No, the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) is a linear, fixed-form knowledge exam, not computer-adaptive. It is a fixed set of multiple-choice questions in which the difficulty does not respond to your performance. Its format is settling under new regulation, so confirm the current details with the awarding body.
What the PARA format actually is
The PARA is the national registration assessment that physician associates must pass to join the register and practise in the UK, introduced as the General Medical Council takes on regulation of physician associates, replacing the previous PA National Examination administered by the Faculty of Physician Associates. It is a multiple-choice knowledge assessment testing clinical knowledge and management reasoning at physician associate scope of practice. As the format is evolving under GMC regulation, check the current blueprint and structure on the GMC or Faculty pages before planning your revision.
How the pass mark is really set
As a regulated registration assessment, the PARA is standard-set to a defined level of competence for safe practice at the point of registration, rather than a fixed percentage. Because it reflects a competence standard, the exact mark needed can vary while the standard stays constant. For how standards are set across exams, see how medical exam pass marks are set.
What would be different if it were adaptive
If the PARA were adaptive, it would select each question based on your running ability and every candidate would see a different paper with rising difficulty, as in the AMC CAT, explained in how computer-adaptive testing works. The PARA is a fixed-form knowledge assessment measured against a defined standard.
How to prepare given the linear format
With a fixed paper, put adaptivity in your practice. Obtain the current blueprint, then target your weak clinical domains and space your revision to retain them. iatroX offers an adaptive physician associate question bank that targets your weakest domains, with free sample questions at iatroX.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PARA adaptive? No. It is a linear, fixed-form multiple-choice knowledge assessment. Difficulty does not change based on your answers.
What is the PARA? The Physician Associate Registration Assessment, the exam PAs must pass to register under GMC regulation, replacing the previous PA National Examination. Its format is settling under the new regulator.
How should I prepare for the PARA? Start from the current GMC or Faculty blueprint, then use adaptive practice to target your weakest clinical domains, since resources for the PARA are still developing.