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Quick logistics

• PANRE Review Course: $499.99 for 30 months of access
• 2,500+ board-style questions: 1,810 across 15 body-system modules, plus five 240-question mock exams
• Up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits for the PANRE Clinical Review Module only
• Buy two or more CME courses and save 20% automatically on each course; paid gift card add-ons stay at face value

The discount math: courses are discounted, gift cards are not

If you’re planning to purchase more than one course, the automatic multi-course discount can reduce your course costs. Add any two or more eligible CME courses to your cart and 20% comes off every course automatically.

Here’s a worked example using two courses priced at $499.99 each:

1. PANRE Review Course: $499.99
2. Pharmacology CME course: $499.99
3. Course subtotal: $999.98
4. Automatic 20% course discount: −$200.00
5. Discounted course total: $799.98
6. Add a $500 Amazon gift card to one course: +$500.00
7. Example purchase total: $1,299.98

The gift card is a paid add-on, not a free gift. Its full face value is added to the purchase price, and the 20% course discount does not apply to it. You can choose an Amazon or Apple card for each course you buy. For example, adding a $500 card to both courses would add $1,000-not $800-to the discounted course total.

Card amounts range from $100 to $1,500 in available increments. The add-on cost is included in the purchase total, so the course and selected card can be paid for in one transaction through CME funds. Confirm your employer’s CME policy before placing your order, since coverage and reimbursement rules vary. Gift cards are emailed within 2–3 business days; you do not need to finish the course first. Gift card packages are nonrefundable, and CME Review Courses is not affiliated with Amazon or Apple.

What the PANRE Review Course includes

The PANRE Review Course provides 30 months of online access to question modules, mock exams, study materials and video lectures with downloadable slides. Its 15 body-system modules are mapped to the NCCPA PANRE blueprint and include 1,810 questions. The course also includes five full-length 240-question mock exams, bringing the total to more than 2,500 board-style questions. Questions include rationales and cited sources.

The PANRE Readiness Dashboard tracks attempted and correct questions, breaks performance down by topic, allows you to flag questions and retake them, and displays an “on track to pass” indicator at 75% or higher. These tools can help you identify weaker areas and use your study time more deliberately.

The PANRE Clinical Review Module is an enduring material activity worth up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Its AAPA reference number is CME-2016187, with approval valid August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2027. The 100-credit amount applies to the PANRE Review Course only, not the Pharmacology course. Pharmacology is a separate course with its own credit amount.

To earn PANRE module credit, review all module content, complete the post-test with a score of 70% or higher, and submit the activity evaluation. You may retake missed questions. A certificate stating the precise credit you earned is issued upon completion. Claim only credit commensurate with your participation.

The full-course purchase also includes a money-back guarantee if you do not pass on your first attempt; review the terms for details. If you are considering a broader package, Total Program Access includes all 14 modules for $2,999.99, with Amazon and Apple gift card add-ons available. Group discounts are available for 15 or more; contact CME Review Courses for a quote.

Check credit eligibility before you buy

For PAs, the PANRE course’s AAPA Category 1 credit can support continuing education requirements, subject to applicable requirements. Physicians: the activity meets AAPA Category 1 requirements, but physicians report it as Category 2 CME for their own records. Nurse practitioners: acceptance of AAPA Category 1 credit for NP renewal varies by state, so verify requirements with your state board of nursing before purchase.

If you’re weighing cme gift cards as part of your education budget, consider the course value and the add-on cost separately. The card does not add CME credit or reduce the course price; it increases the total purchase price by its face value. Review your cart and employer policy to confirm the amount and courses fit your budget.

Practice question: thiazide-associated hyponatremia

This vignette is a sample of the kind of reasoning you may encounter in the PANRE Review Course’s Renal module (70 questions) and Endocrine module (65 questions).

You’re evaluating a 62-year-old patient who reports fatigue and mild nausea. The patient takes hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension. HR is 76/min, BP is 132/78 mm Hg, and the patient appears clinically euvolemic. Serum sodium is 126 mEq/L, serum osmolality is low, urine osmolality is 420 mOsm/kg, and urine sodium is 54 mEq/L. What is the best next step to distinguish thiazide-associated hyponatremia from SIADH?

A. Diagnose SIADH based on the urine sodium and osmolality
B. Stop hydrochlorothiazide and monitor serum sodium, reassessing if hyponatremia persists
C. Continue hydrochlorothiazide and immediately restrict fluids
D. Diagnose adrenal insufficiency without further testing

Correct answer: B. Stop hydrochlorothiazide and monitor serum sodium, reassessing if hyponatremia persists.

Thiazides can produce a laboratory pattern that resembles SIADH, including concentrated urine and elevated urine sodium. Those findings alone do not establish SIADH while the patient is taking a thiazide. Withdrawal of the medication and follow-up of serum sodium help clarify the cause; if hyponatremia persists after an appropriate interval off the drug, evaluate for other causes, including SIADH. A is premature for the same reason. C leaves a potentially causative medication in place and does not address monitoring. D is not supported by the information provided.

Practical note: Check for symptoms or other findings that require urgent evaluation, and monitor sodium closely after stopping a thiazide because correction can occur over time. The appropriate setting and monitoring depend on the patient’s clinical status.

Explore the courses

Review the PANRE Review Course with gift card add-on for course details, access information and Amazon or Apple card options. You can also test drive the PANRE Review app before purchasing, or compare it with Total Program Access.

Physician assistants looking at PANCE prep courses or recertification resources should confirm that the specific course matches their exam and CME needs. Compare course contents, applicable credit and total price, including any paid gift card add-on, before you check out.

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About the author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C is an Emergency Medicine PA with 24 years of clinical experience, a PA educator, author and CME developer. He is the sole faculty member for this activity and has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Price: $499.99
Access: 30 months
Practice questions: 2,500+ total, including five full-length 240-question mock exams
CME: Up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module

A mock exam is useful when you treat its results as feedback, not a verdict. Your goal is to identify what to study next, check whether your knowledge is improving, and keep working on weaker areas even when a score looks reassuring.

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card combines exam preparation and an AAPA-accredited CME activity in one purchase. It includes 15 body-system question modules mapped to the NCCPA PANRE content blueprint, five full-length mock exams, lectures with downloadable slides, and a PANRE Readiness Dashboard. The dashboard tracks attempted-versus-correct questions, performance by topic, flagged questions, unlimited retakes, and an “on track to pass” indicator at 75% or higher.

The course’s PANRE Clinical Review Module awards up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid from August 26, 2026, to August 26, 2027; AAPA reference number CME-2016187. To earn credit, review all module content, score at least 70% on the post-test (missed questions may be retaken), and complete the activity evaluation. Your certificate states the precise credit earned. These credits apply to this PANRE Review Course only, not the Pharmacology course.

Mistake 1: Treating one mock score as a verdict instead of a map

A full-length mock contains 240 questions, but one percentage cannot summarize everything you know across the PANRE content areas. A strong overall result can hide a consistent weakness in a specific system. A lower score may reflect a cluster of unfamiliar topics, timing issues, or a few missed questions, not a definitive prediction of your exam outcome.

The NCCPA describes its practice exams as educational tools, not predictors of PANRE performance. Use the headline score as one data point, then look at the topic breakdown. Ask: Which areas account for most of my misses? Were they knowledge gaps, misread stems, or errors in choosing the next diagnostic or management step?

