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Physician Assistant License in North Carolina

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Physician Assistant license in NC. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$400

Processing Time

6-10 Weeks

Exam Required

PANCE

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Physician Assistant license in North Carolina.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Physician Assistant training program in North Carolina.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your NC application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the PANCE.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the North Carolina licensing board and pay the $400 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-10 weeks in NC. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

The path to becoming a licensed Physician Assistant in North Carolina involves several key steps. First, complete an approved education program recognized by NC. Next, prepare for and successfully pass the PANCE. Finally, gather your documentation and submit your license application through the North Carolina state licensing portal.

Requirements

North Carolina has specific requirements for Physician Assistant licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to practice medicine under physician supervision. A clean background check is mandatory in NC, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The PANCE must be passed with a minimum score set by the North Carolina board.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Physician Assistant license in North Carolina requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in NC is $400, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $550 total when accounting for all associated costs in North Carolina.

License Fee Calculator — Physician Assistant in North Carolina

Base License Fee$400
Estimated Total$400

Renewal Process

Your Physician Assistant license in North Carolina must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee in NC is $275. North Carolina requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in NC can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — Physician Assistant in NC

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. North Carolina requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

North Carolina takes professional licensing seriously, and the Physician Assistant field is no exception. The state board in NC regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Physician Assistant in North Carolina, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The NC licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Physician Assistant

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My North Carolina Physician Assistant License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize NC Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize NC Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize NC Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts NC Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) NoneCO does not recognize NC Physician Assistant license. Full re-application required.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for NC license holders.
California (CA) FullCA accepts NC Physician Assistant license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for NC license holders.

Where to File Locally in North Carolina

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Raleigh

1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

(919) 202-3600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Charlotte

600 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

(704) 336-2241

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Greensboro

300 W Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 373-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Durham

101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701

(919) 560-4000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Winston-Salem

101 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 727-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official North Carolina Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the North Carolina state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.