Recertification through longitudinal assessment for PAs

Maintenance of certification (MOC) is a critical and self-regulated process in many professional organizations. MOC serves to protect the public and ensure that professionals enhance their knowledge and its application to clinical practice as they pursue lifelong learning. For the physician associate (PA) profession, MOC involves continuing medical education and a recertifying examination. Longitudinal assessment (LA) is a recent MOC method that is being used by certifying bodies in the pursuit of recertification and advancement of knowledge. In 2023, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) launched the Physician Assistant National Recertification Examination-Longitudinal Assessment (PANRE-LA). Many PAs are transitioning to this format as their chosen pathway for recertification examination. LA is a testing method that promotes continuous acquisition and application of knowledge over time. Despite the trend toward LA in many professions, limited literature describes the impact of this tool for the PA profession. In the changing landscape of MOC with LA becoming a recertification standard, PAs benefit from understanding the history, educational advantages, and importance of LA as a MOC tool.