The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is the organization responsible for certifying physician assistants (PAs) in the United States. Established in 1975, the NCCPA ensures that PAs meet the necessary standards of knowledge and competency through a rigorous certification process, which includes passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition to initial certification, the NCCPA oversees the ongoing maintenance of certification for PAs. This involves continuing education requirements and periodic assessments to ensure that PAs remain up-to-date with medical knowledge and practices, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety in the healthcare system.