PANRE

[TWR]

The following is a letter I composed last month, but never posted.  It contains some comments that pertain directly to your situation.  I would encourage all AAPA members to continue to support the removal of the PANRE.

To whom it may concern:

I thought I would pass along some thoughts after recently taking the PANRE and successfully recertifying for the next ten years. I would like this post to be more than just an accounting of time and energy lost, but also a comment on the inefficiency and high-stakes associated with this test.

Roughly four months ago, I began preparation for the taking the PANRE. Despite the daily struggles that we all endure with work, home, and our myriad of other commitments, I allotted myself one hour a day to review. I bought several review books, and subscribed to the HIPPO review program. Closer to my exam, I took a 5-day CME Resources review course. In all, this tallied up to 120 hours of home study, 40 hours of review seminar, and $2500.00 worth of CME expenses. I can’t help but think how this time and money could be better spent on training and education specific to my chosen discipline.

During my attendance at a recent review course, I was struck by two main concerns. First, several older, competent, well-respected PAs were at the course struggling to keep their certification. These were PAs who had practiced more than 30 years, and were in jeopardy of losing their ability to work and care for patients. One particularly sad tale involved a practitioner who was receiving cancer treatments and had been too ill to take his test on previously scheduled dates. This placed him up against the wall in late December. He was faced with taking a test that held not only his source of income in the balance, but his ability to retain health insurance and continue treatment.

Also at this conference, I was surprised how few PAs were aware of the current discussion regarding removing the need for the PANRE. It seemed that every PA that I spoke to about the current state of affairs, was very receptive to the idea of removing the test. Granted, they too were preparing for a test that could remove their ability to feed, clothe, and house their family. We need to encourage our colleges to join the AAPA and voice our concerns about the current high-risk exam and its inherent inefficiencies.

Finally, I would like to speak about the test itself. For obvious reasons, I cannot discuss specific questions. However, I think I can make some salient points while still speaking in general terms. I work with inpatient pulmonary medicine patients who oftentimes have a long list of associated comorbidities. This has kept me up to date in regards to cardiology, hematology, nephrology, endocrinology, and essentially every other discipline in adult medicine to some degree. That being said, I haven’t seen a pediatric patient in over 5 years. I haven’t dealt with women’s health issues in essentially the same period of time. And frankly, some of the questions in regards to my specific specialty were poorly written, or in some cases - just plain wrong. I constantly had to remind myself this was a generalist exam and approach the questions accordingly.

In conclusion, I passed the exam. I have nine years to go until the stress, cost, time away from my family, and finding the resolve to study after a 12 hour work day begins again. In that time, I will lose the pediatric immunization schedule, forget about fundal height, and the countless other points of memorized medical minutiae that has no bearing on my current practice. I encourage all concerned PAs to speak to your fellow colleagues and encourage them to become involved and make their thoughts known. If there is in fact a general consensus to rid ourselves of the PANRE, then let us be proactive and move forward.

Sincerely,

Bjorn Spoon, PA-C

------------------------------
[bjorn] [spoon] PA-C

[overthehorizen]

The NCCPA is fond of saying that PAs should reboard because Doctors reboard. Well....doctors don't exactly reboard in the same way that PAs reboard. As PA Spoon points out, most PAs will specialize. Thus, the generalist exam for which one was well prepared at graduation no longer serves any purpose to the specialist PA. Yet, as PA Spoon points out, minutiae of fields of medicine in which one has never practiced in the last ten years are suddenly an absolute necessity to maintain credentialing and employment. Countless hours and money are wasted on this effort which results in immediately lost knowledge as the specialist PA begins to focus again on the relevant work he or she performs daily. If doctors were required to retake Step 1 of the USMLE every ten years, there would be an outright revolution against their credentialing organization. Doctors retake their specialty boards. IF they work in their specialty, they will benefit from studying for and passing their boards. However, our "board exam" is nothing but a revenue generator for the NCCPA. It is nothing else but a money grab. Nurse Practitioners don't reboard yet they have 22 states with independent practice and have sidelined 2000 PAs at the Department of Veteran Affairs by winning practice independence there. The PA who has the most influence in the VA (a Senior Executive Service PA) has consistently argued against independence and in favor of reboarding. 