That is where the PANRE Readiness Dashboard’s per-topic performance breakdown is useful. Let it help direct your study time. If your cardiovascular performance is lagging while other systems are steady, schedule targeted cardiovascular review and fresh questions rather than spending equal time on every topic.

Keep a simple error log: topic, why you missed the question, the clinical rule you needed, and what you will do differently next time. This turns a test result into a practical study plan.

Mistake 2: Retaking a mock too soon after reviewing it

A score can rise because your knowledge improved, or because the questions are familiar. If you retake the same mock shortly after studying its explanations, you may recognize the stem or remember the answer. That can inflate your result without showing how you would perform on an unseen question.

Give yourself time between full-length mock exams. In the meantime, study the concepts behind your missed questions and use fresh question sets to test recall and application. When you do return to an earlier exam, treat it as review rather than a clean measure of readiness.

The course offers 2,500+ board-style questions: 1,810 across 15 body-system modules, plus 1,200 questions in five full-length 240-question mock exams. Its question bank and unlimited retakes give you opportunities to practice across the content without relying only on repeated exposure to one exam.

This approach applies whether you are comparing PANRE-specific review with other options or searching broadly for PANCE prep courses. The exams differ, so choose materials that fit your certification assessment and use new questions to check whether you can apply the clinical concept, not just recall an answer.

Mistake 3: Treating “on track to pass” as a finish line

A 75% “on track to pass” indicator is a checkpoint, not a stop sign. It helps summarize performance in the course; it is not an official NCCPA result or a guarantee that you will pass. Your next step is still to examine the weaker topics, revisit flagged items, and continue practicing.

If the indicator turns green, check whether your performance is consistent across systems and across questions you have not seen before. If one area remains weak, continue drilling it. If you have several weeks before exam day, use that time for targeted review, mixed-question practice, and another fresh mock when appropriate. Avoid coasting because one dashboard threshold has been reached.

Use the course’s lectures and downloadable slides to revisit difficult material, then return to questions to check your understanding. The purpose is not to chase a percentage. It is to build repeatable clinical reasoning across the exam’s content areas.

Practice question: Flag it, review it, and apply the concept

You are reviewing a mock-exam question about a 68-year-old patient with CKD who takes lisinopril. The patient reports generalized weakness. HR is 54/min, BP is 138/82 mm Hg, and SaO₂ is 98% on room air. The ECG shows peaked T waves. Which electrolyte abnormality best explains the ECG finding?

A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Digoxin effect
D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: D. Hyperkalemia. In a patient with CKD taking an ACE inhibitor, impaired potassium excretion and medication effect raise concern for hyperkalemia. Peaked T waves are a classic ECG finding.

Hypokalemia more commonly causes flattened T waves and U waves. Hypocalcemia is associated with QT prolongation. Digoxin effect can produce characteristic ST-segment changes, but it does not best explain this presentation.

Real-world note: In clinical care, obtain a serum potassium level promptly and assess for ECG progression; severe hyperkalemia can require urgent treatment. On a mock exam, flag the question if needed, then record why the risk factors and ECG point to the correct answer.

Put your exam plan and CME plan together

For many PAs, a PANRE review course can make study time serve two purposes: exam preparation and CME completion. The same question bank used to identify knowledge gaps is part of the PANRE Clinical Review Module, which offers up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits, covering a substantial portion of a two-year CME cycle in one purchase.

At checkout, you can add a paid Amazon or Apple gift card in $100–$1,500 tiers. The add-on cost is included in the total package price, so the course and gift card go through in one transaction. Gift cards are emailed within 2–3 business days; you do not have to finish the course first. Gift card packages are nonrefundable, and CME policies vary, so check your employer’s policy before purchasing. CME Review Courses is not affiliated with Amazon or Apple.

Buy two or more CME courses and save 20% automatically; gift card add-ons remain at face value. Total Program Access, which includes all 14 modules, is $2,999.99. Group discounts are available for 15 or more; email for a quote. The full-course money-back guarantee applies if you purchase the full course and do not pass on your first attempt; see the terms and conditions.

PAs should confirm their own CME requirements. For physicians, the activity meets AAPA Category 1 requirements, while credit is Category 2 for physicians’ own reporting. NP acceptance of AAPA Category 1 credit varies by state; verify with your state board of nursing.

To review course details or add a gift card at checkout, visit the PANRE Review Course product page. You can also try the free PANRE Review test drive.

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About the author
Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C, is an Emergency Medicine PA with 24 years of clinical experience, a PA educator, author, and CME developer. He is the sole faculty member for this activity and has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

PANRE Review Course with Gift Card: $499.99 for 30 months of access. The course awards up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits through its PANRE Clinical Review Module. Optional Amazon or Apple gift card add-ons cost an additional $100–$1,500 at checkout; they are paid add-ons, not free gifts.

Category 1 and Category 2: the practical difference

For PAs, Category 1 and Category 2 both recognize relevant learning, but they are not interchangeable in every setting.

Category 1 CME has been reviewed against criteria established by an organization that approves the activity. AAPA Category 1 activities are reviewed and approved through the AAPA CME process. The activity identifies the credit available, and you can receive documentation, typically a certificate, showing the credit you actually earned.

Category 2 CME is relevant learning that has not been designated Category 1. Examples include reading medical journals or texts, clinical research online, and certain professional activities. PAs record these activities themselves and should retain their own supporting records.

The distinction matters because an employer, hospital credentialing committee, or state licensing board may ask specifically for Category 1 credit. Category 2 may still be useful learning and may count toward applicable NCCPA requirements, but self-reported Category 2 hours may not meet a requirement that explicitly calls for Category 1.

NCCPA requires PAs to earn 100 CME credits during each two-year cycle, including at least 50 Category 1 credits. The remaining 50 may be Category 1, Category 2, or a combination. Confirm current requirements and documentation expectations directly with NCCPA and your state board.

Why the category matters when you use an employer CME allowance

An employer CME allowance is a budget, but it is also subject to policy. Before choosing a course, check what your employer expects: Category 1 specifically, a certificate, a particular approval source, or a receipt of eligible expenses. (We don’t discuss receipts here; just check your employer’s documentation rules.) An activity that only gives you Category 2 credit may support your learning but leave you short if your credentialing packet requires Category 1.

A practical way to compare options is to ask:

• What credit type will I receive?
• What is the maximum credit, and what must I complete to earn it?
• Will the course provide a certificate stating my actual credit?
• Does my employer allow the full purchase, including any add-on, to be charged to my CME allowance?

The AAPA CME FAQs describe Category 1 and Category 2 credit and NCCPA logging. Keep your course documentation and claim only credit you have earned.

PANRE Review Course: course details and credit requirements

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card costs $499.99 for 30 months of access before any gift card add-on. It includes 2,500+ board-style practice questions across 15 body-system question modules, mapped to the NCCPA PANRE Blueprint, and five full-length, 240-question mock exams (1,200 questions total). It also includes 10+ hours of high-yield video lectures with downloadable slides, a PANRE Readiness Dashboard, and a money-back guarantee for full-course purchasers who do not pass on their first attempt; see the terms.

The PANRE Clinical Review Module is an AAPA-approved Enduring Material activity, reference CME-2016187, approved August 26, 2026 through August 26, 2027. It offers up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. To earn credit, review all module content, complete the module post-test with a score of 70% or higher, and complete the activity evaluation. Missed questions may be retaken. Once both requirements are complete, you receive a certificate stating your precise credit.

The 100-credit award applies to the PANRE Review Course only, not the Pharmacology course. Credit is not automatic: claim only what is commensurate with your participation and completion.

Where the paid gift card add-on fits

At checkout, you can choose a paid Amazon or Apple gift card add-on from $100 to $1,500. The selected card cost is added to the course price, so the total package price includes both the course and the add-on. The package is processed as one purchase, but that does not guarantee your employer will reimburse every component. Check your employer’s CME policy before buying and confirm whether a course-plus-gift-card package is eligible.

Gift cards are emailed within 2–3 business days of purchase; you do not have to finish the course first. Gift card packages are nonrefundable. CME Review Courses is not affiliated with Amazon or Apple. If you purchase two or more CME courses, 20% is automatically deducted from the courses; gift card add-ons remain at face value. Total Program Access, which includes all 14 modules, is $2,999.99.

For current pricing and add-on options, visit the PANRE Review Course with Gift Card product page. You can also try the free PANRE Review test drive before purchasing.

Clinical practice question

A 68-year-old patient presents to your ED with palpitations and mild dyspnea. ECG shows atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 148/min. BP is 128/76 mm Hg, HR 148/min, SaO₂ 97% on room air. The patient is alert, has no chest pain or signs of acute heart failure, and has no known reduced LVEF. What is the most appropriate initial approach?

A. Begin rate control with an IV beta blocker or diltiazem, if no contraindication, and assess stroke risk and anticoagulation needs
B. Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion because the ventricular rate exceeds 140/min
C. Start IV amiodarone as the required first-line treatment for all stable patients with AF and RVR
D. Defer treatment until spontaneous conversion occurs

Correct answer: A. The patient is hemodynamically stable, so initial rate control is appropriate while you evaluate contributing causes and determine the longer-term rhythm and anticoagulation plan. A beta blocker or nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker can be considered when clinically appropriate and no contraindication is present.

• B is incorrect: Synchronized cardioversion is indicated for hemodynamic instability attributable to the arrhythmia, not a heart-rate threshold alone.
• C is incorrect: Amiodarone is not mandatory first-line therapy for every stable patient; drug selection depends on the clinical context.
• D is incorrect: Observation alone does not address persistent symptomatic RVR or the need to evaluate stroke risk.

Real-world note: Check for contraindications before giving AV nodal blockers, including reduced LVEF when considering diltiazem or verapamil. If the patient becomes unstable, reassess promptly for synchronized cardioversion.

Before you spend your CME budget

Category 1 offers a documented, pre-approved credit designation; Category 2 is self-reported learning. When a policy or credentialing requirement specifies Category 1, check the activity’s approval details and completion rules before paying. If you are an NP, acceptance of AAPA Category 1 credit for renewal varies by state, verify with your state board of nursing. For physicians, this activity meets AAPA Category 1 requirements for PAs but is generally reported as Category 2 for physicians’ own CME.

Use the product page to review the course and select a paid Amazon or Apple add-on at checkout, if it fits your employer’s policy. If you are also comparing pance prep courses, confirm the intended exam, credit type, and certificate requirements for each option.

Author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C is an Emergency Medicine PA with 24 years of clinical experience, a PA educator, author, and CME developer. He is the sole faculty member for this activity and has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course price: $499.99 for the PANRE Review Course; gift card add-ons increase the total price
Access: 30 months
Practice: 2,500+ board-style questions in 15 body-system modules, plus five full-length 240-question mock exams (1,200 questions total)
CME: Up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module; claim only credit commensurate with participation

PANRE-LA and traditional PANRE test the same broad clinical knowledge, but they place assessment on different schedules. PANRE-LA spreads questions across recurring quarterly windows. Traditional PANRE concentrates the assessment into one proctored exam session. Neither option eliminates study time; each format requires a routine that fits its deadlines and testing conditions.

Start by checking your eligibility and dates in the NCCPA key dates calendar. Then schedule question practice and CME work around the format you chose.

Routine factor	PANRE-LA	Traditional PANRE
Assessment schedule	25 questions per quarter across 12 quarters	One scheduled, proctored 240-question exam
Timing	Each quarterly window is approximately 10 weeks	Work backward from your individual exam date
Overall requirement	At least 8 quarters are required	Prepare for the full exam-day sitting
References	References are allowed	Practice under timed exam conditions
Routine emphasis	Recurring study and quarterly completion	Timed blocks, review cycles, and exam-day stamina

Building the PANRE-LA quarterly routine

The PANRE-LA’s recurring schedule rewards consistent preparation. NCCPA administers 25 questions in each of 12 quarters, with each window lasting approximately 10 weeks. References are allowed, but that does not remove the need to know the material. Locating an unfamiliar topic during an assessment takes time and can make it harder to use references effectively.

Use this approach for each quarter:

1. Put the window on your calendar. Confirm your dates in the NCCPA key dates calendar and set reminders before the close. For 2026, for example, the fourth quarter runs October 1 through December 10. Your PA Portal is the place to confirm your individual requirements and eligibility.
2. Set a weekly practice block. Reserve a recurring period for system-based questions. A short, reliable session is easier to maintain than trying to relearn an entire system close to the deadline.
3. Review explanations and flag gaps. After each question set, note what you missed and why. Distinguish a knowledge gap from a misread stem or an incorrect interpretation of a reference.
4. Use references deliberately. Practice finding trusted information efficiently, but answer core questions from recall first. This helps you identify where your baseline knowledge needs work.
5. Finish before the deadline. Do not leave the quarter’s questions to the final days. Work and personal demands can disrupt a planned assessment session.

At least eight quarters are required. Treat every quarter as part of an ongoing plan rather than assuming you can catch up at the end. Check NCCPA guidance for your certification cycle, including any participation requirements that apply to you.

Building the traditional PANRE countdown plan

Traditional PANRE has a fixed exam date, so build your routine backward from the appointment in your NCCPA account. The exam contains 240 questions in a proctored session. Your preparation needs to cover both clinical decision-making and the stamina to work through a full-length assessment.

A practical countdown plan has three parts:

• Early preparation: Review content by body system and take shorter question sets. Use results to identify weak areas rather than spending equal time on material you already know well.
• Middle phase: Increase the frequency of timed blocks. After each block, review incorrect and uncertain answers. Record recurring gaps and revisit the relevant topic before taking another block.
• Final phase: Complete full-length practice exams under conditions that approximate the real test: timed, uninterrupted, and without relying on references. Review trends across attempts, but avoid using a single score as a substitute for a focused content review.

Build a sustainable pace around clinical work. For example, you could schedule a few question sessions on weekdays and a longer review block on a day off. The key is to make missed sessions visible and reschedule them, not let them disappear from the plan.

The PANRE Review Course includes five full-length 240-question mock exams. These can help you rehearse the length of the traditional exam and identify content areas that need additional work. The same question review can support broad clinical preparation for PANRE-LA, while your quarterly assessment schedule remains the primary deadline.

Where the credits and gift card add-ons fit

The PANRE Review Course with Gift Card is $499.99 for 30 months of access. It includes more than 2,500 board-style practice questions across 15 body-system question modules, five full-length 240-question mock exams, high-yield lectures, and downloadable slides.

The up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits apply to the PANRE Review Course only, through the PANRE Clinical Review Module. They do not apply to the Pharmacology course. The AAPA reference number is CME-2016187, with approval valid August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2027. Claim only the credit commensurate with your participation and follow the course’s completion requirements.

