Understanding Your Options While You Await Certification Exam Results

In response to the invalidation of the June 2026 NCCAA Certification Exam results, you may be wondering whether you can begin practicing while you wait for your examination results.

Some states provide a temporary license or permit that may allow eligible AA graduates to practice for a limited period while awaiting examination results. Other states require successful completion of the certification examination before an AA license can be issued.

This guide provides a state-by-state overview of where temporary licensure pathways may be available and what steps you should consider next.

Important Distinction: Temporary License vs. Student Exemption

A state may allow an AA student to participate in clinical practice while enrolled in an accredited training program without holding a full license.

That is not the same thing as allowing a graduate to practice temporarily while waiting to take or receive the results of the certification examination.

For example, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Ohio have provisions addressing students in training, but those provisions should not automatically be interpreted as temporary practice authorization for graduates.

Always determine which category applies to you:

Student in an accredited program → Student exemption may apply
Graduate awaiting certification examination/results → Temporary licensure may or may not be available
Certified graduate seeking permanent licensure → Standard licensure pathway generally applies

Important: This guide is intended as a starting point for students and graduates. State laws, regulations, board policies, application requirements, and licensing procedures can change. Temporary licensure may also depend on individual eligibility and specific application requirements. Always confirm current requirements directly with the appropriate state licensing board before making employment or relocation decisions.

CAA Temporary Licensure Provisions by State

States Allowing Temporary Licenses:

Alabama

Alabama's Board of Medical Examiners may grant a temporary license to an applicant who meets all qualifications for AA licensure except that the applicant has not yet taken the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CEAA) for the first time or has taken the exam and is awaiting results. The temporary license is valid for one year from the date of issue, until the exam results are available, or until the Board makes a final decision on the application — whichever comes first. AAs with a temporary license must practice under direct, on-site physician supervision and are not approved for additional duties beyond the standard Job Description.

Georgia

Georgia does allow a form of temporary licensure for CAAs – they handle CAA practice through their PA framework rather than standalone statute. The statute states the board may issue a temporary permit to any applicant for licensure who has satisfied the provisions of the training program requirements and who is an applicant for the next available board approved or administered examination or who has completed the examination and is awaiting results.

Missouri

Missouri provides a temporary license for AAs who have completed their accredited program and applied for the certification examination but have not yet received results. The temporary license is valid until the results of the certifying examination are officially reported. Applicants must submit a copy of the NCCAA's admission letter for the certification examination specifying the date the applicant sat for the exam. If the applicant passes, the temporary license remains valid until a permanent license is issued or denied. If the applicant fails, they must inform their employer the same day they are notified of the results, both verbally and in writing.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers temporary licenses to applicants who are eligible to take, but have not yet passed, the national examination. The temporary license expires on the date the Board grants or denies permanent licensure or on the date of the next regularly scheduled examination. There is a specific application form (Form 2979, "Request for a Temporary License for Anesthesiologist Assistant") that must be submitted along with the licensure application and fees.

Nevada

The Boards may issue a temporary license to an applicant who graduated from an AA program but has not yet passed the NCCAA certification exam. The applicant must take the next available exam after receiving the temporary license, and it is valid for one year. Applies under both the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and the Board of Medical Examiners.

Tennessee

Under the TN licensure law passed in 2025, they also allow for a temporary license to someone who has completed an AA program but has not yet passed an examination. The person must take the next available exam, license not valid for more than a year. The temporary license is non-renewable.

Vermont

Board may issue a temporary license to a first-time applicant who meets educational requirements. Issued only for the purpose of allowing the subject to practice until they are able to take the next NCCAA exam. Issued for a period of time determined by the board, can only be renewed by the board if the applicant demonstrates exceptional cause.

Virginia

According to the recently passed licensure bill, temporary licenses may only be issued pending the outcome of the next certification exam to a graduate of an accredited AA program.

No Temporary Licenses Granted:

Colorado

No measure for temporary licensure was found in statute; just stating licensure requires successful completion of the NCAA certification exam prior to licensure.

Florida

Currently does not offer temporary licensure, requiring a passing NCCAA exam score before licensure with no temporary provision. However, bills were introduced in 2026 (did not pass) that would create a temporary/provisional licensure for graduates awaiting exam results. (FL SB 148)

Indiana

No measure in statute for temporary/provisional licenses. Requires NCCAA certification and exam passage as a condition for licensure.

Kentucky

This state already requires PA Licensure in addition to AA Licensure, so CAAs practice through the PA framework – requiring graduation from an accredited program and PA Licensure, but no separate framework for temporary AA licensure.

New Mexico

New Mexico does not allow for a temporary AA licensure, requiring full licensure before practice. However, New Mexico statute specifically states that an AA student enrolled in a program is exempt from licensure while functioning as an AA student in an accredited program, provided the student is supervised by an anesthesiologist.

North Carolina

No temporary/provisional license found. Requires proof of NCCAA certification, but student AAs are exempt while in training programs.

Ohio

No temporary license offered. Requires NCCAA certification and student AAs are exempt while in programs.

Oklahoma

No temporary license provision found; licensure requires a passing NCCAA exam score.

South Carolina

No temporary license provisions found in statute; licensure requires NCCAA certification and passage of the certifying exam.

Utah

No temporary licensure provisions; licensure requires passing the NCCAA exam within 12 months of completion of training.

Washington

No temporary licensure provision; licensure requires completion of accredited program and passing of approved examination within one year.

Final Checklist for Students

Before accepting a position in a state where you intend to practice under a temporary pathway, make sure you have:

☐ Confirmed that temporary licensure is currently available.
☐ Confirmed that you personally meet the eligibility requirements.
☐ Identified the correct licensing authority.
☐ Obtained the appropriate application forms.
☐ Gathered required supporting documents.
☐ Confirmed application fees.
☐ Confirmed when you are permitted to begin practicing.
☐ Reviewed supervision requirements.
☐ Confirmed the temporary license's expiration date.
☐ Determined whether you must take the next available certification examination.
☐ Asked your employer about credentialing requirements.
☐ Determined what happens if you do not pass the examination.
☐ Confirmed the process for transitioning to permanent licensure.

Key Takeaway

Temporary practice pathways may provide an option for eligible AA graduates who are between completion of their educational program and successful completion of the certification examination. However, these pathways are not uniform across states.

If you are considering practicing before receiving your certification results, the safest approach is to: