Professional Case Manager

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

publisher — Tue, 21 May 2019 13:54:33 +0000

What you need to know about eligibility before you apply for the CCM® Exam – Fast Facts! publisher Tue, 05/21/2019 - 09:54

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.

Tags

Board Certification

Professional Case Manager

Comments

I worked as a Caseworker for a Public Healthcare entity for for than 25 years and have been inactive in the field for the past 2.5 years the question is do I qualify to take the CCM EXAM?

Good afternoon, to be eligible for the CCM Exam, you must meet licensure/education requirements as well as qualified employment experience. All employment experience must be within the LAST five years. Please review the Certification Guide to the CCM Examination which will give you more detailed information regarding eligibility and the application process. If you have any questions please reach out to our Customer Service Department at 856-380-6836.

As a LVN working in case management for 2.5 years and working under the supervision of a CCM RN, would I qualify for CCM.

Thanks for contacting CCMC. Unfortunately, LVNs do not meet our 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…).

Yes can you provide me with information as to obtaining or sitting for a CCM, Ive been a complex case manager for 5 years, and CM for 8 years.

I have been working for 1.5 yrs as an LVN case manager for Mental Health and would to become a certified case manager.

Unfortunately, LVNs do not meet eligibility requirements. 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…).

I worked as a Disease Intervention Specialist, Medical Assistant and Certified Nursing assistant for the past 26 years, assisted and worked as a Case manager for the past four years. Do I qualify to take the CCM exam?

Unfortunately, we do not accept Disease Intervention Specialists, Medical Assistants or CNAs. Please review the Certification Guide for more information in regards to eligibility. In order to qualify, you must have a license/certification that allows you to practice without the supervision of another licensed professional, OR a degree (bachelors or higher), in health or human services. You must also have case management employment experience.

I have a bachelors degree in science and want to get my CM1 and 11 to work in people with recovery. Please any info and leads would be great

I am a Work Comp. Case Manager for several hospitals.... Is WCCM an acceptable experience for the eligibility for the CCM Exam?

There are two main eligibility requirements that need to be satisfied in order to apply for the CCM exam, Education and Employment Experience. Please review the Certification Guide to the CCM Examination which will give you more detailed information regarding eligibility and the application process. If you have any questions you can reach customer service at 856-380-6836.

What is the extent of CCM supervision? Every file reviewed and how often?

Hi Kathryn, You can review the full eligibility guidelines here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!

I am really excited to know that I will be able to be certified in a field that I love. I have been working at a Case Manager for over 23 years, Supervisor, Program Manager. But I think this certification with make me even more marketable. I am looking to leave my current position ( No upward mobility). Gonna take the test ASAP.

I am a Physical Therapist with over 24 years of experience. I have been performing case management and utilization management with a health care company for the past 3 years. My job is listed as part time, but very flexible and many weeks I work 40 hours/week. What is the definition of FT employment? How many work hours per year qualifies? I am very interested in sitting for this exam and checking to see if I am eligible.
Thank you

Hi Sherri,

We are happy to hear that you are interested in sitting for the CCM exam. We consider 37.5 hours per week to be full time. You can review the full eligibility requirements here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibili….

Thanks!

I am also a physical therapist with my doctorate degree. I do not have case management experience other than case managing patients in home health. Would I qualify to take the 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. 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.

I'm a certified work compensation case manager, (CWCCM) I also have a bachelor degree in health management and several years of experience in case management. I see that according to the guidelines above, I would qualify to become certified as a case manager. (CCM) My question is would the exam be too difficult for someone that is not a RN? My clinical experience is extensive but I'm concerned about the examinations difficulty level. What are your thoughts.

Hi Christina,

The CCMC® exam is not exclusively just for RNs, as our certification goes across the health continuum. The two main eligibility requirements that need to be satisfied are as follows:

· License or Certification:

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. License must be active through the last date of test administration. (Some examples are: RN, CRC, LCSW, RX, CDMS)

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. (Please be advised you must have completed a supervised field experience in case management, health, or behavioral health as part of the degree requirements.)

· Employment Experience:

Category 1: 12 months of acceptable full-time case management employment experience supervised by a board-certified case manager (CCM). Supervision is defined as the systematic and periodic evaluation of the quality of the delivery of the applicant’s case management services.

Category 2: 24 months of acceptable full-time case management employment experience. (Supervision by a CCM is not required under this category).

Category 3: 12 months of acceptable full-time case management employment experience as a supervisor of individuals who provide case management services.

Please review the certification guide (https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides) which will give you more detailed information regarding eligibility and the application process. If you have more questions please reach out to a Certification Navigator at 856-380-6836.

Hello
How many hours will qualify you to sit for the exam. Currently I work 24 hours a week as a case manager. Will I need to wait till I have a certain amount of hours?

