The PANCE is a multiple-choice test comprised of 360 questions
assessing medical and surgical knowledge. The test is
administered on computer, year-round at more than 300 Sylvan
Prometric testing centers throughout the US. Exam registrants
select a 3-month test eligibility window, and then call the
Prometric testing center of their choice to schedule an exam date
within that 3-month window of eligibility. There are more than
5,000 examinees annually, and the failure rate for first time
examinees is 15%, and 25% for repeat test takers.
The PANCE is administered in 4 blocks of 90 questions each,
with 90 minutes allowed for the completion of each block.
Question formats range from short, single-best answer questions
to longer, clinical vignette style questions with one best
answer. Many questions contain images, including EKGs, x-rays,
photographs and diagrams. A passing score on the PANCE requires
correctly answering 55-60% of the questions. There is no guessing
penalty.