 

Unless and until we abandon reboarding and achieve 50 state practice independence, the PA profession will slowly but inexorably wither into nonexistence in ten years. Any undergraduate who is considering the PA field today should reconsider two far better options. The best option is to go to medical school. Either MD if you can gain acceptance. If not, go DO. IF not DO, then consider the islands. If medical school is out or you are older (over 40), then the NP path is superior. NPs and Doctors will predominate over the next decades as PAs fade into nonexistence. If you are an undergraduate, do not waste your money on a PA program at this stage unless and until the PAs have abandoned reboarding and won 50 state independent practice. By the time you graduate and pay off your school loans, the PA field won't exist. Trust me on this. People here who argue with such "irrational exuberance" about the prospects of the PA future might well be profiting from your entrance into the field (PA programs, AAPA and NCCPA). 

 

Students who read this post. Please don't enter the PA field. You will have your money wasted and your career will be over just as it begins. The better investment in medical school (in many forms) or nurse practitioner programs. 

[LKPAC]

Too much doom and gloom, overthehorizon.  I agree that we need to work on some issues such as independence, but I disagree that we will ever be extinct.  I also realize that your opinion is more of a call-to-action, than it is a true prediction.

[Reality Check 2]

Overthehorizon

 

I really wish you would not post anymore. Discouraging folks from pursuing PA, all the gloom and doom, all the negativity.

You are certainly entitled to an opinion but since this is an ACTIVE PA forum populated mostly by active PAs and those seeking the profession, your gloom and doom is misplaced.

 

Don't be a PA anymore if you are seriously that unhappy and see the end of the world as we know it. Find another profession and walk away.

 

Let the rest of us be. Let us forge ahead in a positive light with logical, fact based progression and foster the profession instead of proclaiming its doom.

 

I have to take PANRE this year as my first 10 year cycle. I have taken 3 sets of subtests cold - no studying and am 88% with zero preparation. So, I feel positive about it.

 

I completely disagree with doing away with boards - we have to have a cogent measure of our skills and a basis on which to claim our knowledge base as we push for independence and autonomy. By saying to do away with everything and just let us be independent - great hubris, great risk, no real measures or facts. 

 

So, I am sorry you are so unhappy with the profession. Please move on and find what makes you fulfilled since this obviously isn't it.

 

The profession has much good to offer and has done so for over 50 years. We do have a future if we stick together, remain collegial and support one another.

 

Good Day

[overthehorizen]

 

I have to take PANRE this year as my first 10 year cycle. I have taken 3 sets of subtests cold - no studying and am 88% with zero preparation. So, I feel positive about it.

 

I completely disagree with doing away with boards - we have to have a cogent measure of our skills and a basis on which to claim our knowledge base as we push for independence and autonomy. By saying to do away with everything and just let us be independent - great hubris, great risk, no real measures or facts. 

 

First, I wish you well on your PANRE. I agree with you. You will do quite well. You work in primary care so most of the board is relevant for you. FWIW, I always passed the boards on the first time with a good score. Finished the PANRE in 3 hours. My arguments still hold. It is a worthless test and it is a money grab for the NCCPA. You are in the minority because only a few small percentage of PAs will work in Primary Care. As my argument stated, it is the specialist orientation that renders the generalist PANRE of no value. 

