What you need to know about eligibility before you apply for the CCM® Exam – Fast Facts! | Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC)

Posted on 05/21/2019 - 9:54 AM by Danyelle Burwell, Customer Service Manager

So, you have taken the first step and decided you want to be a board-certified case manager. Great! Next question is, who do you want to be certified by? CCMC! Our credential, the CCM®, was the first case management credential in the industry, launching the inaugural CCM exam in 1992.

In order, to earn the CCM designation, you must first apply to take the CCM exam. You’re probably asking yourself, “Am I eligible to apply?”

The CCM exam has two major application requirements to apply under. The requirements must be met fully at the time the CCM exam application is submitted. We always suggest that you read the Certification Guide before applying.

There are three eligibility requirements for the CCM Exam: 1) Licensure OR Education, 2) Employment Experience, AND 3) Good Moral Character.

For the Licensure or Education, you must hold at least ONE (see options A and B):

Option A: A current, active, and unrestricted licensure or certification in a health or human services discipline. The license or certification must allow for you to conduct an assessment independently. If you are unsure that your license or certification allows you to practice independently, please contact your state governing board. Some examples of licenses and certifications that meeting this eligibility requirement are: RN, LCSW, LMSW, LPC, CRC and CDMS.

In the application, you will be asked to Apply with your License/Certification or Degree. You must select the License/Certification option if you have a current, active, and unrestricted license or certification in a health or human services discipline that, within its scope of practice, allows you to conduct an assessment independently.

Option B: A Baccalaureate or graduate degree in social work, nursing, or another health or human services field that promotes the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational well-being of the persons being served. The degree must be from an institution that is fully accredited by a nationally recognized educational accreditation organization, and as part of the education curriculum, include supervised field experience in case management, health, or behavioral health.

For the Employment Experience, you must meet at least ONE (see options 1-2-3):

Option 1: Twelve months (12) months of acceptable full-time case management employment experience in the last five years, supervised by a board-certified case manager (CCM). Your Supervisor must be certified for at least one year at the time of your application.

Option 2: Twenty-four months (24) months of acceptable full-time case management employment experience in the last five years. (Supervision by a CCM is not required under this category).

Option 3: Twelve months (12) months of acceptable full-time case management employment experience as a supervisor of individuals who provide case management services. This must also fall in the last five years.

Having trouble determining if you’re employment experience qualifies? Well, at least 30% of qualified work time MUST focus primarily on case management practice.

Remember, you MUST perform at least FOUR of The Five Core Components of Case Management (Page 6, Certification Guide). Within each of the four of the five core components, you must:

» Perform ALL Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact (Page 6, Certification Guide)

» Provide services across a continuum of care, beyond a single episode of care that addresses the ongoing needs of the individual being served

» Be responsible for interacting with other relevant parties within the client’s healthcare system

In regards, to “Good Moral Character,” please, review the questions listed on page 7 of the Certification Guide. Case management is a professional, collaborative and inter-disciplinary practice. Board certification indicates that the professional case manager possesses the education, skills, moral character, and experience required to render appropriate services based on sound principles of practice.

If you meet these requirements, you are now ready to apply! As always, if you have any questions, our Customer Service team is ready to help. You can reach us at 856-380-6836.

Comments

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out. If you are referring to Physical Therapy Assistant, unfortunately, PTAs cannot become CCM certified. You must have a degree (bachelors or higher) in health or human services OR a professional license or certification that allows you to practice independently (RN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CRC, etc.). You can review the full eligibility guide here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibili….

I will be getting my Bachelor in Health science this month. Am I qualify for the certification

Hello Amoy,
Thank you for reaching out. In general, there are two basic requirements for the CCM exam. The first is that you must have a baccalaureate degree or higher in a health or human discipline OR you must have a professional license or certification that allows you to practice independently (RN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CRC, etc.).

The second requirement is that you need at least 12-24 months of case management employment experience with direct client contact. This employment must have occurred within the last 5 years, you must have been licensed/certified during that time, and you must be able to have a supervisor or former supervisor verify that employment time. If you have less than 24 months of case management experience, you must have been under the direct supervision of a CCM for at least 12 months. You can review the full eligibility guidelines here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibili….

I am a BSRN. I am looking to become a Certified Nurse Case Manager but have run into roadblocks with confusion regarding how to obtain this Certification in Massachusetts

Hi Mary,
Thank you for reaching out, we are excited that you're interested in becoming a CCM. Please give our Certification Navigator team a call at your earliest convenience and someone will be happy to assist you. They can be reached at 856-380-6836 Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm EST.

Hello I meet all of the requirements to take the CCM. I am curious is it mandatory to keep working in order to keep the certification? Also, so I have to be currently working on the day I test?

Hi Jessica,
Thank you for reaching out. It is not mandatory to be working to renew your CCM, but you do have to meet all education and licensing requirements to renew. You can find information on the renewal requirements by reading the renewal guide. You may also use your case management employment experience over the last five years for your application, this means that you do not have to be actively working as a case manager to take the exam.

