(1) (Numbering Plan Area) The Bellcore/Telcordia telephone area code system in use in the U.S., Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and islands in the Caribbean. See NPA code.

(2) (Network Professional Association, San Diego, CA, www.npanet.org) A membership organization founded in 1994 that is dedicated to advancing computer professionals who specialize in networking. It developed and funded the Certified Network Professional examination, the leading non-vendor examination in network technology. The NPA evolved out of the CNE Professional Association (CNEPA), which was formed in 1990. See CNP.