 

Second, you argue that these boards demonstrate a). our knowledge base b). support for independence and c). support for autonomy. Well, NPs have gained independence and autonomy in primary care and other specialized practices without board recerts. They own their own firms without the cost and risk associated with a "physician master." They are successful without risk. They also make serious bank. Why would you enjoy remaining in your horrible position with that physician who has no respect for your future or the practice itself. If you were free of that dead weight, you have the experience to run your own show , have a better life and make more money. Why do you object to this? Do you enjoy suffering and frustration while your physician supervisor does a crappy job and makes a lot of money off your back? Frankly, I think you should leave the PA profession and I should remain. I have the voice of reason and hope. You have the voice of despair and surrender. I know what has to be done. You have given up. If we ever faced a serious battle, I would demand that you take off the uniform and go home. Finally, just let me know if you are connected in some way to the NCCPA, AAPA or some PA program. I think it would provide a fairer picture of your views.

[Reality Check 2]

We don't exist on the same plane in our lives.

 

I cannot discuss with you constructively. 

 

I will pursue my own forward progress and you are welcome to yours.

 

Your posts are alarmist, degrading and insulting.

 

I am done with you.

[darkjin6920]

I recently took the PANRE in November studied 2 weeks 6-8 hour days and passed with flying colors. It was quite easy actually

[Noreaster]

I've been practicing for about 12 years.  When I did the first PANRE, 6 years ago, I just was along for the usual ride and passed on the first attempt.  This last experience with PANRE, I do feel as though my eyes are much more open to things, such as the origional poster's comments, in terms of cost, which includes cost of time with family and even self-time, such as fun. 

 

This time around for PANRE is a very different experience for me.  To be transparent, I am struggling to pass it and have yet an other try coming up soon.  When I passed my PANCE and 1st PANRE cycle, both on 1st attempts, I figured I was ranking up there with some of the smarter ones.  I was foolish to think that way and I know that now. This time around, I have heightened awareness of the true cost of this exam.  I've been in orthopedics 100% of the time I've been a PA.  I have a new appreciation for how much general medicine I've lost over the years as I've focused on ortho.  I really do wish the PAs, who work in medicine/ER/fam practice/internal med, etc.. would stop saying how the test isn't a big deal.  For a lot of us, who are sub-specialized, it is a big deal and difficult. 

 

I've new convictions about our re-certification process.  The PA profession has evolved; I believe now that our re-cert process needs to change and evolve.  I was speaking to the NCCPA recently and I was faced with sharp defensiveness about the high stakes re-cert exam.  The NCCPA staff felt somehow offended that I was using the term "high stakes" and said to me... "you're saying high stakes about this exam, which it isn't and the exam is needed to maintain PAs' safety to the public."  Honestly, after hearing this, and continue to hear things like this, the MORE I have fast-lost respect for the NCCPA, who is, sadly, our certifying body.  The PANRE absolutely is a high stakes exam.  I very recently had first-hand observation of a peer/colleague PA in a subspecialty, who is a very smart person, struggle to pass the PANRE and, after failing it, lost the "C."  This colleague had to pay more money to the NCCPA, get FIFTY MORE CMEs, and, only then, could challenge the PANRE again.  This colleague's professional life was very acutely in turmoil and ruins.  The fact that this exam can literally professionally decapitate us is about as high stakes as it gets. 

 

The AAPA have made efforts to stop the need for PANRE high stakes exam needed for state licensure and I think that is awesome!  The AAPA opposes high stakes re-cert exam and I support this 200%.  Good, strong, experienced, and solid PAs should NOT be losing their jobs over this BS exam. 

 

If you've not seen on the AAPA's web site, the AAPA opposes high stakes re-cert testing:

http://news-center.aapa.org/recert/

 

The AAPA has actually let the NCCPA know that they have/are considering creating a new certification process. I actually really hope they do.  I have gotten to the point that I feel the NCCPA is a self-serving entity and they cling to "serving the public" but, this is something that I see through now.  If you don't know what the NCCPA grossed for money last year, look it up.  It is a significant amount...significant.  To be taking a test up to 4 times.. I mean, come on...that generates a lot of money...um, for themselves. 

 

I believe it's time that the re-cert process evolves!  The AMA has been working hard with very similar efforts to rid high stakes testing for physicians, and for the exact same reasons.  I feel strongly that the re-cert process needs to not involve high stakes testing. 

