Physician Assistant / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia data shows for Physician Assistants

District of Columbia's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 3,859 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. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Upfront cost is $272, with renewal running $243 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 100 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,859 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$272
Renewal Fee
$243
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in District of Columbia? ▼
In District of Columbia, the license path calls for 3859 education/training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), and a $272 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses physician assistants who complete its requirements (3859 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for physician assistants nationally works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into District of Columbia. Verify the specifics with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
Yes, District of Columbia requires a criminal background check as part of the physician assistant licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $243 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.