PANRE vs. PANRE-LA: Which Recert Path Fits You, and How to Prep for Each

Recertifying PAs now have a choice that didn’t exist a decade ago: the traditional PANRE, a single proctored exam, or the PANRE-LA (Longitudinal Assessment), which delivers questions in smaller batches over time that you answer from home or office. Both keep you certified. Which one fits depends on how you like to be tested.

The traditional PANRE suits people who prefer to prepare hard, sit one exam, and be done for the cycle. It rewards a concentrated study push and a good sense of pacing across a long block. The PANRE-LA suits people who would rather demonstrate knowledge in a steady drip, with the ability to look things up and learn as they go — but it asks for sustained engagement across the cycle rather than a single sprint. Neither is objectively easier; they reward different temperaments.

Here’s what’s the same either way: you still need to know the material, and you still need CME. That’s where prep does double duty. The PANRE Review Course gives you 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME along with 2,500+ blueprint-mapped questions and 3 full-length mock exams. If you choose the traditional PANRE, the mock exams rehearse the format and pacing directly. If you choose PANRE-LA, the same question bank keeps your knowledge sharp across the longitudinal window — and either path, the 100 hours of Category 1 credit counts toward your requirement.

We also offer a dedicated PANRE-LA Review Course for those who want material tuned to the longitudinal format. Whichever path you pick, the smart move is the same: choose the assessment that fits how you work, then let your prep earn your CME at the same time. Both courses are $499.99 for 30 months, with the optional $100–$1,500 Amazon or Apple gift-card add-on.

Compare the PANRE and PANRE-LA courses →