 

I have already looked into the board of medicine in my state and will be looking into potentially getting in seat and trying to do-away with the PANRE as part of licensure requirement.  Currently, only 20 states require the PANRE for state license.  Many of us don't even know that.  A lot of us have been along for the ride, just as I was. 

 

I encourage PAs to write the NCCPA and also the AAPA in support of evolving the re-cert process and not have high stakes testing.  I also highly encourage getting involved in your state board of medicine (or PA board if your state has that), if you're in one of the minority states that still requires the PANRE for state license.  Even this, alone, could mean some awesome PAs don't lose their jobs over a test. 

[marktheshark89]

It is worth noting that even if its not required in a given state, most hospitals will not credential you without the C regardless, and some insurance companies will not reimburse care provided by non-certified PAs. These are other hurdles that we need to tackle as well.

[Noreaster]

I don't feel that it's worth nothing to lessen the need for PANRE at state board level because it's about changes that can assist/take steps in the dropping of the nonsense of high stakes testing off the map. 

I also don't feel it's worthless because I know of a PA, who worked in a subspecialty, and struggled with PANRE and lost her C.  Because the PANRE wasn't needed in her state, all she did was ask the hospital where she was credentialed to grant some time and the time was easily granted (as they deferred to state law) and she re-took the PANRE and got her C back and all was good.  (I did not think that insurances were an issue either).  I think if this PA had the added difficulty of losing the state license b/c of losing the C, that would have been played out differently. 

 

I think the changes at the state level and with hospitals credentialing is not as difficult as some might think.  In my state, there have been PAs as president of the state board of medicine for numerous terms and also vice president for at least one, if not more.  It's very true that hospitals have their own credentialing hoops; those hoops can certainly be changed.  I actually have done this.  A couple years ago, I met with one of the hospital lawyers as part of the process and also professionally challenged hospital bylaws and went to the hospital board and the changes were made so, I've seen and done this first-hand.  

 

The state of Michigan no longer has the term Supervising physician.  They have Participating Physician now.  That's a great change that didn't come without PAs stirring things up, professionally/in a good way.  MAJOR PROPS to those PAs!!

 

Knowing the AAPA is actually making efforts with the state boards of medicine (or state PA boards), and attempting to rid the requirement for PANRE for state licensure is, I believe, making good steps.  Imagine one day, if there's few, or no states that require the PANRE for state licensure, that's just one more thing we can use as we proceed with making other changes...i.e. hospital credentials, etc, etc... 

 

I have lost a lot of respect for the NCCPA, which hasn't come without some research and quite a bit of dialogue with NCCPA departments and staff.  How many years was the NCCPA run by a person with an MBA? ...a lot. 

 

I, for one, would like for us to have a much more reasonable and less costly, (both personal time and money), sustainability. 

[Katera]

That test is a stupid waste of time with literally no bearing on my ability to practice quality medicine.  I have taken that stupid thing 4x now and it just keeps getting more annoying.  Can it and move on I say.  NP's don't re-certify and it hasn't seemed to hurt their ability to work.  Stupid.    I feel really bad for PA's that do specialize...

[Noreaster]

TWR, did you ever hear back from the AAPA from your letter?

[d2305]

It's a big money maker for NCCPA. I have to take it again next year. Time to order another yellow book.

[mjl1717]

I   took  the  PANRE  on  3/7/17..  Got  my  result    today  3/13/17..  I  passed  with some  room  to  spare.

 

I  think  the  recert  exam  puts  "a  governor"  on  the  system.  And  prevents  some  from  just  walking  into  this profession!

 

By  the  way  I  used   this for  about  5  months:

 

1)Help  Campus,  

2)about  70% of  the  Kaplan  questions,

3) Pance  Master questions

4)Pance  Flashcards  by  Doris  Rapp

5)1000 facts  to  Help you  Pass  the  Family  Medicine Boards  by  Bratton

6)Babcock OConell  question  book

7)The  Lange Q  and  A  question review  book.

