2026 data Idaho board official source

Idaho Physician Assistant License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

What the Idaho data shows for Physician Assistants

Idaho's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 3,203 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. Idaho folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $141 to get started, plus $134 at each renewal 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,203 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$141
Renewal Fee
$134
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Idaho licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Idaho?
Idaho requires 3203 education/training hours, passing an exam (PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)), and an initial fee of $141. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Idaho?
To become a licensed physician assistant in Idaho, you must meet the state's requirements including 3203 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Idaho licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Idaho 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 Idaho. Verify the specifics with the Idaho licensing board.
Does Idaho require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing?
Idaho does require a background check before issuing a physician assistant license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Idaho?
To stay licensed as a physician assistant in Idaho, plan on 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $134.

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