Physician Assistant / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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

What the Texas data shows for Physician Assistants

Texas's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 3,791 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. Texas folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $258 to get started, plus $232 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,791 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$258
Renewal Fee
$232
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 Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 3791 education/training hours, passing an exam (PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)), and an initial fee of $258. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Texas? ▼
Certification as a physician assistant in Texas means clearing the state's checklist: 3791 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Texas from another state? ▼
For physician assistants, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Texas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Texas require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in Texas. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Texas? ▼
Texas ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $232 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.