Frequently asked questions.

If you do not pass the Certification exam:

• You are allowed up to six attempts to pass the exam within a two-year period from your initial attempt.
• You are not required to take the next consecutive exam administration immediately after an unsuccessful attempt. You may choose when to retake the exam within the allowed two-year window.
• You may choose to retake the exam during its regularly scheduled and posted administration period during the two-year window.
• It is important to utilize this flexibility to adequately prepare for your next attempt to maximize your chances of passing.

Details: Results & retakes and the Certification Exam Handbook.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule my exam?

To cancel or reschedule your exam:

• Log into their NCCAA account and scroll to the bottom to click on the “View Details” button, which will display asynopsis of the current appointment. Select the “Reschedule” button, at which time the system will connect to Pearson’s scheduling platform wherein availability may be viewed before proceeding to reschedule the current appointment. The new appointment will not be finalized until “Submit” is selected at the bottom of the page.
• Additional information regarding Pearson testing center may be found by clicking here .

Cancellation Policies:

• No refunds will be issued for the following reasons:
  • Failing to schedule the exam with the Pearson test center.
  • Canceling a scheduled examination less than 24 hours in advance.
  • Arriving more than 15 minutes late for the scheduled exam.
  • Failing to appear for the scheduled exam.
• If an emergency occurs, you must provide a written description and documentation to the NCCAA via email at [email protected] within 24 hours of the scheduled exam date. Refunds due to emergencies are subject to a $100 administration fee .

Note: Failing to bring the required photo identification or incorrectly recording the exam date, time, or location is not considered an emergency.

See Apply & register.

Citizenship is not a requirement for certification. Completion of education, training, and successful examination are the determining factors in gaining certification. You are not eligible to sit for the Certification exam to become a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) without matriculation and satisfactory progress toward graduation in an accredited anesthesiologist assistant program.

Regardless of your prior training or experience in another country, all candidates—both non-US citizens and US citizens—must meet this requirement. The NCCAA maintains this standard to ensure all candidates have received education and training that meets the specific criteria established by CAAHEP for anesthesia education programs in the United States.

See Eligibility.

Mandatory use of the NCCAA application and logging of Clinical Experience Requirements will be in effect for all for all prospective CAAs matriculating in an AA educational program on or after January 1, 2025.

See Eligibility.

If you encounter an issue at the exam site:

• You will have access to a Test Center Administrator (TCA) on the scheduled test day. If there is a problem with the computer during your exam, the exam will be resumed from the point of interruption, as your answers are continuously saved to a backup. If the exam cannot be resumed on the same day and must be rescheduled, a new Examination will be administered at no additional cost to you, provided the issue was caused by circumstances at the test center.
• Report any issues related to admission or administration of the Exam, including conditions at the test center, immediately at the test center before leaving. Additionally, you must report these issues to the NCCAA by email at [email protected] within three (3) business days of the examination date.
• Your report should include your full name, test center location and address, and a detailed description of the conditions that caused the issue(s). The NCCAA will review your report and may decide to administer a new Exam or take other appropriate action. The NCCAA will not consider issues reported more than three (3) business days after the exam date.

Full policy: Test center issues.

If you do not pass the Continuing Demonstration of Qualifications (CDQ) exam:

• You are allowed a total of three attempts to pass the CDQ exam before decertification occurs.
• You are required to register for the next consecutive exam administration following an unsuccessful attempt.
• If you do not register for the next consecutive exam administration, you will become decertified . It is crucial to adhere to the registration timelines to maintain your certification status.

Details: CDQ results & retakes.

Here are the steps to change your address or name in the app:

1. Log in to your NCCAA account.
2. Select My Profile .
3. Update your address or name as needed and click Save to confirm the changes.

See Update your profile.

CAAs can write and review exam items, serve on standard-setting panels, or serve on the Board of Commissioners.

See Get Involved.

Use the certificate registry. Search by first and last name for the most reliable result.