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The PA Licensure Compact

The PA Licensure Compact is intended to let eligible physician assistants practice across participating states under a privilege rather than separate full licenses.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. General information, not legal or compliance advice.

The concept

The compact is designed to let PAs who meet its criteria obtain a compact privilege to practice in other member states. Member states must enact it and the compact commission must put the privilege system in place before PAs can use it.

Status

Because the system was being built over time, we do not state a date here. Check the compact's official website and your own state board for whether privileges are being issued, which states have joined and what the fees are.

In the meantime

Apply to each state board as you would normally, and track each license and its renewal date separately. See multi-state license management.

National certification

PAs also maintain NCCPA certification, which runs on its own cycle. See the recertification basics guide.

Limits of this guide

Rules and fees change, and this guide is general information, so confirm the details with the relevant board or agency before you act.