Hi I have earned my can certification. Can I put it in an inactive status?

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Unfortunately, CCMC does not offer an official "inactive" status. However, we do offer a CCM/ Retirement designation. The Commission's CCM-R™ retirement credential allows non-practicing CCMs to remain flexible about their future. CCM-R permits retired CCMs to regain full CCM status without re-taking the exam. If your retirement status changes and you wish to regain the use of your CCM certification, you would simply need to meet the renewal criteria and pay the renewal fee at the time of reinstatement. A CCM may go into retirement status up to nine months after the expiration date on their certificate. If an individual is providing consulting or other services using their CCM certification, he or she should NOT select the retirement designation but should continue to maintain the CCM certification. For more information, please contact customer service at 856-380-6836 or review our FAQs page found here: https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/retirement_s…

I work as a case manager at a recovery center and was recently told that because of my past criminal history that I could no longer bill for services. If I complete a degree for case management and meet the requirements needed can I still be certified or is there other steps that must be taken to prevent me and others from being discriminated against for our past? I would love a response to this question and to know exactly what I must do to fix this dilemma and move forward in my career to improve myself and my future for my family and help those who suffer from addiction. Who better to help someone who suffers from addiction than someone who has been there and can share experience strength and hope that if they continue to do the right thing life will get better and be an example of that. It is impossible when you are limited in what you are allowed to do and how you can do it because of your past yet told to recover and start a new life but yet can't have a career or anything like that because of your past?!!!

Hi Patrick,
Thank you for reaching out! We would certainly like to help you answer this question. Please send an email directly to Vivian Campagna at vcampagna@ccmcertification.org and she will be happy to discuss further with you.

Hello, I am an LPN with 19 yrs clinical experience in LTC, Home Health with utilization review for 9 yrs. Am I eligible to apply/test?

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Unfortunately, LVNs/LPNs do not meet eligibility requirements. In order to obtain this certification, you must have a license or certification that allows you to practice without the supervision of another licensed professional. If you do not have a qualifying license, you could apply with a qualifying degree (bachelors or higher) in health or human services. You can find all of the eligibility requirements in our Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…).

If I currently work for a hospital in a case management position for more than one year and I hold a master degree in Healthcare administration. Would I be eligible to apply or would I need to wait another year to have 24 months of experience in case management?

Thank you for contacting CCMC.In general, there are two basic requirements for the CCM exam. The first is that you must have a baccalaureate degree or higher in a health or human discipline OR you must have a professional license or certification that allows you to practice independently (RN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CRC, etc.). The second requirement is that you need at least 12-24 months of case management employment experience with direct client contact. This employment must have occurred within the last 5 years, you must have been licensed/certified during that time, and you must be able to have a supervisor or former supervisor verify that employment time. If you have less than 24 months of case management experience, you must have been under the direct supervision of a CCM or have experience as a supervisor of individuals who provide case management services, for at least 12 months.

I am a certified OR RN with BSN & have been actively practicing fulltime for many years. What do I need to do to cross over into case management & the necessary certification?

Thank you for contacting CCMC. In order to cross over into the case management field, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the core components of case management. CCMC's Certification 360 Workshop was designed to educate individuals interested in, or already practicing case management. As a global overview of case management, it can assist you in focusing your study to prepare for certification. Although the workshop is not required for certification, it is a great tool used to introduce individuals to the case management field. Please visit our Certification 360 Workshop FAQs (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2017/faqs-revised…) for more information. Also, in regards to the exam eligibility requirements, please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…).

I'm an RN in the OR. I've been one since 1981 and I was a floor nurse from 1980-1981. I also have a BSN. I however don't have experience as a case manager. Do you have an idea where I might apply. Thank you

Thanks for contacting CCMC. If you are seeking case management employment, you can visit CCMC's career center (found here: https://careercenter.ccmcertification.org/) and search for entry level case management positions. If you are looking to become certified, please review the Certification Guide (found here: https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree, in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. Review page 6, of the guide for information about acceptable case management experience. Please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact", must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management. "

I’m interested in getting my certification but do the 24 months of full time employment need to be consecutive? None of my supervisors are certified.. and I work in a PRN position so my coverage is not always consecutive months but I’ve definitely worked 24 months.

Thanks for contacting CCMC. No, your employment experience does not have to be consecutive. Please remember that CCMC only accepts employment from the past 5 years. Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information regarding eligibility.

I am a licensed RN .I would like to obtain my CCM .I have worked telephonically full time for the past 5 years. I did work as Nurse Counsellor 1.I also handled Encompass and Ashton Tiffany calls took the initial injury information and advised worker what to do and where to go .I emailed the injury report as required .Would this experience fulfill the full time 2 year Case Management experience needed to take the CCM exam ?

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree, in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. Please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management.

