Physician Assistant / Alabama
2026 data Alabama board official source

Alabama Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Alabama data shows for Physician Assistants

Alabama's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 3,466 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Alabama folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $193 to get started, plus $178 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 100-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, physician assistants should know: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Alabama

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,466 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$193
Renewal Fee
$178
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Physician Assistant All Alabama licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alabama licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Alabama? ▼
In Alabama, the license path calls for 3466 education/training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), and a $193 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Alabama? ▼
Alabama licenses physician assistants who complete its requirements (3466 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Alabama licensing board.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Alabama from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for physician assistants: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Alabama licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Alabama require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in Alabama. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Alabama? ▼
Alabama ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $178 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.