Physician Assistant / West Virginia
2026 data West Virginia board official source

West Virginia Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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

What the West Virginia data shows for Physician Assistants

To practice as a physician assistant in West Virginia, the state licensing board requires 3,426 documented education or training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under West Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Upfront cost is $185, with renewal running $171 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.

For physician assistants, the reciprocity picture is: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,426 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$185
Renewal Fee
$171
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 West Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with West Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Physician Assistant in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia's requirements cover 3426 hours of education or training, the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $185. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in West Virginia? ▼
Certification as a physician assistant in West Virginia means clearing the state's checklist: 3426 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The West Virginia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for physician assistant licensing in West Virginia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in West Virginia? ▼
Licensed physician assistants in West Virginia must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $171.

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.