8)USMLE  Step 2  secrets.

 

I  would  not  say  it  was  easy  unless  I  scored  in  the  95th  percentile.

Also I  could not  fathom  talking the  bloody  exam  again!

 

I  think  I  will  try  to  always  have  a  foundation  to  be  ready  for  it!

[TWR]

Noreaster,  I cannot take credit for my post.  That was a copy and paste.  The author is signed at the bottom.

 

I wish I had written it!!

[TWR]

MJL1717,  First of all congratulations on your "C".  But listen to yourself.  You had to do 8 separate steps over the course of 5 months and no mention of the hours or cost.  In the end, did it make you a better PA?  Was the public protected now?  

Is there any other profession that would require what the NCCPA does to maintain what you do every day for x number of years?  Certainly not the NPs!!!

[overthehorizen]

Agree with TWR. The PANRE is a money making scam by the NCCPA. Morton Rizzo cannot sell this thing with objective evidence. We must abandon the PANRE completely. The time wasted for specialist PAs (the majority) to study unnecessary material to keep practicing medicine is foolish. 

 

Just for your consumption, there are about 108,000 certified Physician Assistants. Assuming they take the PANRE once every ten years. Multiply the cost of the exam by the total number of PAs in ten years who take the PANRE. It works out to about 4.3 Million dollars annually for the NCCPA. No wonder Morton Rizzo is pulling in $400,000 per year in salary and that doesn't take into account her of the book bonuses that are paid under the table (off the accounting spreadsheets). I would project the NCCPA president Rizzo's total income to be around $1,000,000 (one million dollars) annually. That is why you are taking the PANRE exam folks. Not about patient safety, not about competence, not about reputation. The President needs to hang on to her one million dollars of annual income. 

[Noreaster]

We are a large number.  Why do the NPs do da great job of speaking up for themselves and PAs to a lesser degree?  I'm perplexed by this actually.  My very first PA/NP meeting at the hospital campus I work at, the PAs all were totally quiet and not getting involved.  The NPs were involved to a noticeable difference. 

Due to the lack of involvement of the other PAs there, and/or lack of belief we could impact things towards change, I single-handedly changed bylaws at my hospital to make things better/easier/more stream-lined for PAs and MDs. Of course some PAs get involved in things...I'm not making any blanket statements here...simply going on majority of my own first-hand observations.

 

I do feel that,  if  a lot of us spoke up about our current re-cert high stakes testing/process and wrote letters to professionally give the key feedback and strive to draw lines in the sand, we'd be able to help ourselves evolve. 

 

If a huge number of us wrote the AAPA to create a new re-cert process, they just actually might...or they'd get back in NCCPA's face, (as they've recently done), and pursue, even demand, the re-cert process to change into something MUCH more reasonable and do away with high stakes re-cert testing. 

 

I very recently saw an interview with a PA from the 1st graduating PA class.  https://youtu.be/4rF4XPeCZQU .

It was really cool to see the video, however, it also deeply bothered me as this PA, who lead the way for us and is our senior, lost his "C" and I believe it was due to our highly unreasonable re-cert process/high stakes testing.  He actually couldn't keep from welling up with emotion when the subject came up, (although doesn't state re-cert process/test itself). 

 

NONE of us should be losing our jobs and livelihood over this!  ...over a high stakes exam every 10 years?! 

 

How can we spread the word to get a huge number to write the AAPA..?  If I knew, I would have already done it. I, however, have done my part and written the AAPA with professionalism, yet not without candor, desires of change and even with a sense of expectation.  I would respectfully not recommend blasting the AAPA with saying things like the re-cert high stakes test is a money maker, etc..  I feel to make intelligible, professional, yet pertinent points about things is likely more constructive towards evolution for us? 

[overthehorizen]

I would respectfully not recommend blasting the AAPA with saying things like the re-cert high stakes test is a money maker, etc..  I feel to make intelligible, professional, yet pertinent points about things is likely more constructive towards evolution for us? 

