by Deanna Cooper Gillingham, RN, CCM, FCM | Jul 12, 2018 |
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.
So what should you look for in a good practice test?
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 – Online practice test
- Skyscape– App
DataChem Online CCM Practice Test
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.
SkyScape CCM Exam Practice Test Mobile App
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
Which CCM Exam Practice Questions are Best for You?
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.
Please see our Affiliate disclosure at the following link: Affiliate Disclosure
by Deanna Cooper Gillingham, RN, CCM, FCM | Jul 5, 2018 |
Have you ever thought about starting your own Case Management or Patient Advocacy business?
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…)
by Deanna Cooper Gillingham, RN, CCM, FCM | Jan 7, 2018 |
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…)
by Deanna Cooper Gillingham, RN, CCM, FCM | Aug 7, 2017 |
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…)
by Deanna Cooper Gillingham, RN, CCM, FCM | May 10, 2017 |
You’re used to taking exams as a professional, and as you know, each test is slightly different. Today, I’d like to go over the layout for the CCM Exam Prep and offer 8 Tips For Success to help you prepare.
When I began studying I didn’t know where to begin. I started by looking at CCMC’s website. They have a lot of valuable information, but it is not easy to find everything you are looking for in one spot. Here is a summary of the information you need to know when preparing for the exam.
CCM Exam Overview
The CCM Exam is administered three times a year in April, August, and December.
The application window opens five months before the exam and remains open for three months.
The CCM exam is administered at Prometric test centers. After being approved by CCMC to sit for the exam you will receive information to contact Prometric to schedule your exam date.
Quick Tip: As soon as you get your authorization from CCMC to sit for the exam, be sure to contact Prometric to get the test date of your choice, as some centers fill up fast!
In order to sit for the CCM exam, you must meet the eligibility criteria. Take a look at this post for specific eligibility information.
According to CCMC, “The CCM exam is practice-based, meaning all questions are based on the knowledge that an experienced case manager should know and understand. There is not any course or education required to take the exam or to prepare for the exam.”
The CCM Exam includes:
- 180 multiple choice questions (150 are scored, the other 30 are pretest questions that are being tested for possible inclusion of future tests)
- Covers 5 knowledge domains
- Questions are drawn from CCMC item pool
- 3 hours to complete
5 Knowledge Domains
The CCMC Exam questions cover the following five knowledge domains:
* approximately
Quick Tips for Preparing for The CCM Exam
Here are 8 specific tips for studying and taking the CCM exam:
Study Tips:
- The CCM exam was updated in December 2020, make sure you have the updated study materials.
- Plan study time according to the number of questions on the exam. Look at the number of questions in each domain and plan study time accordingly.
- A broad general knowledge is more important than memorizing facts. Have a general knowledge of the items in each domain. Here is a list of the domains.
- Know the Case Manager Philosophy and ensure your answers align with it.
- Study until you understand the information well enough to teach someone about it (especially the information you are not familiar with). When you understand the information that well, it is a good sign!
Exam Tips:
- Exam questions are direct. There are no “all of the above” or “none of the above” questions.
- Answer questions according to how Case Managers, in general, would answer, not how it is done at your place of employment.
- Breathe! When you get to the exam, write “BREATHE” at the top of your scratch paper, and look at it when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Hopefully, this helps you have an idea of what to expect on the exam.
If you are looking for study materials, the CCM Study Guide along with one of our Online CCM Prep Courses is sure to help you feel confident and ready to take the exam.
I have put together a free step by step guide to studying for the CCM exam called Successful Study Strategies. If you would like me to email it to you, simply complete the form below with your personal email address and it will be on its way to you. You will be able to save this to your computer for future use and print it off if you like. Please use your personal email address and not your work email address, as most employers’ emails will not accept emails with attachments.
