Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about how amazing becoming a certified case manager is. We’ve gone over how your career will grow, your earnings will increase, and how more employment opportunities await certified case managers. We’ve even talked about the great conferences to attend!
So, you’ve been reading about case management and have decided it is a career move you’d love to pursue. Let’s go over the details of eligibility.
Are You Eligible?
As our world continues to change, the demand for patient-centered healthcare is increasing rapidly. As a result, the need for professional case managers has grown substantially.
The Commission for Case Manager Certification has heeded this need by changing the eligibility criteria for case managers seeking board certification. These changes give much better – qualified professionals the opportunity to take their career to the next level.
According to the CCM Certification Guide, there are 3 areas of qualification applicants must meet to be eligible to take the exam.
- Meet specific licensure or education requirements.
- Qualify within one of CCMC’s employment category experience categories.
- Be of good moral character, consistent with the CCMC Code of Professional Conduct.
Licensure and Education Qualification Information
| Licensure
Current, active, and unrestricted licensure or certification in a health or human services discipline that within its scope of practice allows the professional to conduct an assessment independently. The license must be active through the last date of test administration. Examples include: RN, LCSW, LMSW, LPC, CRC and CDMS. |
| OR |
| Education
Baccalaureate or graduate degree in a health or human services field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational well-being of the persons being served, if licensure or certification is not required for your discipline. The degree must be from an institution that is fully accredited by a nationally recognized educational accreditation organization, and the individual must have completed a supervised field experience in case management, health, or behavioral health. Qualification information obtained from the Certification Guide to the CCM Examination. Please refer to this guide for more information. |
Employment Experience Information
| Category 1:
12 months of full-time case management experience, supervised by a board certified (CCM) case manager who has been certified for at least 12 months. |
| OR |
| Category 2:
24 months of full-time case management experience. Supervision by a board-certified case manager NOT required under this category. |
| OR |
| Category 3:
12 months of full-time employment as a supervisor of individuals who provide case management services. |
Moral Character
There are several very specific questions you will need to answer related to your eligibility under the moral character qualification. Please refer to the Certification Guide to the CCM Examination, section 6 for a list of questions to expect on the application.
* Of note, please understand the CCMC always makes the final determination as to who is eligible to take the CCM Exam*
About the Exam
The CCM exam is a 180 question multiple-choice exam in which you have 3 hours to complete.
The questions are based on five knowledge domains:
- Psychosocial Concepts and Support Systems
- Quality and Outcomes Evaluation and Measurements
- Rehabilitation Concepts and Strategies
- Care Delivery & Reimbursements Methods
- Ethical, Legal & Practice Standards
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.”
How Much Does the CCM Exam Cost?
The application fee is $210, and the exam fee is $185, a total of $395 will be paid when you apply. But there is a chance you can take the exam for much less! Simply enter the name of the CCM who referred you in the “promo code” field of the Education and License section of the application. When the application window closes, one lucky candidate and the CCM who referred them will be randomly chosen to each win a $345 American Express Gift Card! I hope you will consider entering my name, Deanna Gillingham, in that promo field.
GI Bill Reimbursement
The CCM is recognized for reimbursement under the Post-911 GI Bill. You can download the application here.
Where Can I Take the Exam
Qualified applicants can take the exam in over 800 locations in 160 countries. Exams are conducted at Prometric testing centers, take a look, and see where your nearest testing center is.
When Can I Take the Exam?
The exam is offered three times a year in April, August, and December. The April exams are administered April 1-30. The application window for the April exam opens November 1 and closes on January 31. The August exams are administered August 1-31. The application window for the August exam opens March 1 and closes on May 31. The December exams are administered December 1-31. The application window opens July 1 and closes on September 30.
How Do I Study For The Exam?
The CCM Exam is an exciting opportunity to take your career to the next level. You’ll want to be prepared. There are many ways to study for this exam.
One way is to use the CCM Certification Made Easy Guide This comprehensive, concise study guide is based on the blueprint of the CCM exam. This book was written specifically to help you pass the CCM exam.
If you are looking for a course we have the Online CCM Certification Review Course or Online Live CCM Prep Course.
These online study courses are based on the CCM exam blueprint and are designed to help you understand the role case managers play in today’s modern complex healthcare system and how this information is vital to preparing and passing the case management exam.
I hope this helps answer some questions you may have about eligibility to take the CCM 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.
I was a service coordinator in NYC and did case management work, I was also taking Case Management courses I had a about two left before getting my certificate.
However I moved to Miami fl. I wasn’t there quiet 12 months. I did work under a director and a supervisor who was a CCM.
What are my options if any. I am not working currently looking for work. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I worked in the hospitals as a Mental Health Tech for almost ten years.
