Feeling Overwhelmed by PANCE Prep?
You're not alone. Physician Assistant students are expected to learn a lot in a short amount of time, then recall all of it for one of the most intense certification exams out there.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to study harder, just smarter.
This guide outlines a step-by-step strategy to help you study for the PANCE using active recall, spaced repetition, and hands-free technology like AnkiRemote, ensuring consistent preparation, even during clinical rotations.
Let’s get started.
What Is the PANCE (And Why Flashcards Work So Well)
The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is a 5-hour test with 300 multiple-choice questions that span every major body system and disease category.
Commonly Tested Topics:
- Cardiovascular system=
- Gastrointestinal & Nutrition
- Infectious Disease
- Pharmacology
- Pulmonary
- Endocrine
- Musculoskeletal
To succeed, you’ll need to memorize drug mechanisms, side effects, diagnostic steps, and treatment algorithms—which is why so many PA students turn to Anki.
Step 1: Choose a High-Yield Flashcard Deck for PANCE
Start with a deck that’s already organized by system. Some student favorites:
- The PANCE Prep Pearls Anki Deck → Mirrors content from the popular review book
- Smarty PANCE Flashcards → Great for core topics and question-style learning
- Rosh Review Add-On Decks → Make your own cards from missed questions
Pro Tip: Use tags like low-confidence, pharm, high-yield, or missed-qbank so you can build filtered decks later.
Step 2: Stick to a 6-Week Study Routine
Whether you’re 6 months or 6 weeks out, consistency is everything. Here’s a 6-week sample plan:
Week 1–2:
- Review high-yield systems: Cardio, Pulm, GI
- Watch review lectures (Medgeeks, Rosh, PPP)
- Start tagging your flashcards by topic
Week 3–4:
- Move into ID, Endo, MSK, and Neuro
- Start practice tests (UWorld, Rosh, Smarty)
- Identify weak areas for deeper flashcard review
Week 5–6:
- Review all missed QBank items
- Focus on Biostats, Ethics, and low-yield areas
- Take full-length mock tests
- Focus on stamina, not just content
Optional: Want a free study planner PDF? Let us know and we’ll send it!
Step 3: Automate Your Review with AnkiRemote
Flashcards work. But daily consistency is hard—especially during clinicals or long rotations.
That’s where AnkiRemote helps.
This Bluetooth-powered Anki clicker lets you flip flashcards hands-free, so you can study:
- On your commute
- In bed
- Between patients
- During breaks in the call room
“I used the clicker in the lounge, between patients, and while brushing my teeth. I actually stuck with Anki this time.” — Student Passer
Step 4: Use Filtered Decks to Target Weak Areas
Once you’re deep into PANCE prep, you’ll start spotting patterns.
Use filtered decks to group flashcards you:
- Frequently miss
- Tagged as low-confidence
- Need review before test day
This is how top scorers avoid wasting time on what they already know.
Step 5: Focus on Practice + Active Recall
By the final 2 weeks before your PANCE:
- Take 1–2 mock exams under timed conditions
- Spend more time reviewing why you missed questions
- Prioritize flashcards over passive note-reading
Bonus: Listen to short-form podcast reviews during commutes or downtime.
Key Takeaway: Stick With What Works
You don’t need more resources. You need better routines.
✔ Use flashcards that match your learning style ✔ Build a schedule that fits around your rotations ✔ Automate your daily review with tools like AnkiRemote ✔ Track what’s working (and what’s not)
Ready to Study Smarter?
Check out AnkiRemote.com to grab your Anki clicker, download PANCE flashcard tools, and get started.