We recently received this article written by Vivian Campagna, MSN, RN-BC, CCM, from CCMC and thought it would be beneficial to know how to use the knowledge domains to study for the CCM. (Note the highlighter tip, which is part of Deanna’s Successful Study Strategies.) (more…)
First of all, I want to let you know I am very sorry you did not pass. I know that you invested a lot of time and money into passing this exam. I hope you plan to take the exam again. Many people do not pass their first attempt and go on to pass later. This article should help you to do that.
CCMC will waive the application fee for your first retest during the next testing cycle only. For example, if you fail the test in April you can take the August exam without reapplying and paying the application fee again. You will have to pay the test center (Prometric) fee though. If you do not test during the next exam cycle, but wish to retest later or this is not your first retest, CCMC will require the entire application fee and test fee again. Also, if you rescheduled your first test and failed, you will have to reapply and pay the application and test center fees again. Basically, the application only covers 2 testing cycles, if for any reason you do not pass the test by the 2 test cycles after your application is accepted you must reapply.
CCM Exam EligibilityKnowledge of case management terminology and current practice are among the essential elements you’ll need to pass the Certified Case Manager® (CCM®) exam. But earning the CCM is about more than book knowledge—after all, it’s an exam based on what case managers do in daily practice.
Becoming a board-certified case manager requires you to have both the core education (which may be represented by licensure) and experience to practice case management before you even apply to take the test. (more…)
One of the most frequently asked questions we get is regarding CCM exam practice questions. I would like first to explain that I do not believe practice questions/tests are necessary to successfully prepare for the CCM Exam. Many people, including myself, have passed without taking a practice test. That being said, I do understand that some people like to add practice questions to the tools that they use to study.
I would recommend that anyone who has test anxiety use a practice test that simulates the CCM exam as much as possible. They should use the practice test in conjunction with relaxation techniques and biofeedback to learn how to cope with and overcome their test anxiety.
Practice questions/tests are also useful to gauge where you need to focus your study time. A good practice test will have questions in each of the Domains that CCMC will test you on and break down your results according to those domains so that you know where your strengths and weaknesses are.
I do not recommend practice questions/tests as the only study tools used. You still have to learn the material. “Guessing” at answers and reviewing the rationale for the ones you miss is not studying; it’s learning to pass the practice test. Remember, mastering the practice test is not the same as mastering the information you need to know to pass the actual test. The actual test will have different questions and answer choices.
2 things are crucial. First, you want to know who wrote it. The person who wrote it should have passed the exam! Be skeptical of any practice questions, whether in a book or digital format, that do not list the names and credentials of the authors. It is also important that the rationale, and when appropriate, references, are listed along with the correct answer.
After reviewing the countless practice question books and apps available, we have found two that we recommend.
DataChem met our minimum criteria and also had additional features we feel are important.
DataChem has a practice test mode that allows you to determine the amount of time, the number of questions, and the domains to include in your practice test. You have an unlimited number of times to use the practice test mode and can adjust the time, number of questions, and included domains each time.
In addition to the practice test mode, DataChem also has a study mode where you can read and answer one question at a time. You can also mark questions you are having trouble with and review them again at a later time.
DataChem has a large number of questions in its question pool. This means that you will not get the same questions over and over.
You have unlimited use of DataChem for the amount of time you purchase it for. The minimum is 60 days, and the maximum is 270. This is great because it gives you enough time to really use it to its fullest and not try to cram in all of your learning. You can use it as one of your study tools at regular intervals throughout your studies.
When taking a practice test, you will find information that is new to you. Don’t freak out! Use this as an opportunity to use your critical thinking and reasoning skills. You will come across questions on the actual test that you do not know the answer to. You have to know how to use the information provided and your knowledge base to answer these questions.
In response to the need for a reliable and portable practice test option, I partnered with Skyscape, a leading developer of apps for nurses and healthcare professionals, to create the official CCM Exam Practice Test App.
This app contains questions and rationales that I personally wrote, ensuring they are accurate, relevant, and aligned with the CCM exam content. Just like with any good practice test, the app breaks down results by domain so you can easily identify your strengths and the areas where you need additional study. Each question includes a detailed rationale to help reinforce learning, not just test-taking.
Because it is mobile, you can study anytime, anywhere. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, giving you the flexibility to fit practice into your schedule.
You can download it here:
https://www.skyscape.com/product/ccm-exam-practice-test
As well as the App Store and Google Play
The Skyscape app is a great option if you prefer studying on your phone or tablet, while the DataChem program works well if you want a desktop-based tool with more customizable test modes. Many case managers find that using both gives them a well-rounded approach to practice.
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Do you currently have a business you would like to grow?
Anne Llewellyn and I will be conducting a Pre-Conference Workshop on this subject at this year’s National Nurses in Business Association National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada October 12-14. This nurse entrepreneurship and career alternative conference is the #1 business conference for nurses! (more…)
Have you ever wondered how the CCM certification exam is created? Where do those questions come from and who writes them? We were curious too! CCMC was very gracious and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how the CCM Exam & Question Development occurs to share with you. We are sure you will find the following article by Debby Formica very interesting and informative! (more…)
Last call to those who want to take the CCM exam this April 2018! It’s less than a month to go before the April 2018 application window closes on January 31. So, if one of your goals this 2018 is to add CCM to your name, then this is your opportunity! Act now while you still have time!
You will have 3 opportunities to take the CCM Exam in 2018, April, August, and December. We all know how fast time flies, and with only 3 testing periods per year, it is easy to miss out.
Personally, I think April is the best time to take the CCM, what better way to spend a cold winter day than studying! (more…)
A healthcare CRM system can streamline case management processes to improve patient outcomes, reduce payer denials and support revenue cycle and a great Go-To Tool for Case Managers
Being complex and collaborative, case management implies not only care coordination from admission to discharge, but also advocating for options and services to meet patients’ health needs and achieve improved health outcomes.
Handling this process without any dedicated tools or (even) with outdated technology is troublesome, at best. Sometimes, case managers even have to resort to paper to document patient data or draft a care plan. Accordingly, using ineffective and inconvenient technology for case management can cause business problems. (more…)
If one of your goals for 2017 is to pass the CCM Exam, this is your last chance!
The application window for the August 2017 exam is closed, but the December exam window is now open. You can sign up to take the December CCM exam that will move your career to the next level until September 30, 2017.
Completing your application is easier than ever. The entire application can be done online where you will find everything you need to complete your application. (more…)
esudroff / Pixabay
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Do What You Love”
An ideal that most of us believe in and want to live by.
I had been a nurse for six years and I loved my job. There’s nothing that brings me more joy than knowing I am making a difference and helping those in need. I prided myself on helping people and the thought of leaving bedside nursing often ended with “I’m afraid I wouldn’t have that same impact on a phone line between myself and a patient.” Still, with the satisfaction of working in the hospital, I was curious and wanted to try something different, something new.
Moving into the case management world of an insurance company is a scary step for someone with the title of Registered Nurse. Passion trumped fear. I took the step and made a choice. I entered the world of Case Management. (more…)