Hi Karen,
The amount of time you need to have spent working as a case manager is dependant on which category you fall under, please review section 5 of our certification guide: https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2017/cert_guide_-…. Please feel free to call one of our Certification Navigators at 856-380-6836 and they can answer your questions in more detail.
Thanks!

I am a full time mammographer/patient navigator at a breast center. I work with patients from the point of their screening mammogram through their cancer diagnosis. As a licensed and registered radiology technologist, do I fall under the "licensure or certification in a health or human services discipline" umbrella?

Hi Nikki,
Thank you for reaching out! You must have a license or certification that allows you to practice without the supervision of another licensed professional. You can find all of the eligibility requirements in our certification guide which can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

Hi i am a RN care manger. I got my bachelor degree in other country.Am I eligible to write the exam?

Hi Krysten,
The country in which you earned your degree has no impact on your eligibility, as long as it is from an institution that is fully accredited. You can find all of the eligibility requirements in our certification guide which can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

Hello
I am an LPN currently working as a CM. Would I be eligible?

Hi Johnika, Thank you for reaching out! You can find all of the eligibility requirements in our certification guide which can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

Hello. I read the guidelines but I can't find info regarding LVN/LPN eligibility. The description in the guidelines can be left open to interpretation so I wanted to double check.

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 found here: https://ccmcertification.org/sites/default/files/docs/2018/ccmc-17-guid…

Hi,
I am a Peritoneal Dialysis RN with the following roles: trainer, patient educator, collaboratively works with IDT, nephrologist, pharmacy, insurance, hospital liaisons, and other out patient healthcare services. I manage the care of 15-18 ESRD patients. Our title does not say Case Manager, would that be considered or counted as Case Manager? Please advise. Thank you.

Hi Melmarie, Thank you for reaching out! Your title does not need to specifically say "case manager". You can find all of the eligibility requirements regarding qualifications and employment experience in our certification guide which can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

I have a Masters degree online, but was not require to do field experience as part of my degree. Will my degree qualify for testing?

Hi Cyndy, The degree must be from an institution that is fully accredited by a nationally recognized
educational accreditation organization, and you must have completed a supervised
field experience in case management, health, or behavioral health. However, your bachelor's degree may satisfy this requirement. You can find more details about the eligibility requirements in our certification guide which can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides or you can call one of our Certification Navigators at (856) 380-6836.

Hello! I am a licensed RN with my experience being in maternal-child/Nursery/NICU. I am wanting to obtain employment as a case manager. I want to get certified as a case manager before applying for such positions as I feel it will make me more marketable. What is the fee involved with the exam, and how do I get access to the study material?

Hello, Thank you for reaching out! Our FAQ will address your questions: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/faqs. You can also find all of the eligibility requirements in our certification guide which can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

hello I am an RN/BSN, with 2 1/2 years experience in case management within the past five years. however, what is meant by "acceptable full time case management employment"?

Hello Joel,
We are happy to hear that you are interested in sitting for the CCM exam. We consider 37.5 hours per week to be full time. You can review the full eligibility requirements here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibili….
Thanks!

Hello, I have providing case management for the last four years under the supervision of a critical care nurse educator. I have a CNA certificate and a medical assistant degree. I also have a bachelors degree in economic and a juris doctorate. Am I eligible to set for the exam?

Hi Sonja,
Thank you for reaching out. Please refer to our certification guide to determine if you are eligible to sit for the exam. The certification guide can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

I have finished my Masters in Nursing Education and preparing for my NCLEX.Is it possible for me to get the license with out RN license.

Hi Nisha,
Thank you for reaching out. Please refer to our certification guide to determine if you are eligible to sit for the exam. The certification guide can be found here: https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/guides.

Hello, I am a RN Care Coordinator/ Case Manager currently working under a Case Manager that currently has a CCM Certification. I will be in my role for 12 months by Nov. 21, 2018. I am interested in taking the CCM exam in December 2018, but I will not be eligible for the exam until November 2018. Per the Application Cycle, I will have to submit my application by Sept. 30, 2018. If I submit my application for the CCM exam in September, will I still be approved for the exam in December?

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out, we appreciate your interest in certification! According to the Certification Guide, applicants must meet ALL qualifications at the time you submit your application. If you do not meet the qualifications at the time you submit, your application will be denied. The next exam will be April 2019 and the application window will be open from November 1, 2018, through January 31, 2019. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Certification Navigators at 856-380-6836.

I've worked as a prn case management social worker at a hospital for 2 years this October. Is there an "hours" requirement if you're not a full-time employee? I know the ACM requires so many hours. Is it the same for CCM?

