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Geriatric Medicine CAQ for PAs: NCCPA requirements

The NCCPA geriatric medicine CAQ is an optional credential for certified PAs. It requires PA-C certification, an unrestricted PA license, specialty CME, geriatric medicine experience hours, an attestation and a passed specialty exam.

NCCPA requirements

NCCPA marks this CAQ "available September 2026".

Credential
Geriatric Medicine Certificate of Added Qualifications (NCCPA)
Status
NCCPA marks this CAQ "available September 2026".
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 CME requirement beyond the shared 75 credits.
Experience (within six years of attesting)
PAs who specify geriatric medicine as their principal specialty: a minimum of 2,000 hours (one year full-time) providing care to older adult patients. PAs with another principal specialty who focus on older adults: a minimum of 3,000 hours (18 months full-time).
Attestation
Attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA, or physician/PA postgraduate program director who works in the specialty.
Exam
Pass the geriatric medicine specialty exam.

Experience hours

  • PAs who specify geriatric medicine as their principal specialty: a minimum of 2,000 hours (one year full-time) providing care to older adult patients.
  • PAs with another principal specialty who focus on older adults: a minimum of 3,000 hours (18 months full-time).

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 geriatric medicine 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

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

Frequently asked questions

Who can earn the geriatric medicine CAQ?

PAs with current PA-C certification and a valid, unrestricted PA license in at least one US jurisdiction or territory, or unrestricted PA privileges for a government agency, who meet the CME, experience and attestation requirements and pass the exam.

How much experience does the geriatric medicine CAQ require?

PAs who specify geriatric medicine as their principal specialty: a minimum of 2,000 hours (one year full-time) providing care to older adult patients. PAs with another principal specialty who focus on older adults: a minimum of 3,000 hours (18 months full-time). Hours count within six years of attesting.

Does a geriatric medicine CAQ replace a license or privileges?

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.

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