You can add a paid Amazon or Apple gift card in tiers from $100 to $1,500 at checkout. These are paid add-ons, not free gifts: the selected gift card cost is added to the course price, and the full purchase runs through your CME funds in one transaction. Gift cards are emailed within 2–3 business days, and gift card packages are nonrefundable. Check your employer’s CME policy before purchasing.

Buy two or more CME courses and save 20% automatically; gift card add-ons stay at face value. For broader access, Total Program Access covers all 14 modules for $2,999.99.

Nurse practitioners should verify with their state board of nursing whether AAPA Category 1 credit is accepted for their requirements. Acceptance varies by state.

Practice question

Your patient is a 58-year-old with a painful, unilateral vesicular rash over the right thoracic dermatome that began 36 hours ago. The patient is immunocompetent and has no ocular involvement. Vital signs: HR 82, BP 132/78, RR 16, SaO₂ 99% on room air. What is the most appropriate management?

A. Begin oral valacyclovir
B. Prescribe topical corticosteroid alone
C. Start oral cephalexin
D. Defer treatment unless the rash spreads

Correct answer: A. Begin oral valacyclovir.

The presentation is consistent with uncomplicated herpes zoster, and antiviral treatment is most useful when started early. Valacyclovir is an appropriate oral option. Topical corticosteroid alone does not treat VZV; cephalexin is not indicated without evidence of bacterial superinfection; and waiting for spread delays treatment. In a classic presentation, routine imaging or broad laboratory testing is unlikely to change management and adds cost. Reserve testing for atypical or uncertain cases.

Choose a routine and start practicing

Use the PANRE Review Course with Gift Card to combine board-style preparation with the course’s eligible CME activity. Preview the material with the PANRE test drive. For additional question practice, explore the PAtopia web test drive, PAtopia for iOS, or PAtopia on Google Play. If you have used PANCE prep courses, the same habits of regular question practice and deliberate review can support your PANRE preparation, but align your schedule to the PANRE format you selected.

Author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C, is an Emergency Medicine PA with 24 years of clinical experience. He is a PA educator, author, and CME developer.

PANRE Review Course: $399.99 · 30 months of access · 1,200+ questions across five 240-question exams · 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module.

Optional paid gift card add-on: $100–$1,500. Choose an Amazon or Apple Gift Card at checkout if it fits your plans and your employer’s CME policy. The card is an added purchase, not a free gift, and it does not increase the course’s 100 CME credits.

A CME allowance can be easy to underuse when its deadline is close. The useful question is not just “How much is left?” but “What combination of exam preparation and practical spending makes sense for me?” With this package, the PANRE course provides the review materials and CME activity. The optional gift card gives you another way to use part of your remaining budget, subject to your organization’s rules.

Plan the add-on around your actual needs

Start with the course, not the card. If PANRE prep and Category 1 CME are your priorities, the PANRE Review Course is the central purchase. It includes 30 months of access and five 240-question exams-1,200 questions total. The 100 AAPA Category 1 credits come from the PANRE Clinical Review Module, not from the gift card.

Then look at the balance of your available CME funds and the time remaining before they expire. Choose a card amount only if the combined purchase fits your budget and is permitted under your employer’s policy. Check the policy before checkout; reimbursement and allowance rules vary.

Optional add-on	Course plus add-on*
$100 gift card	$499.99
$500 gift card	$899.99
$1,500 gift card	$1,899.99

*Totals use the stated $399.99 course price and do not include any applicable taxes or other charges.

The card amount is a separate, paid addition. Selecting a larger amount does not earn more CME or change your course access.

What could you use the card for?

Think of the card as a way to direct leftover allowance toward purchases that suit your routines, not as a guaranteed list of study materials or a required part of the course.

An Amazon Gift Card might help with general exam-day logistics, study-adjacent resources, or personal purchases you already planned to make. For example, you could consider practical items that support your study setup or travel to an exam. These are examples, not included course materials or specific product recommendations. Check the card’s terms and your organization’s rules before deciding.

An Apple Gift Card may suit you if you expect to use eligible Apple purchases or services. Consider whether it aligns with your plans before choosing it. The add-on is optional; you can purchase the course without selecting a card.

A simple way to decide:

1. Confirm the budget deadline and rules. Find out how much remains and what your CME allowance permits.
2. Prioritize your learning goal. If recertification is the priority, select the review course first.
3. Choose a card amount you can use. Match the add-on to a realistic plan, not just the maximum balance available.
4. Keep the credit calculation clear. The PANRE Clinical Review Module provides the 100 AAPA Category 1 credits; the gift card provides no additional credits.

What the course gives you for exam preparation

The course pairs the PANRE Clinical Review Module with board-style practice: 1,200+ questions across five 240-question exams and 30 months of access. You can use the time to build a study schedule, work through exam questions, and revisit areas that need more attention.

If you are comparing pance prep courses, check whether a resource is designed for initial certification or for PANRE recertification. Your study plan should match the exam you are preparing to take. For course details and the optional add-on choices, see the PANRE Review Course with Gift Card.

PANRE Practice: Two Quick Cases

Case 1: Chest pain

Your patient is a 58-year-old with 30 minutes of substernal pressure radiating to the left arm. HR 104, BP 148/88, RR 20, SaO₂ 97% on room air. The initial ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Discharge with outpatient cardiology follow-up
B. Activate the STEMI pathway for urgent reperfusion
C. Schedule an exercise stress test
D. Repeat the ECG in 24 hours before treatment

Correct answer: B. Activate the STEMI pathway for urgent reperfusion. The symptoms and inferior ST elevation indicate acute STEMI; urgent reperfusion is time-sensitive. Outpatient follow-up and stress testing are inappropriate for an acute STEMI, and delaying care to repeat the ECG risks harm.

Case 2: Suspected pulmonary embolism

Your patient is a 34-year-old with pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea after a recent long-haul flight. HR 112, BP 126/78, RR 24, SaO₂ 93% on room air. The patient has no signs of shock. Which diagnostic approach is most appropriate?

A. Use clinical probability to guide testing; obtain CT pulmonary angiography if indicated
B. Order a chest radiograph alone to exclude PE
C. Begin outpatient antibiotics without further evaluation
D. Use a normal oxygen saturation threshold to rule out PE

Correct answer: A. Use clinical probability to guide testing; obtain CT pulmonary angiography if indicated. Assess pretest probability and select testing accordingly; in a patient whose risk warrants imaging, CT pulmonary angiography is a standard diagnostic option. A chest radiograph does not rule out PE, and neither antibiotics nor oxygen saturation alone resolves the diagnostic question.

Make the add-on a deliberate choice

A gift card add-on is most useful when it fits both your remaining CME budget and something you realistically plan to purchase. It is an optional paid addition, not a discount or a source of extra credit. Keep the core value in view: the PANRE review materials, extended access, and 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module.

Review the PANRE Review Course page to explore the course and select an optional Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-on at checkout.

Course price: $399.99. Access: 30 months. Included exam practice: 1,200+ questions across five 240-question exams. The PANRE Review Course offers up to 100 AAPA Category 1 CME credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module when you complete the module requirements. Amazon and Apple gift cards from $100 to $1,500 are paid add-ons that increase the purchase total; they are not free gifts.

Before you use your CME allowance, check that the credit designation matches the specific course you’re buying, the approval is current, and the credit can be documented for your NCCPA cycle. Here’s a practical way to do that.

