2022-2023 PANRE/PANRE-LA Interactive Content Blueprint

Home 2022-2023 PANRE/PANRE-LA Interactive Content Blueprint

Content Blueprint for the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE) and PANRE-LA

Organized by Content Category

The diseases and disorders that may be covered on the 2022-2023 PANRE and PANRE-LA are provided below. Also provided is the level at which each disease and disorder will be assessed. The levels are defined as follows:

  • Level 1: Recognize most likely diagnosis using signs, symptoms, and risks; refer appropriately.
  • Level 2: Make appropriate diagnosis by recognizing signs, symptoms, risks and/or interpreting results of diagnostic studies, and have knowledge of first-line treatment.
  • Level 3: Make appropriate diagnosis by recognizing signs, symptoms, risks and/or interpreting the results of diagnostic studies and have knowledge of first-line treatment. In addition, have the knowledge required to manage well-known comorbid conditions, contraindications, and complications.

Information on how the blueprint was developed may be accessed on the NCCPA website.

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Content Area Percent Allocation*
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Cardiovascular System 13%
Dermatologic System 6%
Endocrine System 6%
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat 8%
Gastrointestinal System/Nutrition 11%
Genitourinary System 5%
Hematologic System 4%
Infectious Diseases 6%
Musculoskeletal System 9%
Neurologic System 7%
Psychiatry/Behavioral Science 5%
Pulmonary System 10%
Renal System 3%
Reproductive System 7%