Hi Carrie,
Thank you for reaching out. Part-time employment experience will be pro-rated based on a 37 hour full-time work week. If you have further questions, please contact customer service at 856-380-6836.

Hello
I do have the educational and work experience, however I do have a DWI on my record. It occurred about 4 to 5 years ago. Does this make me not qualified to take the exam. Is a criminal background check done?

Hello Tasha,
Thank you for reaching out. If you submit an application and answer the addition questions with "YES", you will receive a preliminary denial. You will be asked to provide court documents that the charge has been satisfied and it will be reviewed by our review committee. If you have additional questions please reach out to our certification navigators at 856-380-6836.

Can A PTA become a case manager?

Teamwork: A Solid Foundation for Customer Service

publisher — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 17:58:12 +0000

Teamwork: A Solid Foundation for Customer Service publisher Fri, 06/09/2017 - 13:58

Having worked in customer service for over 10 years, I have experienced the good, bad, and ugly when dealing with customers. I put all of that experience to work and recently earned my Customer Service Manager-Advanced Certification through the Customer Service Institute of America. Not only did I gain the credential, but it formally taught me all the different aspects of customer service.

Good customer service is extremely important in all professions. As this applies to Healthcare and Case Management, the customers are the patients, their families, and the communities that are served.

Good customer service starts with the team that is behind it. If the culture is healthy, other factors such as outstanding customer service and the building of a long-term brand will happen naturally. Teamwork is important in the workplace as it brings people together from different backgrounds and levels of experience. A team plagued by unhappiness and negativity will yield unhappy patients and negative experiences, affecting the company’s overall performance and customer retention.

Teamwork in case management is vitally important to patient treatment, care, and safety. The better the members of a healthcare team are able to work together, the better they are able to provide the best quality patient care possible. When case managers function as part of a unit, and when they act as part of a team, the job itself is easier and more efficient.

So how do you create a great team? I can share one example that I have learned from working at CCMC: they have adopted a set of core values that all employees are expected to adhere to, including senior leadership! Values like transparency, respect, expertise, and customer service all serve as a reminder of the company culture and customer-focused mindset. Companies should hire, train, and motivate employees based on those core values and everything will fall into place. An empowered team—where employees have specific responsibilities and feel that they are making a contribution—will soon translate to customer satisfaction.

Part of what makes a strong team is the value that is placed on training that can empower employees to be great. If you work as a case manager, I strongly encourage you to take a look at how you are providing customer service and are you and your coworkers working as a team.

Tags

Professional Case Manager

Get ready. Get set. Go for it: Paying forward the value of certification

publisher — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 16:01:01 +0000

Get ready. Get set. Go for it: Paying forward the value of certification publisher Fri, 06/09/2017 - 12:01

Get ready. Get set. Go for it: Paying forward the value of certification
CCMs believe in themselves, their certification and their colleagues.

Something happened last month that drove this home for me. A newly minted CCM approached our booth at the New World Symposium. She wanted to do more than just say hello. “I have all these great test prep materials. Is there a way to share? How can I give them to someone who’s preparing for the exam?”

It was such a generous gesture, and at the same time so characteristic of the CCMs I know. After all, 94 percent of CCMs have recommended board certification to others. I know that many of them, like my new friend, also offer a helping hand. That’s because CCMs, perhaps more than anyone else, understand the value of professional certification and earning the CCM credential. But it’s not just us.

Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed growing appreciation for board certification, especially from employers. They don’t merely prefer case managers who are board certified; increasingly, they require them: 50 percent of employers require the CCM, and 62 percent pay for the exam.

None of this happens in a vacuum: New models of care delivery emphasize care coordination, team-based care and other case management roles. That’s only part of the picture, though. It ultimately comes down to the clients’ needs: I am convinced the pace and direction of population growth will heighten the need for case managers who are prepared to inform, support and engage. We know:
• Baby Boomers are aging.
• More people are on the move, making care coordination more difficult.
• As a nation, we’re more ethnically, racially and culturally diverse.

Professional case managers can enhance the ability of their teams—even their organizations—to deliver culturally competent care to individuals of all ages. Health systems need professionals who can engage with patients, meet them where they are and help them navigate an increasingly complex system. It’s no surprise that the latest trends survey finds more than 90 percent of board-certified case managers coordinate care as part of their job. It’s necessary, it’s difficult, and it requires expertise. A CCM possesses that necessary expertise.

At the Commission, we’re working to ensure the professional case manager’s role is acknowledged as essential to the delivery of quality, cost-effective and efficient care. One of my personal goals is to increase the number of talented people choosing case management as a profession, and who seek certification as a differentiator.

I cannot do it alone. Now is the time to advocate for your profession—and for your colleagues.

