The recertification exam

The recertification exam is designed to cover all core areas of practice that a physician associate is expected to maintain knowledge in, regardless of whether they are working in a specific specialty. Medicine is forever changing and physician associates have a responsibility to keep up to date. This ensures they are fit to practise and safe for patients. 

The fee for the recertification examination is £275. Payment must be received prior to the examination. The RCP assessment unit reserves the right to review the examination fees periodically.

Recertification examination dates 2020

January 2020

The application period has now closed for the January examinations.  

Results Release: 12 March 2020

The PA national recertification examination fee is £275

The RCP assessment unit reserves the right to review the examination fees periodically.

How do I register for the national recertification examination?

All candidates must register online for the physician associate recertification examination.

The application period has now closed for the January examinations.

Where are the examinations held?

The written examination is held in a number of locations across the United Kingdom. The RCP assessment unit cannot guarantee candidates will be offered their first-choice venue, but we will offer an alternative venue where applicable. 

How do I withdraw from the examination?

Requests for withdrawal from an examination should be made in writing to [email protected]

Can I defer my registration to another assessment period?

No, exam registration cannot be deferred to a later date, and payment cannot be carried over to a future exam. Candidates unable to take the exam will need to request a withdrawal from the exam, and then re-apply for the desired sitting of the exam when the appropriate application period opens. Refunds will be provided upon receipt of the appropriate medical evidence to support a candidate’s withdrawal request.

Sitting the recertification examination 

In order to remain on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR) physician associates have to sit the recertification examination every six years. Physician associates have three attempts to sit and pass the recertification examination.

The first opportunity will be at the beginning of their fifth year of practice after qualifying as a physician associate and they must pass the examination before the end of their sixth year.

If any physician associate fails the recertification examination on three occasions, or does not pass the examination within the above timeframe, they will be removed from the PAMVR and their employer notified. They will then have to take the national certification examination or follow the process that the statutory regulator stipulates in order to enter onto the PAMVR.