AAPA Category 1 Credit: A Pre-Purchase Checklist

1. Verify the specific activity, not just the provider’s name

A provider may offer multiple courses with different credit amounts, formats, or approval dates. Look for an explicit statement that the activity you plan to complete is designated for AAPA Category 1 CME credit.

Check the course page for:

• The activity or module title
• The AAPA reference number
• The approval start and end dates
• The maximum credit available
• The steps required to earn credit

Use the AAPA CME catalog and AAPA’s accreditation information to help verify the designation. If the activity isn’t easy to match, ask the provider to confirm the reference number, approved activity name, and dates before you buy. A logo by itself is not the full check.

For this PANRE Review Course, the published activity information identifies AAPA reference number CME-2016187 and an approval period of August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2027. Because approvals have dates, check the current activity page again if you plan to complete the module after that period.

2. Confirm how many hours the activity awards

“Up to 100 credits” is not the same as receiving 100 automatically at checkout. Review the course requirements and find out whether you need to complete the module, pass a post-test, submit an evaluation, or finish other steps.

AAPA criteria call for a certificate that reflects the specific credits earned by the individual learner, rather than a generic certificate showing only the maximum available. After completing an activity, review your certificate for your name, the activity, the credit designation, and the number of credits you actually earned.

For the PANRE Review Course, the 100 AAPA Category 1 credits attach to the PANRE Clinical Review Module. They are not a blanket credit award for every CME Review Courses product. In particular, the 100 hours do not apply to the Pharmacology Course; that course has its own credit amount and requirements. Check the specific PANRE Review Course details and Pharmacology course category rather than assuming that one course’s credit transfers to another.

3. Match the approval dates to your completion date and NCCPA cycle

PAs need 100 CME credits during each two-year NCCPA cycle, including at least 50 Category 1 credits. Your earning window is tied to your individual certification dates, so check your cycle in your NCCPA account, rather than assuming it follows the calendar year. AAPA summarizes these certification maintenance requirements.

Before enrolling, compare three dates:

1. The activity’s approval period
2. Your planned module-completion date
3. Your NCCPA CME earning window

A course can offer 30 months of access while its AAPA approval has a separate end date. Access length does not, by itself, extend the approval period. If your expected completion date is after the listed approval end date, confirm the activity’s current approval status with the provider before you rely on those credits.

When you finish, save the certificate and any completion documentation. NCCPA may audit CME records, so retain proof and log the activity accurately. AAPA’s CME FAQs explain that PAs log credits with NCCPA and should keep Category 1 documentation in case of an audit.

4. Know the difference between Category 1 and Category 2

Category 1 credit is tied to an approved educational activity or other qualifying Category 1 pathway. For a PA, it helps meet the required Category 1 portion of the NCCPA cycle when properly earned and logged.

Category 2 is a different category of elective CME that PAs may self-report when an activity meets NCCPA criteria. It can contribute to the overall CME total, but it is not the same as an approved Category 1 activity and does not replace the minimum Category 1 requirement.

Physicians and other clinicians have their own certification, licensing, and employer rules. Some may be able to document certain learning as Category 2 or elective credit under their applicable requirements. The PANRE course’s AAPA Category 1 designation should not be treated as physician Category 1 credit; physicians should verify how their own board or employer accepts it.

What the PANRE Course Includes

The PANRE Review Course is $399.99 with 30 months of access. It includes 1,200+ questions across five 240-question exams and offers up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module, after you meet that module’s completion requirements. That puts exam review and substantial Category 1 CME in one purchase.

Before buying any PANRE review course, or comparing it with PANCE prep courses, look beyond the headline credit total. Check the exact approved activity, the amount awarded, and the documentation you’ll receive. You can also try the PANRE Review app before purchasing.

Where Paid CME Gift Card Add-Ons Fit

An Amazon or Apple gift card in an amount from $100 to $1,500 can be added to any purchase. It is a paid add-on: its face value is added to your total, so the add-on is not a complimentary gift or an included bonus. See the CME with Gift Card product page for available options.

If you receive an employer CME allowance or stipend, compare the total purchase with your remaining balance and your employer’s reimbursement policy. That can help you use CME funds efficiently while selecting educational content you’ll use. Confirm in advance that your organization permits the paid gift-card option as part of a CME purchase.

Practice Question

Your patient is a 67-year-old man with active cancer who reports new unilateral calf swelling and tenderness after a recent long-haul flight. HR 84, BP 128/76 mm Hg, RR 16, and SaO₂ 98% on room air. He has no chest pain or dyspnea. What is the best next diagnostic test?

A. D-dimer
B. Compression duplex ultrasonography of the affected leg
C. CT pulmonary angiography
D. Arterial Doppler ultrasonography

Correct answer: B. Compression duplex ultrasonography of the affected leg. The patient’s risk factors and presentation create a high clinical suspicion for DVT, so ultrasound is the appropriate initial diagnostic study. D-dimer is less useful when pretest probability is high. CT pulmonary angiography is not indicated without symptoms suggesting PE, and arterial Doppler evaluates arterial rather than venous disease.

Quick Check Before You Buy

• Approval: Can you match the activity name, AAPA reference number, and approval dates?
• Hours: Does the stated credit amount apply to the module you’ll complete?
• Certificate: Will you receive a certificate showing your specific earned credit?
• Cycle: Do the approval dates and your planned completion fit your NCCPA earning window?
• Course: Is the credit attached to the PANRE Review Course, rather than another course such as Pharmacology?
• Budget: Is the total, including any paid $100–$1,500 gift-card add-on, allowed under your CME policy?

A few minutes of checking can help prevent confusion between access, approval, and credit earned. For PAs seeking a large amount of Category 1 credit alongside recertification review, the PANRE Review Course combines up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through its PANRE Clinical Review Module with a structured set of exam questions. Log the activity accurately, retain your certificate, and confirm the rules that apply to your own cycle and employer.

Course price: $499.99. Access: 30 months. Practice: 1,200+ questions in five 240-question exams. CME: up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module.

A PANRE plan can fall behind for reasons that have little to do with clinical knowledge. Delaying your application, leaving CME until the end, or failing to check your credit requirements can create avoidable timeline pressure.

A practical fix is to coordinate your exam schedule, study plan, and CME completion from the start. Here are six timeline and logistics mistakes to watch for, and how to avoid them.

1. Waiting until the recertification deadline is close

The traditional PANRE is available during the ninth or tenth year of a PA-C certification-maintenance cycle. Waiting until late in the cycle to confirm eligibility or apply can narrow your options. NCCPA notes that late applications may result in a testing window shorter than 180 days. Your individual authorization and testing window, not a general study calendar, determine your deadline.

How to avoid it: Check your certification timeline and PANRE eligibility in your NCCPA Portal well in advance. Review NCCPA key dates and the PANRE policies and authorization document, then follow the dates in your authorization notice.

As of October 12, 2026, the 2026 PANRE administration window ends December 18, 2026. If you are applying or scheduling late in the year, do not assume you have a full 180 days. Confirm your own dates directly with NCCPA and Pearson VUE.

2. Treating CME as something to do after studying

Exam preparation and CME requirements can compete for the same limited weeks. If you postpone all CME until after your last practice exam, you may be left completing course requirements while also managing a test date.

How to avoid it: Choose a course that connects your review work with CME completion, then set milestones for both. The PANRE Review Course offers 30 months of access, so you can plan your study and credit completion around your own schedule. The PANRE Clinical Review Module offers up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits when you meet its completion requirements.