You’ve earned your CCM. Now look around and ask yourself: Who is the potential board-certified case manager within my sphere of influence? Take them out for coffee. Talk about how important the credential has been to your career. What can you do to help them get ready, get set, and go for it? Your words may be just what they need to take that next step. The result? A better case manager and a better you.

Watch this short video to learn how to get ready and get certified!

Tags

Certification

Professional Case Manager

Comments

I would like to get marketing materials for an upcoming meeting scheduled for 1/30/2018. I work with a group of Support Planners who work as case managers. I often talk to them about CCM and suggest they check out the website. I would like to get materials, pens, note pads and any other marketing materials to pass out at our next monthly meeting. The information can be mailed to me Rosalyn Burns at 4512 Tapscott Road Pikesville MD. 21208. I work with about 90 Support Planners and at least 20 percent are Social Workers. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Hi Rosalyn, Thank you for your interest in helping promote the CCM! We would be happy to put together some marketing material for your upcoming meeting. We will aim to have it in the mail this afternoon. Please let us know if you need any other assistance.

Looking for advice on best study guides for ccm test

Your Community: Explore the Commission

publisher — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Your Community: Explore the Commission publisher Wed, 03/04/2015 - 00:00

So you made the commitment, you are a professional case manager. Perhaps you have studied, prepped and sat for the CCM® exam and now you have passed—you are a CCM. Your hard work and commitment to case management is something you can proudly display after your name. Your employer, colleagues and clients recognize you as a leader. In the words of Michael Buble, “this old world is a new world, and a bold world for me.” Now what?

You are part of rapidly growing community of dedicated professionals who are committed to quality and cost-effective care and improved outcomes for healthcare consumers. The Commission goes beyond certification to offer you a home to advocate, inspire and learn. By taking advantage of ongoing learning opportunities, like the Commission’s CMLearning Network™, Case Management Body of Knowledge® and the CCMC New World Symposium®, a board certified case manager (CCM) is at the leading edge of case management as the profession evolves and the new terrain of healthcare is explored.

I encourage you to review all of the opportunities that the Commission has to offer and to explore the possibilities within your Commission’s community - a volunteer driven organization committed to excellence and the advancement of the case management profession. Actively participating in the Commission’s community will inspire you and take you to new heights within your profession.

Don’t take my word for it, explore the possibilities and contact us to get more involved—we are waiting for you!

Tags

Board Certification

Continuing Education

Professional Case Manager

Social Workers

Step into the spotlight: Former Commission chair will forge relationships and promote the value of case management

publisher — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Step into the spotlight: Former Commission chair will forge relationships and promote the value of case management publisher Wed, 03/04/2015 - 00:00

Don’t take my word for it, explore the possibilities and contact us to get more involved—we are waiting for you!

Tags

Board Certification

Continuing Education

Professional Case Manager

Social Workers

Value of Certification: New Year – New Beginnings

publisher — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Value of Certification: New Year – New Beginnings publisher Wed, 01/08/2014 - 00:00

Obtaining a professional certification is a personal accomplishment that allows for both professional growth and development. Professional certification demonstrates a commitment to your field of practice and demonstrates your expertise – setting you apart from the crowd. In addition, it shows that you remain current by validating your skills and knowledge on a regular basis.

The value of a professional certification can be measured by a number of different factors including recognition by a third party, credibility, enhanced professional reputation, opportunities for career advancement and possibly increased earnings. Additionally, some professional certifications meet governmental or employer requirements.

For example, employers who hire board certified case managers show a commitment to quality and improved client satisfaction. Employers that utilize board certified case managers can see improved quality care and positive outcomes for their patients due to their employees’ demonstrated increased competence level.

As a result, certification is a differentiator that is often used in making employment decisions as it shows a commitment to an ongoing enhancement of knowledge and skills. This demonstrated commitment to the profession provides potential employers with increased confidence in its employees’ abilities. Additionally, certification (including the CCM®) often provides compliance with industry regulations and government requirements - such as Magnet status.

The CCM - an evidenced based credential - is the oldest and most recognized in the field of Case management. Currently, there are over 35,000 CCMs providing quality patient care across practice settings that represent all allied health.

Beyond Certification

In recent years, the Commission has gone beyond certification to meet the needs of both professional case managers and CCMs. The Commission provides education and resources related directly to the field of case management that have been developed and provided by leaders and experts in the field. This expansion of offerings is a benefit to those already certified, those seeking certification and the allied health community working directly with case managers across the continuum of care.

The Commission continues its efforts to advocate for patient centered models of care, while raising awareness regarding case managers’ effectiveness in providing access to quality healthcare that directly impacts outcomes.

Whether you are considering certification, already certified or an employer that hires case managers, it is important to consider not only what certification fits your needs but also what resources are provided to support the case management community and the professional certification you support.

Tags

Board Certification

Professional Case Manager