Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CAQ for PAs: NCCPA requirements

NCCPA requirements

Credential

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Certificate of Added Qualifications (NCCPA)

Prerequisites

Current PA-C certification. A valid, unrestricted license to practice as a PA in at least one US jurisdiction or territory, or unrestricted privileges to practice as a PA for a government agency.

Specialty CME

In the six years before applying for the CAQ exam, a minimum of 75 Category I CME credits focused on the specialty, including 25 earned within the last two years. The same 75 credits may also be used for maintenance of the PA-C credential.

Additional CME

No additional CME requirement is specified beyond the shared 75 credits.

Experience (within six years of attesting)

At least 4,000 hours (the equivalent of two years full-time) working as a PA in cardiovascular/thoracic surgery.

Attestation

Attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA postgraduate program director who works in the specialty.

Exam

Pass the cardiovascular and thoracic surgery specialty exam.

Experience hours

• At least 4,000 hours (the equivalent of two years full-time) working as a PA in cardiovascular/thoracic surgery.

What a credentialing office can ask for

• Current PA-C certification status.
• A valid PA license for the state where the PA will practice.
• The cardiovascular and thoracic surgery CAQ certificate, if the PA lists it.
• The specific clinical privileges the PA is requesting.
• Collaboration or supervision terms, which are set by state law.

A CAQ is optional

A CAQ is optional. It is not a license to practice and it is not a clinical privilege; licensure comes from the state and privileges come from the facility.

Source

• NCCPA: Specialty Certificates

As published by NCCPA, read October 15, 2026; confirm on nccpa.net.