Content Category

Cardiovascular System: 13%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Abdominal aortic aneurysm •
Acute myocardial infarction: non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) • •
Acute myocardial infarction: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) • •
Acute pericarditis • •
Acute/subacute bacterial endocarditis •
Angina pectoris (stable angina) • • •
Aortic dissection • •
Aortic stenosis •
Arterial embolism/thrombosis • •
Atrial fibrillation • • •
Atrial flutter • •
Atrioventricular block­ •
Bundle branch block •
Cardiac tamponade • •
Cardiogenic shock •
Coronary artery disease • • •
Deep venous thrombosis • • •
Diastolic heart failure •
Dilated cardiomyopathy •
Essential hypertension (in adults) • • •
Hypercholesterolemia • • •
Hypertensive emergency • •
Hypertriglyceridemia • • •
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy •
Iliac artery occlusion •
Mitral regurgitation •
Mitral valve prolapse •
Orthostatic hypotension • •
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia • •
Pericardial effusion •
Peripheral artery disease • •
Phlebitis/thrombophlebitis • •
Premature atrial/ventricular contractions • •
Prinzmetal variant angina •
Secondary hypertension • •
Sick sinus syndrome •
Systolic heart failure • •
Temporal arteritis • •
Thoracic aortic aneurysm •
Torsades de pointes • •
Unstable angina • •
Varicose veins • •
Venous insufficiency • •
Ventricular fibrillation • •
Ventricular tachycardia • •
Cardiology Exam Take Exam
Dermatologic System: 6%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acne vulgaris • •
Actinic keratosis • •
Acute urticaria, Drug eruptions • •
Atopic dermatitis • •
Basal cell carcinoma •
Burns • •
Cellulitis, Erysipelas • • •
Contact dermatitis • •
Erythema multiforme •
Herpes simplex virus • •
Hidradenitis suppurativa • •
Impetigo • •
Lipomas/epidermal inclusion cysts • •
Melanoma •
Molluscum contagiosum • •
Onychomycosis, Dermatophyte infections • •
Paronychia • •
Pilonidal disease • •
Pityriasis rosea • •
Pressure ulcers • •
Psoriasis • •
Rosacea • •
Scabies, Lice infestation • •
Seborrheic dermatitis • •
Spider bites • •
Squamous cell carcinoma •
Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome •
Dermatology Exam Take Exam
Endocrine System: 6%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Benign thyroid nodules •
Cushing syndrome •
Diabetes insipidus •
Hyperparathyroidism •
Hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis • •
Hypoparathyroidism •
Hypothyroidism • • •
Metabolic syndrome and obesity • • •
Osteoporosis • • •
Primary adrenal insufficiency •
Thyroid cancer •
Thyroiditis • •
Type 1 diabetes mellitus • • •
Type 2 diabetes mellitus • • •
Endocrine System Exam Take Exam
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat: 8%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute epiglottitis • •
Acute pharyngitis • • •
Acute/chronic otitis media • • •
Acute/chronic sinusitis­ • •
Allergic rhinitis • •
Aphthous ulcers • •
Blepharitis • •
Cataract •
Chalazion • •
Conjunctivitis • •
Corneal abrasion • •
Corneal ulcer •
Epistaxis • •
Eustachian tube dysfunction • •
Foreign body in ear • •
Foreign body in eye • •
Foreign body in nose • •
Glaucoma •
Hearing loss •
Hordeolum • •
Hyphema •
Labyrinthitis •
Laryngitis • •
Mastoiditis • •
Meniere disease • •
Nystagmus •
Oral candidiasis • • •
Oral leukoplakia •
Orbital blowout fracture •
Orbital cellulitis • •
Otitis externa • •
Papilledema •
Parotitis •
Peritonsillar abscess • •
Retinal detachment •
Tinnitus •
Tympanic membrane perforation • •
Vertigo • •
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat Exam Take Exam
Gastrointestinal System/Nutrition: 11%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute hepatitis •
Acute/chronic cholecystitis • •
Acute/chronic pancreatitis • •
Anal abscess/fistula •
Anal fissure • •
Appendicitis • • •
Celiac disease •
Cholangitis •
Cholelithiasis • •
Chronic hepatitis •
Cirrhosis •
Colon cancer •
Constipation • • •
Diverticulitis/diverticulosis • •
Esophageal varices •
Esophagitis • •
Fecal impaction • •
Food allergies • •
Foreign body ingestion • •
Gastritis • •
Gastroesophageal reflux disease • • •
Hemorrhoids • •
Hernias • •
Infectious diarrhea • •
Inflammatory bowel disease • •
Ingestion of caustic substance •
Intentional overdose of medication • •
Intussusception •
Irritable bowel syndrome • •
Ischemic bowel disease •
Large-bowel obstruction •
Mallory-Weiss tear •
Noninfectious diarrhea • •
Peptic ulcer disease • •
Pyloric stenosis •
Small-bowel obstruction • •
Toxic megacolon •
GI and Nutrition Exam Take Exam
Genitourinary System: 5%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute prostatitis • •
Bacterial cystitis • •
Benign prostatic hyperplasia • •
Bladder cancer •
Chronic prostatitis • •
Epididymitis • •
Erectile dysfunction • •
Fecal incontinence •
Hydrocele/varicocele •
Nephrolithiasis/urolithiasis • •
Orchitis • •
Paraphimosis/phimosis •
Prostate cancer •
Testicular cancer •
Testicular torsion • •
Urethritis • •
Urinary incontinence • •
Genitourinary System Exam Take Exam
Hematologic System: 4%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute/chronic lymphocytic leukemia •
Anemia of chronic disease •
Factor V Leiden hypercoagulability •
Folate deficiency anemia • •
Hemolytic anemia •
Hodgkin lymphoma •
Hypocoagulable states •
Iron deficiency anemia • •
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma •
Sickle cell anemia •
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura •
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia • •
Hematologic System Exam Take Exam
Infectious Diseases: 6%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute rheumatic fever • •
Chickenpox/herpes zoster • • •
Chlamydial infections • •
Epstein-Barr virus infections • •
Gonococcal infections • •
HIV infection •
Human papillomavirus infections • •
Influenza • • •
Lyme disease • •
Measles • •
Mumps • •
Pinworm infestation • •
Rabies •
Rocky Mountain spotted fever • •
Roseola • •
Rubella • •
Syphilis • •
Tetanus •
Tuberculosis • •
Vaginal candidiasis • •
Musculoskeletal System: 9%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute/chronic osteomyelitis •
Avascular necrosis •
Back strain/sprain, Lower back injuries • •
Biceps tendinitis • •
Carpal tunnel syndrome • •
Cauda equina syndrome •
Compartment syndrome •
de Quervain tenosynovitis • •
Fibromyalgia • •
Fractures and dislocations: knee/patella, ankle/foot, forearm/wrist/hand, shoulder, hip, spine •
Ganglion • •
Gout/pseudogout • •
Kyphosis •
Lateral and medial epicondylitis • •
Osgood-Schlatter disease • •
Osteoarthritis • •
Rheumatoid arthritis • •
Rotator cuff tear •
Scoliosis •
Septic arthritis • •
Shoulder bursitis • •
Shoulder tendinitis • •
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis •
Soft-tissue injuries of the knee, foot/ankle, forearm/wrist/hand • •
Spinal disk herniation •
Spinal stenosis • •
Systemic lupus erythematosus •
Musculoskeletal System Exam Take Exam
Neurologic System: 7%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Cerebral aneurysm •
Cluster headache • •
Concussion • •
Delirium •
Encephalitis •
Essential tremor • •
Guillain-Barré syndrome •
Major neurocognitive disorder/dementia •
Meningitis • •
Migraine • • •
Multiple sclerosis •
Parkinson disease •
Peripheral neuropathy • •
Postconcussion syndrome • •
Radiculopathy • •
Seizure disorders •
Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage •
Status epilepticus • •
Stroke/transient ischemic attack • • •
Syncope • •
Tension headache • • •
Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage •
Neurologic System Exam Take Exa2m
Psychiatry/Behavioral Science: 5%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa •
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder •
Bereavement/grief reaction • •
Bipolar disorder •
Child/elder abuse, Spouse/partner abuse •
Generalized anxiety disorder • •
Major depressive disorder • •
Non–substance-related addictive disorders •
Panic disorder • •
Post-traumatic stress disorder •
Substance use disorders: illicit substances, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco •
Suicide risk • •
Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Exam  Take Exam
Pulmonary System: 10%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acute bronchiolitis • •
Acute bronchitis • •
Acute respiratory distress syndrome • •
Asthma • • •
Bacterial pneumonia • • •
Chronic bronchitis • • •
Croup • •
Emphysema • • •
Foreign body aspiration • •
Lung cancer •
Pertussis • •
Pleural effusion • •
Pneumothorax • •
Pulmonary embolism • • •
Pulmonary nodules •
Respiratory syncytial virus infection • •
Sleep apnea • •
Viral pneumonia • • •
Pulmonary System Exam Take Exam
Renal System: 3%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Acid-base disorders •
Acute kidney injury (acute renal failure) •
Chronic kidney disease • •
Electrolyte disorders • •
Pyelonephritis • •
Reproductive System: 7%*
Smarty PANCE is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Diseases and Disorders Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Abruptio placentae •
Amenorrhea •
Breast abscess • •
Breast cancer •
Cervical cancer •
Cervicitis • •
Contraception • •
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding •
Dysmenorrhea • •
Ectopic pregnancy • •
Endometriosis •
Gestational diabetes •
Hypertension disorders in pregnancy •
Mastitis • •
Menopause • •
Ovarian cysts •
Pelvic inflammatory disease • •
Placenta previa •
Postpartum hemorrhage •
Premature rupture of membranes •
Premenstrual syndrome • •
Prenatal diagnosis and care/preconception counseling •
Rh incompatibility •
Sexual/physical abuse in pregnancy •
Vaginitis • •
Reproductive System Exam Take Exam

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