Frequently Asked Questions for Physician Assistant Applicants

What are the qualifications to become licensed as a physician assistant in California?
How can I obtain an application for licensure?
Is fingerprinting required for licensure?
What fees do I include when I submit my application?
How long does it take to process my application?
What convictions am I required to disclose on the application?
Is my application automatically approved when complete?
What happens if my application is denied?
What do I have to do once my application for licensure is approved?
When is my application considered abandoned?

1. What are the qualifications to become licensed as a physician assistant in California?

• Complete an approved physician assistant training program. See the list of approved physician assistant training programs.
• Take and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Information on the PANCE is available on the NCCPA's Web site at www.nccpa.net.

2. How can I obtain an application for licensure?

You may obtain an application for licensure by:

• Downloading the application from the committee's Web site.
• Emailing a request for an application to the committee at pacommittee@mbc.ca.gov.
• Contacting the committee at (916) 561-8780 and request an application.

3. Is fingerprinting required for licensure?

• Yes. Pursuant to Section 144 of the California Business and Professions Code, applicants are required to furnish their fingerprints for purposes of conducting a criminal history record check through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Applicants residing in California must use Live Scan services for the fingerprint process. The Live Scan form is included in the application packet or may be downloaded from the PAC Web site. A list of Applicant Live Scan Sites is available on the Department of Justice's Web site at www.ag.ca.gov.
• Applicants residing outside of California that are unable to use Live Scan services in California, must use fingerprint cards furnished by the committee. You may email the committee at pacommittee@mbc.ca.gov or call (916) 561-8780 to request fingerprint cards.

4. What fees do I include when I submit my application?

The fee to apply for licensure is $25.

If you are submitting your application for licensure with a set of two fingerprint cards, the fee is $76, the application fee of $25 plus $51 for fingerprint card processing. For applicants using Live Scan services to submit fingerprints, the processing fee is collected directly by the Live Scan operator.

5. How long does it take to process my application?

You will be notified of the status of your application, including any deficiencies, within 28 days from the date your application is received. Your application is considered complete once all required forms, documentation, FBI and DOJ criminal record clearances, and appropriate fees have been received.

Once the application is complete, the length of time it takes to make a decision about the application varies depending on the applicant's individual history.

6. What convictions am I required to disclose on the application?

All. You must include any conviction, even if it has been set aside and dismissed or expunged, or where a stay of execution has been issued. For any conviction, you must submit all official arrest (including police reports) and hearing/court documents and include a detailed written narrative description of the incident that led to the conviction.

Failure to disclose a conviction is grounds for denial of an application. See next question for additional information.

7. Is my application automatically approved when complete?

No. Section 480 of the Business and Professions Code authorizes the committee to deny an application for licensure as a physician assistant. An applicant may be denied licensure for the following reasons:

• Knowingly making a false statement of fact, or knowingly omitting to state a material fact in an application for licensure.
• Conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a physician assistant.
• Commission of any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit himself or another, or substantially injure another.
• Commission of any act, which if performed by a licentiate of the business or profession in question, would be grounds for suspension or revocation of the license.

If your application is denied, you will be notified in writing of the reason(s) for the denial. More Information regarding the denial of an application.

8. What happens if my application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will be notified in writing of the reason(s) for the denial.

You may request a hearing under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. You must make the request for hearing in writing within 60 days after service of the denial letter. Unless the written request for a hearing is made within the 60-day period, your right to a hearing is deemed waived.

If, after your application is denied, you decide not to request a hearing or not to pursue licensure, you may reapply one year from the date of the denial letter.

More Information regarding denial of an application.

9. What do I have to do once my application for licensure is approved?

Once the application is complete and approved, you will be notified to submit the initial license fee of $200. Your license will be issued approximately four weeks after receipt of the initial license fee.

You will receive a wall certificate and pocket certificate separately approximately four weeks after your license is issued.

10. When is my application considered abandoned?

Your application is considered abandoned if you do not complete the application process, provide the requested documents or information, or submit the required fees within one year from the date of filing or written request by the committee pursuant to Title 16, Division 13.8, Section 1399.512 (d) of the California Code of Regulations.