I am an RN with my bachelors degree. I worked for 1 year as a case manager, but have not for the past 2 years. My question is 2 fold. First, would someone from my previous employer need to verify my case management experience? Second, I made a documentation error and was terminated from that employer. This resulted in my nursing license being put on probation, with no restrictions. This has since resolved. Will past disciplinary action prohibit my ability to take the CCM exam? I take full responsibility for my actions at my former employer.

Thanks for contacting CCMC. In regards to employment, you must qualify under one of the three employment experience categories listed on page 5, of the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…). In the application, we request that you provide your previous supervisor's name and email address, in order to verify your employment. Because your license was placed on probation, you are required to answer "YES" to one of the additional questions. You could potentially receive a preliminary denial. In the event you are denied, you will be asked to provide documentation stating the issue has been resolved.

HI Jeannine, I am a Rehabilitation Counselor and a CRC. I am currently evaluating options for a Licensed and highly experienced Physician Assistant (P.A.) who can no longer meet the physical demands of that occupation. P.A.'s are highly trained but always work under the supervision of a Physician,, similar to a Nurse Practitioner. Would this person be eligible to sit for the CCM exam after gaining experience as a Case Manager? Thanks for your help on this!

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Unfortunately, this person would not qualify with a Physician's Assistant certification. This person will need a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services. If applying with the license or certification, they must be able to practice independently and conduct assessments without the supervision of another licensed professional.

I work as a case manager in home health can u sit for the ccm exam

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. In regards to employment, Please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management. If you have questions, please contact customer service at 856-380-6836.

Hi There,

I will be graduating for my Masters of Science in Care Coordination from Capella University this fall and i was previously employed as a Prior Auth Nurse and workers comp nurse for 4 years in the Philippines. Am i eligible to take exam? and if so, where is the nearest place to take the exam if i live here in Bentonville, Arkansas. Thank you

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. In regards to employment, Please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management. Please also, remember that employment MUST be obtained from the United States.

My name is Ashley, I've been an RN for 4 years and within the last year have earned my BSN.

I worked in a home care supervisory nurse role for 24 months within the last 5 years. My title was Registered Nurse Supervisor but I oversaw the overall care of the patients I worked with. Even though my title was not Case Manager, would this be considered for case management experience?

Thank you,

Ashley

Hello, thanks for contacting CCMC. Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. In regards to employment, please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management. You are not required to have the title as "case manager".

I currently work as a pediatric case manager. I have a bachelor's degree in Education, an associate's degree in Psychology, and I am in the process of completing my MBA in Healthcare Administration. I am not sure if any of these degrees qualify me for CCM eligibility, but I am interested in finding out if it is possible.

Thank you!
Ashleigh M.

Unfortunately, none of these degrees will qualify you to sit for the CCM exam. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience.

I have been a RN for 18 years. I have not completed my BSN yet. I have worked in many different field of nursing from hospital floor in cardiac, ortho/Neuro, med surg, plus ICU & outpatient surgery. I’ve been an ADON and unit manager, as well as charge nurse & supervisor . Would I qualify to sit for the CCMC?

Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. In regards to employment, please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management."

Hi - I have an MSW from an accredited institution, however, I do not have my state's license (Virginia: LCSW). I have been working a mental health counselor/case worker at a non-profit for over 8 years. Do I qualify to obtain this certification/take the exam, or must I have my LCSW?
Thanks for any info you can give me. I feel that the case manager certification is a better fit, for me, than the LCSW, and would really like to move forward on this.
-Anne

Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. You may apply with your Master of Social Work degree. In regards to employment, please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management."

HI,
I am a registered nurse some 36, employed at a psychiatric institution for the past 19 years providing direct and indirect patient care. I also have a bachelor degree in Nursing. Am i eligible to take the exam to obtain case management certification?

I am a Long Term Services and Support Care Coordinator for a MCO for medicaid managing members with serious mental illness. I also hold a QMHP status and working on my MSW. Would the 1 yr of experience either in LTSS or as an QMHP with qualifying supervisor allow me to sit for the exam?

Please, contact customer service at 856-380-6836, to discuss your eligibility.

I am a licensed registered nurse with a bachelors degree in nursing. Do I therefore qualify? Thank you.

Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guide...) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience.

I worked in Case Management for 15 years and was previously CCM certified. I have been out of the field for 6 years but an looking to return. Is all my previous experience and prior certification moot as it pertains to recertification since it has been over 5 years?

In order to qualify, you must have work experience from the past 5 years. The Commission will not accept employment that exceeds the 5-years.

Hi, I am a Physical Therapist and I have been working as a care coordinator from past 2 1/2yrs. I am interested in certification in case management. Will I qualify for applying for CCM certification exam?

Hello, thanks for contacting CCMC. Please review the Certification Guide (https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…) for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification or a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services, in addition to case management employment experience. Physical therapy degrees will qualify. In regards to employment, please remember your position must perform all "The Eight Essential Activities with Direct Client Contact" and you must perform at least four of the "Five Core Components of Case Management.

Are Certified Health Educator Specialist (CHES) eligible to become CCM?

What you need to know about eligibility before you apply for the CCM® Exam – Fast Facts!

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