Lead, Learn, and Give Back: The Benefits of Volunteering with CCMC

Posted on 04/09/2025 - 9:12 AM by MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP CEO, CCMC

Did you know that volunteers contribute between 2,500 and 3,000 hours annually to the Commission for Case Manager Certification® (CCMC)? That’s thousands of hours dedicated to shaping the future of case management and disability management professionals—ensuring that certification remains rigorous, educational resources stay relevant, and the profession continues to grow. Volunteers are at the heart of the Commission, bringing expertise, passion, and a commitment to giving back.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about expanding your perspective, sharpening your skills, and making a real difference. Whether you hold the CCM® or CDMS® credential, or maybe even both, there are countless benefits to getting involved. 

1. Advance Your Career While Giving Back
Volunteering with the Commission is a unique way to shape the future of case and disability management while gaining leadership experience and professional development. You’ll build connections, enhance your résumé, and earn CE credits towards recertification and licensure—all while giving back to your profession. 

2. Find a Mentor, Be a Mentor
Volunteering opens the door to valuable mentorship opportunities—whether you’re seeking guidance from seasoned professionals or supporting the next generation. It’s a chance to share knowledge, learn from others, and build lasting connections.

3. Shape the Future of Certification
As a volunteer, you can directly impact the standards of certification. From developing exam questions to reviewing educational content, your contributions can help maintain the integrity and value of the CCM and CDMS credentials.

4. Personal Fulfillment
Beyond career growth, volunteering offers a deep sense of purpose. Knowing your efforts strengthen the profession—and support others along the way—is incredibly rewarding. Many volunteers say they gain more than they give by being exposed to new perspectives and making lifelong connections.

How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways to volunteer with CCMC, depending on your interests and expertise. Whether you prefer behind-the-scenes contributions or active committee discussions, there’s a role that fits your skills and availability. A few examples include:

•    CCM/CDMS Item Writing & Review – Help craft and refine exam questions that reflect real-world case management and disability management scenarios.

•    Education Development & Review – Create and evaluate professional development opportunities for case managers and disability management specialists to ensure accuracy.

•    Professional Development & Education Committee – Oversee the review and advancement of professional development and educational offerings for both CCM and CDMS certificants.

•    Certification Services Committee – Oversee certification programs to ensure they align with accreditation standards, best practices and accurate representation of current practice. 

What to Expect as a Volunteer
Volunteering with the Commission is flexible and designed to fit into your professional life. Most work is conducted via conference calls and email, with opportunities for occasional travel (expenses covered). For first-time volunteers, the time commitment is often limited to around 10-20 hours per year, allowing you to ease into the experience and find the right fit.

Many first-time volunteers say they were nervous at first, but that feeling fades quickly. Volunteers are welcomed by professional staff and fellow subject matter experts while receiving related training. In fact, many volunteers return year after year—making lasting connections—and some even go on to become Commissioners or committee leaders!

Commitment to Excellence: Volunteer Selection and Training
The Commission’s volunteer selection process follows NCCA accreditation standards, ensuring a varied, well-rounded group of professionals who bring valuable expertise from multiple backgrounds, practice settings, and regions. Volunteers receive structured onboarding and training, so they always feel supported, prepared, and confident in their role.

Take the Next Step
The Commission is looking for passionate, engaged professionals who want to make a difference. Whether you hold the CCM or CDMS credential, your voice and expertise matter.

Join us and apply to become a Commission volunteer today!