The Irish Physician Associate National Exam (IPANE) is an exam required for certification in the Republic of Ireland. In order to receive an Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) number, it is required that all PAs sit the IPANE exam to ensure national standardisation. PAs are required to resit the exam every 6 years, for recertification, and to maintain medical knowledge in all fields. Upon successfully passing the Irish Physician Associate National Exam, an Irish certified PA may add ‘IC’ to the end of their credentials.

There are 2 sittings of the IPANE annually, occurring in both January and June. Exam candidates are required to attend for the IPANE exam in person in Dublin. There is currently no virtual or off-site options available for exam candidates.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice, single best answer questions. There is no OSCE component to the IPANE. The exam is divided over 2 papers (3 hours each) with both sittings on the same day. It is advised that you draw on the knowledge you obtained throughout your degree and to be familiar with the most recent guidelines for the treatment of conditions. These guidelines can be found on the HSE website and UpToDate.

Individuals applying to sit the recertification exam, must comply with ISPA membership and CPD requirements. A physician associate may be granted an exemption for CPD requirements in extenuating circumstances, however, please note that this is not possible in the year preceding their recertification IPANE. All eligibility requirements, including 50 annual CPD points, must be met in the year prior to sitting the recertification exam. 

Our Summer 2025 sitting for IPANE will be held on Saturday 19th July 2025 in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin. Eligible and interested candidates are kindly directed to complete the application below with payment as directed on the form.