmonary, GI, neurology, dermatology, infectious disease, psychiatry, and emergency topics
• Three full-length mock exams with 240 questions each
• A performance dashboard showing attempted questions, correct responses, topic performance, and flagged items
• Downloadable slides and organized review material
• 30 months of access for flexible preparation

Use the course differently depending on your selected pathway. For PANRE-LA, work through short question sets and use the explanations to build a longitudinal knowledge log. For the traditional PANRE, use the modules to identify weaknesses, then complete timed mixed blocks without references.

Although pance prep courses are intended primarily for initial certification preparation, the same habits: content mapping, question-based learning, timed practice, and error analysis: are useful for PANRE preparation. A dedicated PANRE course remains more appropriate when the goal is recertification.

The Value of 100 AAPA Category 1 CME Credits

The PANRE Review Course is designated for 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME. These credits apply specifically to the PANRE Review Course, not automatically to every CME Review Courses product.

You should claim credit only for the extent of your participation and complete the required course evaluation. NCCPA may apply its own certification-maintenance rules to self-assessment CME, so review the current NCCPA certification-maintenance requirements before logging credit.

For physicians, this activity may be claimed as Category 2 CME rather than Category 1. Nurse practitioner acceptance of AAPA Category 1 credit varies by state board and employer. NPs should verify requirements with their state board of nursing before purchase.

The course can also help you use an employer CME allowance efficiently. Optional cme gift cards from Amazon or Apple may be added in paid amounts from $100 to $1,500. They are not complimentary items or free gifts; they increase the total purchase price. Confirm that your organization permits this type of CME expenditure.

Common PANRE Review Mistakes

1. Treating PANRE-LA as an open-book shortcut

References are useful only when you can locate information quickly. Build familiarity with one primary clinical reference and practice searching it under the five-minute limit.

2. Waiting until the final year

Delayed preparation creates avoidable pressure. For PANRE-LA, late preparation can interfere with quarterly participation. For the traditional PANRE, it leaves insufficient time to complete enough practice questions and full-length simulations.

3. Reviewing only comfortable topics

A strong cardiology score does not compensate for repeated errors in infectious disease, renal medicine, psychiatry, or dermatology. Use performance data to direct study time toward weak systems.

4. Reading without answering questions

Passive review can create a false sense of competence. Questions reveal whether you can apply knowledge to diagnosis, management, contraindications, and next-best-step decisions.

5. Ignoring pacing

Traditional PANRE preparation requires timed 60-question blocks. PANRE-LA preparation requires five-minute decision-making. Practice the timing of the assessment you plan to take.

6. Confusing CME completion with exam readiness

Earning 100 CME credits is valuable, but completing CME does not guarantee PANRE or PANRE-LA success. Track both goals: the credit requirements and your clinical question performance.

A Practical Study Plan

1. Confirm your timeline. Determine your certification-cycle year and whether you are eligible for PANRE-LA application.
2. Choose your assessment format. Base the decision on schedule reliability, testing preference, and comfort with open- or closed-book conditions.
3. Complete a baseline mixed question set. Record performance by organ system rather than relying only on an overall percentage.
4. Create an error log. Label each missed question as a knowledge gap, misread stem, incorrect prioritization, or pacing problem.
5. Review by system, then mix topics. Start with focused modules and transition to mixed blocks as the exam approaches.
6. Simulate the actual format. Use open references and five-minute limits for PANRE-LA. Use closed-book 60-question blocks for traditional PANRE.
7. Schedule CME work separately. Complete the PANRE Review Course evaluation and claim the 100 AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment credits according to the course instructions.
8. Verify administrative requirements. Confirm current NCCPA policies, testing deadlines, CME rules, and your employer’s policy for paid gift-card add-ons.

The best review strategy is the one you can execute consistently. PANRE-LA rewards steady quarterly participation. Traditional PANRE rewards structured preparation, rapid recall, and timed practice. In either case, a focused panre review course can provide the organized content review, question volume, and CME value needed to make your preparation more efficient.

About the Author

Jeremy Boroff, PA-C, is an emergency medicine physician assistant with 24 years of clinical emergency medicine experience and an additional seven years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist. He is a PA educator, CME developer, and author of PANRE, PANCE, EOR, and specialty review courses at CME Review Courses.

Educational content only. Always confirm current examination policies and certification requirements directly with NCCPA.