Hi Fehmee,
As we are not the ones that approve eligibility for the Exam you need to contact the Exam administrators at the CCMC Organization for further clarification on eligibility. Please contact them at CCMCertification.org
This article only lists a couple of certifications primarily for RN’s. If you go to this page https://nursesadvocates.com/resources/ there is a PDF you can download on Stepping Up to Certification, The Case Manager’s Guide to Certification which covers a whole lot more. Thank you for your question.
I am a CRC with prior experience in state vocational rehabilitation and current experience in higher education disability services; my master’s degree is in counseling. My current work involves reviewing all varieties of documentation from medical, educational, and psychological providers, while providing adjustment counseling and case management to students. None of my experiences have been supervised by a CCM, but I have 8 years of experience. Would I qualify for the CCM? Is there value for the CCM outside of medical settings?
Hi Ron,
The Exam is administered by the CCMC Organization so for further clarification on eligibility please contact: CCMCertification.org Thank you so much.
Can you take the test if you are not a RN/ Social worker?
Hi Alia,
The Exam is administered by the CCMC Organization so for further clarification on eligibility please contact: CCMCertification.org Thank you so much.
Is there an Online option for testing or is the test available at testing centers like some other certifications? If not, where are the tests offered and how often, how many questions and how much time is given to complete the test.
Hi Debbie, The testing is only done at the Prometrics Testing locations and as far as your second questions please read this article in full https://casemanagementstudyguide.com/eligibility-for-the-certified-case-manager-exam-ccm-exam/ and if the answer to your question is not there call or email CCMC as they are the governing body for eligibility.
Hello, I see this website dates back to 2017. Are you still in operation? Will you send me information? I’m an LCSW with a health plan company, and have been doing case management for many years.
Hello Jeanette,
The article you are commenting on was written by the testing organization, CCMC. Yes the ‘article’ is dated 2017 but if you looked at the comments they are coming through 2019. The eligibility rules have remained the same, so the article needs no update. As far as your question, if we are still in business, YES and if you have been a Case Manager for years as you stated,you would be familiar with several of our products starting with Deanna’s book, CCM Certification Made Easy Revised 2nd Edition, our Live 6-week CCM Prep Course done 3 times a year and our UM and Foundations of Case Management, to name a few.
My question, when it says ” Employment Experience Information
Category 1:
12 months of full-time case management experience, ”
1. How many hours count as full time? 40, or 32 etc.
2. Does volunteering count? (Say im in college working on a sociology degree at the same time)
Hi Mary, In my opinion, CCM Certification holds more weight than a certificate of completion of any course. As it demonstrates that you have experience and have mastered Case Management enough to become certified.
Hi I work as a case manager at a community college I don’t have a degree I have been a case manager for 5 years working under a certified as a social worker and licensed therapist in Mental Health.
I use to work as a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional for 3 years where I handled a case load of 35+. Would this be qualified as Employment Experience ?
Hi Shaylaina,
As far as eligibility goes you will need to contact the governing body ‘CCMC’ for eligibility and approval. Their information can be found here https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance If you are eligible then we offer a review course that can be found here. https://casemanagerscommunity.com/
I am a case manager acute setting for 1 year working part time. Is my eligibility based on time meaning the year? Does the part time status change it?
Hi Barbara,
As far as eligibility goes you will need to contact the governing body ‘CCMC’ for eligibility and approval. Their information can be found here https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance If you are eligible then we offer a review course that can be found here. https://casemanagerscommunity.com/
I am an Occupational Therapist who has been working at a Case Manager for a little over a year. If I apply for my certification, can I get credit hours towards continuing education for OT?
Hi Amanda, Thank you for the great question. You are probably already aware of the answer but this is a question for your State Board of Occupational Therapists.
Can you take the CCM with a bachelors degree in psychology and masters in social work?
Hi Jason,
As far as eligibility goes you will need to contact CCMC for eligibility and approval. Their information can be found here https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance Thank you.
Hello,
I’m a nurse with over many years of experience do you offer a review before the exam in Colorado Springs, Colorado? It will be helpful…
Thank you,
Hi Nahir, yes we have several courses available. One is an Online review course good for one year and is completely online. The second one is ‘live’ via a webinar platform and is given 3 times a year the months before the Exam is given. For more information on both please go to https://casemanagementstudyguide.com/case-management-certification-review-course/ and https://casemanagementstudyguide.com/online-live-ccm-prep-course/ Thank you so much.
I am a RN, BSN and work as a Utilization Review Care Manager for a large hospital. Would I be eligible for taking the CCM exam?
Hi Lynda,
As far as eligibility goes you will need to contact CCMC for eligibility and approval. Their information can be found here https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance Thank you.
Hello,
I’m an occupational therapist. I’ve worked in the home setting for 7 years. Professional growth is important, however in home health, there’s not much room to grow. This sounds wonderful.
How many times we can take the test if I failed the first time?
Hi Linda,
I know you can retake several times but for the exact numbers and details, please call the CCMC at the number at the end of the article, they are extremely helpful.
