Certification Process

The National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) provides the certification process for anesthesiologist assistants in the United States.

The certification process involves initial certification by successfully completing the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants, registration of continuing medical education credits, and successfully completing an Examination for Continued Demonstration of Qualifications when you are due.

Because employment as an anesthesiologist assistant in almost every locale is contingent upon certification, it is the expectation of the Program that each student will plan for, apply for, and take the Certifying Examination in his/her year of graduation.

• The cost of the NCCAA Certifying Examination is currently $1400.
• The cost of CDQ Examination is currently $1400, and is required every 10 years (previously every 6 years). Additional information is available on the NCCAA website.
• How will the new CDQ component of the process be implemented? 
  
  • For new CAAs, those that become certified in 2020 or after, the first CDQ exam will be in 4 years. Upon successful passing of their first CDQ exam, the CAA will then transition to the 10-year CDQ interval. For instance, if you first certify in 2026, you will be required to take and pass the CDQ exam in either February or June of 2030. Upon successfully passing the exam in 2030, your next CDQ will occur in 2040.
• The cost of CME registration is currently $295. Fifty hours of CME are required every two years.