Important credit distinction: The 100 AAPA Category 1 credits apply to the PANRE Review Course’s PANRE Clinical Review Module only, not the Pharmacology Course. Credit is earned through participation and completion requirements, including passing the applicable exams and completing the evaluation. Claim only the credit you earn.

3. Not booking your exam window early enough

A study plan is less useful if the date you want is unavailable or does not fit within your authorized window. Waiting to schedule can force a rushed preparation period or require you to adjust work and personal commitments at short notice.

How to avoid it: Once NCCPA authorizes you, review your testing window and schedule with Pearson VUE promptly. Choose a date that gives you a realistic preparation period while leaving room to manage work, illness, or other disruptions. Avoid assuming that a preferred test-center date will remain available.

4. Starting without a baseline practice exam

Without an initial assessment, you may spend too much time reviewing familiar material and too little time on weaker areas. That can delay readiness and lead to repeatedly pushing your planned exam date back.

How to avoid it: Begin with a timed practice exam or a structured sample assessment. Record your score and the systems or task areas where you missed questions. Then use later exams to check whether targeted review is improving performance. The course’s five 240-question exams offer repeated opportunities to assess progress across the NCCPA Blueprint content.

5. Buying separate exam prep and unrelated CME without checking the fit

Purchasing one product for PANRE preparation and another for CME may mean managing separate logins, schedules, completion requirements, and budgets. It does not automatically cause a delay, but it can make it harder to keep the work coordinated.

How to avoid it: Compare what each purchase actually delivers before checkout. The PANRE Review Course combines review materials with its PANRE Clinical Review Module, which provides the opportunity to earn up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits. Its listed price is $499.99, with 30 months of access and 1,200+ practice questions in five 240-question exams. If you need both exam review and credit, putting them in one plan may simplify tracking.

6. Assuming a gift card is free, or assuming every course has the same credit

CME with gift cards can be a useful way to use an employer CME allowance, but the add-on is not a free bonus. The Amazon and Apple options are paid add-ons, priced from $100 to $1,500. They increase the total purchase price, so confirm your available allowance and employer policy before adding one.

How to avoid it: Check the course description and checkout total before you purchase. Confirm the credit type and which specific course activity awards it. In particular, the 100 AAPA Category 1 credits described here are tied to the PANRE Review Course’s PANRE Clinical Review Module; they do not apply to the Pharmacology Course. If you are an NP, check with your state board, because acceptance of AAPA Category 1 credit varies by state.

Board-style practice question

Your patient is a 64-year-old man with sudden-onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain two days after a total knee arthroplasty. HR 118/min, BP 126/78 mm Hg, RR 26/min, and SaO₂ 89% on room air. He is alert and has no active bleeding. What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Begin therapeutic anticoagulation for presumed pulmonary embolism
B. Obtain outpatient spirometry
C. Start oral antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia
D. Reassure him and arrange follow-up in one week

Correct answer: A. Begin therapeutic anticoagulation for presumed pulmonary embolism.

This patient has acute hypoxemia and tachycardia after recent major orthopedic surgery, making PE a high-probability concern. He is hemodynamically stable, but his presentation requires urgent evaluation and management, not outpatient testing or delayed follow-up. Antibiotics are not indicated without evidence supporting infection. In practice, assess bleeding risk and follow local protocols for urgent PE workup and anticoagulation.

A more coordinated PANRE plan

Build a timeline that includes eligibility confirmation, exam scheduling, a baseline assessment, targeted review, and CME completion. Then check whether your chosen course matches the credit you need and whether any add-ons fit your budget.

The PANRE Review Course is $499.99, includes 30 months of access, and provides 1,200+ practice questions in five 240-question exams. Its PANRE Clinical Review Module is the activity that offers up to 100 AAPA Category 1 credits when completion requirements are met. Amazon and Apple gift cards can be added for an additional $100 to $1,500; these are paid add-ons, not free gifts.

• View the PANRE Review Course and paid CME gift card options
• Try the PANRE Review Course test drive
• Try PAtopia in your browser
• Get PAtopia on the iOS App Store
• Get PAtopia on Google Play

PAtopia is the platform for PANCE prep courses and EOR, PACKRAT, and EOC review. Check course details and exam requirements before purchase so your study materials, CME plan, and budget stay aligned.

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About the author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C is an Emergency Medicine PA with 24 years of clinical experience. He is a PA educator, author, and CME developer.

Price: $399.99 for the PANRE Review Course
Access: 30 months
Practice: 1,200+ questions, including five 240-question exams
CME: Up to 100 Category 1 AAPA credits from the PANRE Review Course

If you have CME allowance left in your annual budget, first confirm when it expires and what your employer allows you to purchase. The PANRE Review Course combines board-style exam preparation with up to 100 Category 1 AAPA credits. You can also choose an Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-on for an additional $100 to $1,500.

The gift card is a paid add-on, not a free gift. Its full price is added to the course price, and it does not provide CME credit. Before purchasing, ask your employer whether the whole transaction, including the gift card portion, is eligible under your policy.

Calculate Your Remaining CME Budget

Start with the course’s base price: $399.99. Then compare your remaining allowance with the total after adding the gift card tier. The examples below show how the math works:

Remaining allowance	Paid add-on	Course plus add-on	Approximate balance left
$500	$100	$499.99	$0.01
$650	$200	$599.99	$50.01
$800	$400	$799.99	$0.01
$1,000	$600	$999.99	$0.01
$1,300	$900	$1,299.99	$0.01
$1,900	$1,500	$1,899.99	$0.01

These are budget examples, not a guarantee that your employer will reimburse the full purchase. Add-on amounts can differ between Amazon and Apple, so confirm which options are available at checkout.

For example, if you have $650 left, a $300 add-on would bring the total to $699.99-more than your remaining allowance. A $200 add-on would bring the total to $599.99. If your allowance is below the course’s base price, the add-on will not resolve the shortfall; ask your administrator whether another payment arrangement is permitted.

What the PANRE Review Course Provides

The 100 Category 1 AAPA credits apply to the PANRE Review Course. They do not apply to the separate Pharmacology course. To claim credit, complete the course requirements and claim only the amount supported by your participation.

The PANRE Review Course includes five full-length practice exams, each with 240 questions, for 1,200 exam questions, along with additional review questions and study materials. Questions include answer rationales and cited sources. You have 30 months of online access, giving you time to prepare for the exam and work through the material at your pace.

The course’s exam preparation and CME credit come from the educational activity. The gift card is an optional, separate purchase. It does not increase your CME hours or count as coursework.

Review the PANRE Review Course and current add-on options. The product page lists gift cards as nonrefundable once emailed; Amazon and Apple cards are typically processed by email within two to three business days.

Check Your Employer’s Rules Before Checkout

An expiring allowance can create a deadline, but it is still worth checking the policy before you buy. Ask your CME administrator:

• Is this PANRE review activity eligible for my allowance?
• Does the allowance cover the full purchase, including a paid gift card add-on?
• Are gift cards or personal-use items excluded?
• Is advance approval required?
• What is the spending deadline, and does the purchase need to be completed or reimbursed by that date?

Get clear approval before selecting an add-on. If your employer covers the course but not the gift card, consider purchasing the course without an add-on. Employer policies vary, and a course’s CME designation does not determine how your employer will handle reimbursement.