 

 

I think it is fair to allege a money making scam. The same corruption took place at the ABIM as discussed in the video. Instead of polite discourse, how about a forensic accounting investigation of the NCCPA?

[Noreaster]

Overthehorizen, I didn't say that as directing it at your comment.. It was more of a generalization to promote an overall outcome of actual help for us...as in the AAPA acting on our behalf to change things, etc... 

 

Personally, if there is ANYTHING that is corrupt with the NCCPA, I am all for seeing it all fully exposed. 

 

In this particular thread, I was pretty much addressing the specific re-cert process and changing it.  However, I assume that guy in the vid you posted is very costly to hire but maybe there's a philanthropist out there that'd hire him for us ha! 

[GeminiPA34]

I remember taking the PANCE on Wednesday or Thursday and received my results via email the next day. Does that apply with the PANRE or will test results take at least 1 week no matter what day of the week you take it? 

[Simkin]

I have been practicing in NY in a specialty for 19 years.  I was one of the unfortunate PAs affected in the incident 6 years ago where the NCCPA screwed up and falsely reported that we failed the PANRE.  At the time, like many, I left the testing center worried that I really could have failed it.  Then I received my score.  It was so low.  Profoundly lower than my PA cohorts around the country with whom I had recently taken a board review course with and was scoring the same as them on all the practice exams.  I felt something was wrong and called the NCCPA.  I have been disgusted ever since.

 

I was met with a defiance so unprofessional I wish to God I had recorded the conversation.  I inquired about the recently changed exam format and asked if there was any way my exam score could be reviewed. The woman I spoke with was immediately exacerbated, flustered, rude and unsympathetic.  She complained to me that she was getting inundated with more calls and emails than she could handle regarding this recent failed exam.  She all but said I was bothering her (mind you I am an incredibly non-confrontational and kind-mannered person who asked a simple question). I was told to "not call again, accept it, pay the money and retake the exam".   She really said that!  I was horrified by the behavior.  This is my governing body.  I felt like an abused child who had no recourse against the harmful parent.  My subsequent emails were largely ignored.  I felt so alone.  Had she not reacted that way I would have accepted the failure.  But she slipped up.  Her reaction to my question was such a red flag that I starting surfing the internet.  That is how I discovered this forum site. Eventually enough PAs complained and only once legal action was threatened, did they take a look at what went wrong.  After a few months and countless more lost hours of studying, money and stress I received a short email stating that they found a glitch in their (previously toted infallible) scoring system and I actually passed the originally reported failed PANRE.  I do not even think there was an apology. I think they got close and said something like "we realize this error may have been inconvenient.."  It was a slap in the face.

 

A year or two later the AAPA president at the time was at a conference I attended.  I introduced myself and asked him if he was aware of what happened. He was and he said he felt very badly for me and the other PAs affected.  He said the AAPA and the NCCPA relations were very tense.  He didn't elaborate further.  That was 3 or 4 years ago so I am not sure how things are now.

 

2016 was my 5th year in the cycle.  I knew if I was smart I should take the exam early but every time I thought about it I'd start to panic.  Bad memories.  I also knew that the NCCPA potentially knew my name.  I was lumped into a group of PAs that were "trouble makers" for making some noise and exposing their mistake last round.  I know it is paranoia to think the NCCPA would remember little ol' me but they were so shady a few years back I began to fear I would be intentionally targeted and falsely deemed a failure again as revenge.  Silly, I know, but it was a real roadblock in my brain to studying for me.   I decided to sign up for the PANRE last minute in December and wing it without the stress of studying.  I spent one solid day reviewing cardiology (never my strong point and I never use it in my specialty) and then took the exam. 

 

I failed it by one single point.  

 

I'm not allowing myself to be that upset as I did not do my due diligence and study.  My family thinks that since I missed it by just one point without any studying then I'll do great with studying.  I think they are completely wrong.  I think the exam is a total unpredictable crapshoot.  And the bad memories have come back.  The roadblock is back up.  I cannot stomach it.  I fell onto this forum when searching for study materials.

