Physician Assistants train in intensive programs that follow the same medical education model of most medical schools. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). To receive national certification, graduates of physician assistant programs take an examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and the National Board of Medical Examiners. In addition, Physician Assistants must participate in rigorous continuing medical education and recertification processes throughout their career.