A Practical Plan for Spending Down an Allowance

Use a simple sequence rather than choosing a gift card amount first:

1. Check your remaining balance. Confirm the amount available and the expiration date.
2. Confirm eligible expenses. Ask whether the full package price is eligible or whether only the course portion qualifies.
3. Choose a tier that fits. Compare the course price plus the add-on against the amount you are permitted to spend.
4. Plan your study time. With 30 months of access, you can spread exam preparation and CME completion across the access period.
5. Complete the credit requirements. Follow the course instructions for the exams and evaluation, and claim credit according to your participation.

This approach helps you use a single purchase for relevant PANRE preparation and a substantial amount of Category 1 AAPA CME, while avoiding an unexpected out-of-pocket balance.

PANRE-Style Practice Question

Clinical vignette: Your patient is a 62-year-old man with sudden dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. He is diaphoretic and confused. BP is 78/46 mm Hg, HR is 132/min, RR is 32/min, and SaO₂ is 84% on room air. Bedside echocardiography shows acute right ventricular dilation. He has no history of major bleeding or other contraindication to thrombolysis.

Which is the most appropriate next step?

A. Obtain CT pulmonary angiography before treatment
B. Start oral apixaban
C. Administer systemic thrombolytic therapy
D. Place an inferior vena cava filter

Correct answer: C. Administer systemic thrombolytic therapy.

This patient has hemodynamic instability and RV strain consistent with high-risk pulmonary embolism. With no major contraindication, systemic thrombolysis is appropriate; do not delay urgent treatment for CT imaging in an unstable patient. Oral anticoagulation does not provide immediate reperfusion. An IVC filter does not treat the acute obstruction. CT pulmonary angiography is useful when the patient is stable enough for imaging.

CME Gift Cards and PA Exam Preparation

If you are comparing pance prep courses, note that PANCE preparation is different from recertification review. CME Review Courses also offers PAtopia, a separate PA student exam-preparation resource for the PANCE, PACKRAT, EOC, and EOR exams. PAtopia is not the PANRE Review Course and does not provide its 100 Category 1 AAPA credits.

Author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C, has 24 years of Emergency Medicine experience. He develops educational review content for physician assistants and PA students through CME Review Courses.

Review the Course and PAtopia

Check your employer’s policy, compare the total against your remaining allowance, and review the course details before purchasing. The Amazon and Apple gift cards are paid add-ons, not free gifts, and the up to 100 Category 1 AAPA credits are earned through completion of the PANRE Review Course.

• View the PANRE Review Course and gift card options
• Explore PAtopia on the web
• Get PAtopia for iOS
• Get PAtopia for Android

Price: $399.99 for the PANRE Review Course
Access: 30 months
Practice: 1,200+ questions, including five 240-question exams
CME: Up to 100 Category 1 AAPA credits from the PANRE Review Course

If you have CME allowance left in your annual budget, first confirm when it expires and what your employer allows you to purchase. The PANRE Review Course combines board-style exam preparation with up to 100 Category 1 AAPA credits. You can also choose an Amazon or Apple Gift Card add-on for an additional $100 to $1,500.

The gift card is a paid add-on, not a free gift. Its full price is added to the course price, and it does not provide CME credit. Before purchasing, ask your employer whether the whole transaction, including the gift card portion, is eligible under your policy.

Calculate Your Remaining CME Budget

Start with the course’s base price: $399.99. Then compare your remaining allowance with the total after adding the gift card tier. The examples below show how the math works:

Remaining allowance	Paid add-on	Course plus add-on	Approximate balance left
$500	$100	$499.99	$0.01
$650	$200	$599.99	$50.01
$800	$400	$799.99	$0.01
$1,000	$600	$999.99	$0.01
$1,300	$900	$1,299.99	$0.01
$1,900	$1,500	$1,899.99	$0.01

These are budget examples, not a guarantee that your employer will reimburse the full purchase. Add-on amounts can differ between Amazon and Apple, so confirm which options are available at checkout.

For example, if you have $650 left, a $300 add-on would bring the total to $699.99-more than your remaining allowance. A $200 add-on would bring the total to $599.99. If your allowance is below the course’s base price, the add-on will not resolve the shortfall; ask your administrator whether another payment arrangement is permitted.

What the PANRE Review Course Provides

The 100 Category 1 AAPA credits apply to the PANRE Review Course. They do not apply to the separate Pharmacology course. To claim credit, complete the course requirements and claim only the amount supported by your participation.

The PANRE Review Course includes five full-length practice exams, each with 240 questions, for 1,200 exam questions, along with additional review questions and study materials. Questions include answer rationales and cited sources. You have 30 months of online access, giving you time to prepare for the exam and work through the material at your pace.

The course’s exam preparation and CME credit come from the educational activity. The gift card is an optional, separate purchase. It does not increase your CME hours or count as coursework.

Review the PANRE Review Course and current add-on options. The product page lists gift cards as nonrefundable once emailed; Amazon and Apple cards are typically processed by email within two to three business days.

Check Your Employer’s Rules Before Checkout

An expiring allowance can create a deadline, but it is still worth checking the policy before you buy. Ask your CME administrator:

• Is this PANRE review activity eligible for my allowance?
• Does the allowance cover the full purchase, including a paid gift card add-on?
• Are gift cards or personal-use items excluded?
• Is advance approval required?
• What is the spending deadline, and does the purchase need to be completed or reimbursed by that date?

Get clear approval before selecting an add-on. If your employer covers the course but not the gift card, consider purchasing the course without an add-on. Employer policies vary, and a course’s CME designation does not determine how your employer will handle reimbursement.

A Practical Plan for Spending Down an Allowance

Use a simple sequence rather than choosing a gift card amount first:

1. Check your remaining balance. Confirm the amount available and the expiration date.
2. Confirm eligible expenses. Ask whether the full package price is eligible or whether only the course portion qualifies.
3. Choose a tier that fits. Compare the course price plus the add-on against the amount you are permitted to spend.
4. Plan your study time. With 30 months of access, you can spread exam preparation and CME completion across the access period.
5. Complete the credit requirements. Follow the course instructions for the exams and evaluation, and claim credit according to your participation.

This approach helps you use a single purchase for relevant PANRE preparation and a substantial amount of Category 1 AAPA CME, while avoiding an unexpected out-of-pocket balance.

PANRE-Style Practice Question

Clinical vignette: Your patient is a 62-year-old man with sudden dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. He is diaphoretic and confused. BP is 78/46 mm Hg, HR is 132/min, RR is 32/min, and SaO₂ is 84% on room air. Bedside echocardiography shows acute right ventricular dilation. He has no history of major bleeding or other contraindication to thrombolysis.

Which is the most appropriate next step?

A. Obtain CT pulmonary angiography before treatment
B. Start oral apixaban
C. Administer systemic thrombolytic therapy
D. Place an inferior vena cava filter

Correct answer: C. Administer systemic thrombolytic therapy.

This patient has hemodynamic instability and RV strain consistent with high-risk pulmonary embolism. With no major contraindication, systemic thrombolysis is appropriate; do not delay urgent treatment for CT imaging in an unstable patient. Oral anticoagulation does not provide immediate reperfusion. An IVC filter does not treat the acute obstruction. CT pulmonary angiography is useful when the patient is stable enough for imaging.

CME Gift Cards and PA Exam Preparation

If you are comparing pance prep courses, note that PANCE preparation is different from recertification review. CME Review Courses also offers PAtopia, a separate PA student exam-preparation resource for the PANCE, PACKRAT, EOC, and EOR exams. PAtopia is not the PANRE Review Course and does not provide its 100 Category 1 AAPA credits.

