For the full details, see the Certification Exam Handbook.
Examination Results.
The pass/fail exam results will be uploaded to the candidate’s profile within the secure NCCAA mobile app. The typical timeframe for receiving results is 6-8 weeks post examination.
Results will include an overall score and subject matter area scores for the candidate, as well as national averages for cohort comparison. This information will only be available to the candidate and the candidate’s educational program. The score data is not available to employers, state medical boards and other parties as this information can be misused without proper context to attempt to distinguish among candidates.
The only information available to candidates regarding the results of the NCCAA Certification Exam will be the information provided within the official results documents from the NCCAA. Due to the need to maintain exam security, exams and exam items will not be made available for review.
Any candidate who does not receive the pass/fail exam results within 10 weeks of taking the NCCAA Certification Exam should contact the NCCAA by email at [email protected].
Employers & Third Parties.
Again, the NCCAA does not share examination results with employers or state licensing boards. Both are encouraged to verify potential employee’s/licensee’s certification status free of charge on the NCCAA website at: www.nccaa.org.
Verification of Examination Results.
The NCCAA makes every effort possible to assure that scores awarded examinees are valid scores. When NCCAA feels that an examinee’s score does not represent a reasonable assessment of the examinee’s knowledge, this irregular score may be judged invalid, neither pass nor fail. A score may be considered irregular for any one of several reasons, including, but not limited to:
- Inappropriate behavior on the part of the examinee or other examinees
- Failure to complete all required components of the examination
- Aberrations in the examination process beyond the examinee’s control
- Statistical analysis indicating irregular score(s)
A score irregularity that is under investigation will not be released. Following analysis of all available information and evidence pertaining to the score irregularity, the NCCAA will make a determination as to the validity of that score.
When an investigation is initiated by the NCCAA, the examinee will be notified of that investigation. The examinee may be requested to provide written information during the NCCAA’s investigation.
If the NCCAA, based upon all available information, decides that an irregularity has occurred, the score may be ruled invalid. An invalid score will not be reported. Depending upon the circumstances of the irregularity and upon the NCCAA’s decision concerning validity, the NCCAA may require the examinee to be reexamined no later than the next regularly scheduled examination, may revoke certification, and may take other corrective action deemed appropriate, including denial of admission to any future examinations. The examinee will be notified of the decision and related the NCCAA determinations within 10 days following the decision. At the time of notification, the individual will receive written information pertaining to the appeal process of the NCCAA.
Because of the rigorous process ranging from pre-examination quality control and post-examination scoring, errors in scoring are virtually nonexistent. However, candidates who receive a failing score may request that their NCCAA Certification Exam results be verified. Requests for verification of results must be made in writing within three (3) months after the exam date and must include the following information: candidates name, candidate ID, exam date, exam location and signature. Exam verification fees may apply. Requests should be sent via email to [email protected].
Re-registration Process.
If a candidate fails the exam, their account will reflect registration for the next consecutive administration of the Certification Exam. Registration for each exam administration opens approximately 90 days prior to the exam date. When registration is open, the candidate will select “Certification Exam”, then “Pay Now” to submit the retake fees via credit card. Once payment has been made, the candidate will use the “Testing Center” button to link to Pearson’s scheduling platform, following the registration instructions listed above.
Examination Candidacy.
The eligibility period for the initial Certification Exam shall extend for no more than two (2) years from the date of the candidate’s first certification examination attempt, or from the date of graduation, whichever is earlier. During the period of eligibility, the examination candidate shall have a maximum of six (6) opportunities to take the Certifying Examination. Exam candidates will be responsible for reapplication fees for successive exam attempts while in the eligibility period.
During the eligibility period, the following shall be considered use of an examination opportunity:
- An examination candidate fails to appear for a scheduled Certifying Examination, or
- An examination candidate fails to complete a scheduled Certifying Examination, or
3) An examination candidate fails to pass a Certifying Examination.
When either the two-year eligibility period or the maximum six (6) attempts at the Certifying Examination have been exhausted, the candidate loses eligibility to take the Certifying Examination. The only way to establish new eligibility to take the NCCAA Certifying Examination is to enter and complete an unabridged,
educational program for anesthesiologist assistants. . The Anesthesiologist Assistant educational program must be offered at an institution that is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Eligible Status.
A candidate who holds examination eligible status with the NCCAA has been verified as meeting the requirements to register for and sit for the NCCAA Certification Exam. Under current procedures, this includes verification by the program director that the candidate is enrolled in an accredited anesthesiologist assistant educational program and is progressing on pace toward the expected graduation date. A candidate with examination eligible status has not yet passed the Certification Exam, has not yet been certified by the NCCAA, and may not use the designation ‘CAA’ after their name.
Ineligible Status.
Candidates will be found ineligible to take the Certification Exam for any one or more of the following reasons:
- The minimum academic and clinical requirements have not been met or adequately documented.
- If, in the sole determination of the NCCAA, the candidate is guilty of cheating on the Certification Exam.
- Failure to make any required eligibility attestations and to provide sufficient documentation to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the NCCAA.
- Failure to meet any of the other eligibility requirements, including failure to sign or accept a waiver of liability and agreement of authorization, confidentiality and nondisclosure statements if requested by NCCAA.
- Failure to pass the Certification Exam within the two (2) year eligibility period as defined under Examination Candidacy.