I was a RNCM for 8 years and then left it for additional area now admit and discharge RN will their be something else I need to fill out to be able to take exam? Thank you
Hi Denise,
As far as eligibility goes you will need to contact CCMC for eligibility and approval. Their information can be found here https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance If you are eligible then we offer a review course that can be found here. https://casemanagerscommunity.com/
Would this exam be helpful for a Health Home Care Manager in New York State. I oversee the program as a manager and I’m not sure if this would be useful or not to my practice. Thank you
Hi Theresa, It’s very hard to decide career advancement for someone else but the CCM Certification in our opinion is the Gold Standard. Here is a resource that may help in your decision-making process. Stepping Up to Certification, The Case Manager’s Guide to Certification: Achieving certification is part of one’s professional development. Doing so allows you to demonstrate your expertise and experience in your chosen field of practice. Case managers have several national certifications they can achieve, but which one is the right one? Only you can make that decision. Stepping Up To Certification, The Case Managers Guide to Certification is an objective and comprehensive report that provides an overview of the available national certifications specifically in the area of case management. If you are thinking about stepping up to certification this is a must read report! Click here to download.
I am an rn with over 30 years exp. I have done case nut in the past. For about 4.5 years. How do I get credit for this. I was supervised only be 2 mds.
Hi Wynnye, For your specific information, please call the number at the end of the article. Thank you so much. https://casemanagementstudyguide.com/are-you-eligible-to-take-the-ccm-exam-know-before-you-apply/
Good day,i am a Chief Medic in charge of of over 100 staffs providing health care service in the following area.
Psychological assistance
occupational evaluation,quality and assurance management
Follow up on post traumatic incidence which could be accident of out of work related to severe illness
Care Delivery & and advice on charge back
Ethical, Legal & Practice Standards
I am base in Nigeria and i really want to be certified ,if i could do the course via online,that will be great and well appreciated.
Thanks in anticipationn for a positive feedback
Regards,
Udogwu Felix
Hi Felix,
As far as eligibility goes you will need to contact CCMC for approval. Their information can be found here https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance If you are eligible then we offer a review course that can be found here. https://casemanagerscommunity.com/
Hi,
I work under someone who is licensed as a case manager and operates its own business advocacy
The work is for injured federal employees who need help concerning the department of labor
How to I become a certified case manager in the state of Texas or do I even qualify
I have been doing case management over a year
Hi Keke, If more specific information is needed, please call the number at the end of the article. Thank you so much. https://casemanagementstudyguide.com/are-you-eligible-to-take-the-ccm-exam-know-before-you-apply/
I am Registered Nurse, and worked as a case manager in a skilled rehab facility from approximately 2011-2/2017, then as a case manager telephonically for approximately 10 months 2/2017-12/2017. I am currently working as an RN nurse educator. Would I qualify to take CCM Exam in December? Please advise. Thank you
Hi Christina,
I believe so based on the information provided, but any questions should be directed to CCMC at
https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance
I have been in case management, home care and hospital based, for 20 yr. I have been teaching for the past 7 years and only work around 600 hours a year in a hospital setting as a case manager. How does one meet the work hours requirement if not working full time?
Hi Lisa,
I need to send you to the source itself. They do all the eligibility issues. CCMC (The Commission)
I’m an RN (20 years) and a NP (12 years). Most of my recent jobs have been doing in-home visits to assess, diagnose and treat patients. I’ve also case managed home health and hospice patients. But I took time off to care for my elderly mother and haven’t worked since 2014. I’m applying for jobs and would love to get certified as a case manager. I am not able to show CM employment experience within the past 5 years, but certainly think I have sufficient experience and background to be able to get certified. Would I be able to get an exemption?
Hi Cristina,
I need to send you to the source itself. They do all the eligibility issues. CCMC (The Commission)
I have been medical case manager for 4-5 years, but i never take any class or any course for case manager. I am as LVN. Can I take exam or not?
Hi Grace,
Your license must allow you to do independent assessments to be eligible for the CCM Exam. Please refer to CCMC’s website for further information at ccmcertification.org
Where do I check if my degree will count towards a recognized college education?
Hi Kyle,
I need to send you to the source itself. They do all the eligibility issues. CCMC (The Commission)
I have 3 years experience in complex medical case management, was previously certified (CCM). I am not employed at this time. Can I take the exam?
Hi June,
You have not stated whether you let your license expire or not. In either case, I would recommend going straight to the source where they can help you. https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance You can also call them directly at the number on the bottom of their site.
I have been working with agency for 4 years with no certification, just training, will I be eligible for the exam. Really wanting yo be certified in this field love what I do.
I am a COTA, can I become certified?
Hi Donette,
Your license must allow you to do independent assessments to be eligible for the CCM Exam. Please refer to CCMC’s website for further information at ccmcertification.org
If you have case managed home health patients for 13 years. Can you take this exam?
Yes, you can but you should check with CCMC if you have any questions. https://ccmcertification.org