 

Thanks for letting me share my story.  I fear no changes with the NCCPA will be made before I retire.  I'm defeated.  

 

I am hoping PAs here can help me by suggesting a really good prep book or online study material.  I have no more time off to go to a review course.  Any recommendations would be so very appreciated.  Thank you!!

[GetMeOuttaThisMess]

I wasn't aware that this had even happened since I live in my private little 'holler.  I truly am sorry that you had to go through this mess.  I've been fortunate that by the time my five PANREs rolled around I was always in some type of primary care setting so I didn't study (until this last time and I'm not sure that it made any difference though the CME was nice).  For the benefit of yourself and others, always be sure to check the weighted exam distribution (available at their website) and focus on those areas that are weighted the highest, and of those, the ones that you feel that you are the weakest in.  If there are for example only 2% dermatology questions then what the heck, I don't care.  Turn the tables on them and put the odds in your favor.  Hopefully this can save quite a bit of anguish.

[Katera]

That exam is complete bullsh*t.  I've taken it 5x now and it is the biggest waste of time and money in my life.  Stupid stupid stupid.

[Noreaster]

I have been practicing in NY in a specialty for 19 years.  I was one of the unfortunate PAs affected in the incident 6 years ago where the NCCPA screwed up and falsely reported that we failed the PANRE.  At the time, like many, I left the testing center worried that I really could have failed it.  Then I received my score.  It was so low.  Profoundly lower than my PA cohorts around the country with whom I had recently taken a board review course with and was scoring the same as them on all the practice exams.  I felt something was wrong and called the NCCPA.  I have been disgusted ever since.

 

I was met with a defiance so unprofessional I wish to God I had recorded the conversation.  I inquired about the recently changed exam format and asked if there was any way my exam score could be reviewed. The woman I spoke with was immediately exacerbated, flustered, rude and unsympathetic.  She complained to me that she was getting inundated with more calls and emails than she could handle regarding this recent failed exam.  She all but said I was bothering her (mind you I am an incredibly non-confrontational and kind-mannered person who asked a simple question). I was told to "not call again, accept it, pay the money and retake the exam".   She really said that!  I was horrified by the behavior.  This is my governing body.  I felt like an abused child who had no recourse against the harmful parent.  My subsequent emails were largely ignored.  I felt so alone.  Had she not reacted that way I would have accepted the failure.  But she slipped up.  Her reaction to my question was such a red flag that I starting surfing the internet.  That is how I discovered this forum site. Eventually enough PAs complained and only once legal action was threatened, did they take a look at what went wrong.  After a few months and countless more lost hours of studying, money and stress I received a short email stating that they found a glitch in their (previously toted infallible) scoring system and I actually passed the originally reported failed PANRE.  I do not even think there was an apology. I think they got close and said something like "we realize this error may have been inconvenient.."  It was a slap in the face.

 

I'm not allowing myself to be that upset as I did not do my due diligence and study.  My family thinks that since I missed it by just one point without any studying then I'll do great with studying.  I think they are completely wrong.  I think the exam is a total unpredictable crapshoot.  And the bad memories have come back.  The roadblock is back up.  I cannot stomach it.  I fell onto this forum when searching for study materials.

 

Thanks for letting me share my story.  I fear no changes with the NCCPA will be made before I retire.  I'm defeated.  

 

I am hoping PAs here can help me by suggesting a really good prep book or online study material.  I have no more time off to go to a review course.  Any recommendations would be so very appreciated.  Thank you!!

 

 

Simkin, 

Wow...that's just awful.  I'm sorry for you having had that kind of experience with the NCCPA...completely inexcusable and severely deplorable!!  This is our certifying body?!  I honestly can't believe this has been allowed to go on.  Thanks for your transparency.  When will we, as a profession, figure out how to make our voice strong and heard??!!!