Author

Jeremy Boroff, MPAS, PA-C, has 24 years of Emergency Medicine experience. He develops educational review content for physician assistants and PA students through CME Review Courses.

Review the Course and PAtopia

Check your employer’s policy, compare the total against your remaining allowance, and review the course details before purchasing. The Amazon and Apple gift cards are paid add-ons, not free gifts, and the up to 100 Category 1 AAPA credits are earned through completion of the PANRE Review Course.

• View the PANRE Review Course and gift card options
• Explore PAtopia on the web
• Get PAtopia for iOS
• Get PAtopia for Android

PANRE Review Course: $399.99 · Access: 30 months · Practice: 1,200+ questions across five 240-question exams · CME: 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module

The choice between PANRE-LA and traditional PANRE is not simply “online or in person.” It changes when you study, how often you need to protect time for assessment, and what a failed attempt could mean for your schedule and budget.

One important timeline point: PANRE-LA is administered across three years, not two. Its quarterly question sets may overlap with a two-year CME planning period, but the assessment itself runs over 12 quarters. Traditional PANRE, by contrast, is a proctored exam taken in one sitting. Check the NCCPA’s current maintenance requirements and key dates for your certification timeline.

At a glance: two different time commitments

	PANRE-LA	Traditional PANRE
Assessment format	Online, quarterly question sets	Proctored, single-session exam
Question load	25 questions per quarter across 12 quarters; at least 8 quarters must be completed	240 questions in one exam
When you work	Questions are available during a quarterly window; allow time to complete each set before its deadline	Reserve a full testing appointment, including breaks and exam procedures
Study pattern	Short, recurring review and follow-up across the assessment period	A planned study block leading up to exam day
Who it may suit	You prefer a recurring routine and questions spread over time	You prefer a defined prep period and one exam day

For PANRE-LA, NCCPA materials describe 25 questions per quarter, five minutes per question, and a question window of roughly 10 weeks. You can use references while answering. It’s still important to schedule the work: a flexible window is not an extension of the deadline. Review the PANRE-LA information and policies from NCCPA.

Traditional PANRE is a different kind of time demand. It is a high-stakes, proctored exam with 240 questions. The exam takes place in a single session, so your study plan needs to prepare you for sustained focus as well as the content.

Where the deadlines actually fall

PANRE-LA deadlines recur. You need to keep track of each assessment quarter, complete the required questions within its window, and meet the overall participation requirements. For example, as of October 10, 2026, the fourth-quarter window is scheduled to run October 1 through December 10. Confirm dates that apply to your own administration year on NCCPA’s Key Dates page.

That recurring cadence can be helpful if you build a small amount of protected time into your calendar each quarter. It can also become a problem if clinical workload, vacation, or other obligations push the questions to the end of the window.

Traditional PANRE concentrates the scheduling burden. Instead of recurring quarter-end dates, you plan for an exam appointment during your authorized testing window. That can be easier to manage if you prefer a clear finish line, but it requires you to protect a full exam day and arrive ready to sustain attention through a long session.

Practical difference: PANRE-LA asks you to stay engaged repeatedly; traditional PANRE asks you to prepare for one concentrated performance. Neither eliminates study time. They distribute it differently.

What a retake may cost

The NCCPA application fee for PANRE-LA and traditional PANRE is $350, according to the NCCPA FAQs. PANRE-LA does not charge a separate fee for each quarterly question set. Traditional PANRE allows limited attempts within the applicable certification-cycle rules, but an additional exam attempt may require a new application and fee. Check the current NCCPA policies for your circumstances; do not assume a retake is free or that the timing rules are identical across formats.

A PANRE-LA outcome may also affect your next step. If you do not successfully complete the assessment and need to move to traditional PANRE, account for the additional preparation time, exam scheduling, and applicable application fee. For traditional PANRE, a failed attempt can mean more study, a waiting period, and another appointment, so a retake can cost time as well as money.

This is a reason to budget for preparation early rather than waiting until your assessment window or exam date is close. A review resource can support both formats, but your study schedule should match the format you choose.

Sequence your study hours around your format

For PANRE-LA: Treat each quarter as a recurring study checkpoint. Review topics consistently, complete the 25-question set before the window closes, and use the feedback to identify topics for follow-up. Because references are available, focus on interpreting a vignette, finding trustworthy information efficiently, and applying it, not just memorizing isolated facts. Avoid leaving all your questions until the end of the window.

For traditional PANRE: Work backward from your exam date. First identify areas where you need more review, then reserve a period for broad content review and practice questions. Include timed blocks in your preparation so the exam-day format is familiar. Keep a separate buffer for rescheduling or unexpected work demands.

For either format: Avoid counting CME completion as the same thing as exam readiness. CME can support your ongoing learning and credit requirements; question practice helps you assess recall, clinical reasoning, and test-taking gaps. If you are comparing pance prep courses, check whether the material is relevant to PANRE topics and whether it supports the kind of practice you need now. PANCE and PANRE preparation can share clinical content, but your recertification timeline and assessment format should guide your plan.

Where 100 Category 1 AAPA credits fit

The PANRE Review Course combines exam practice and CME in one purchase: $399.99, 30 months of access, 1,200+ questions across five 240-question exams, and 100 AAPA Category 1 credits through the PANRE Clinical Review Module. The 100 credits apply to the PANRE Review Course only, not the Pharmacology course. Credit is awarded upon completion of the applicable module requirements; claim only credit commensurate with your participation.

That 30-month access period can give you room to sequence review alongside a longer recertification plan. You can use the question bank to identify areas for review, then revisit those areas as you progress, whether you are preparing for quarterly PANRE-LA assessments or a traditional exam date. See the PANRE Review Course details or browse the PANRE course collection.

The course also offers paid Amazon and Apple gift card add-ons from $100 to $1,500. These are not free gifts: you choose an add-on and its cost is added to your CME purchase. For PAs with unspent CME allowance, an add-on can be a way to direct that budget toward further educational value alongside the course and its credits. Check your employer’s rules before purchasing.

Practice question

Your patient is a 67-year-old man with sudden-onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain two days after an MVC. HR is 118 bpm, BP is 126/78 mmHg, RR is 26/min, and SaO₂ is 90% on room air. He has unilateral calf swelling. Which diagnostic study is the most appropriate next step if he is hemodynamically stable and has no contraindication to contrast?

A. Chest radiograph only
B. CT pulmonary angiography
C. Exercise stress test
D. Transthoracic echocardiography as the definitive diagnostic test

Correct answer: B. CT pulmonary angiography.

The patient’s tachycardia, hypoxemia, pleuritic pain, and unilateral leg swelling raise concern for pulmonary embolism. In a stable patient, CT pulmonary angiography is an appropriate diagnostic study. A chest radiograph may help assess alternate causes but cannot rule out PE. Stress testing is not appropriate for suspected acute PE. Echocardiography can assess right-heart strain, particularly in unstable patients, but is not the definitive diagnostic test in this stable presentation.

Choose the format you can sustain

PANRE-LA may fit you if you can maintain a recurring quarterly routine and prefer spreading assessment over time. Traditional PANRE may fit you if you prefer a defined preparation period and one proctored exam day. In either case, map the actual NCCPA dates first, then schedule question practice and CME around your workload.

The PANRE Review Course offers 30 months of access, 1,200+ practice questions, and 100 AAPA Category 1 credits in one purchase. If you have CME allowance remaining, consider whether a paid Amazon or Apple gift card add-on fits your employer’s rules and educational plans.