Board-Certified Case Manager - FAQs
CCM Board-Certified Case Manager
- What is Case Management?
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Case Management is a dynamic process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates to improve outcomes, experiences, and value.
The practice of case management is professional and collaborative, occurring in a variety of settings where medical care, mental health care, and social supports are delivered. Services are facilitated by diverse disciplines in conjunction with the care recipient and their support system.
In pursuit of health equity, priorities include identifying needs, ensuring appropriate access to resources/services, addressing social determinants of health and facilitating safe care transitions. Professional case managers help navigate complex systems to achieve mutual goals, advocate for those they serve, and recognize personal dignity, autonomy, and the right to self-determination. (ACMA/CCMC September 2022)
- When can I apply for the CCM exam?
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View the CCM application timeline.
- Does a criminal justice degree meet the CCM eligibility requirements?
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No, the criminal justice degree does not meet the education CCM eligibility requirement as a health or human services degree for CCM certification at this time.
- How do I receive my certificate?
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More information can be found here.
Taking the Exam
- I'm trying to decide if I should take my exam at a testing center or at home. Do you offer any resources that could help me decide?
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Visit this page to help you decide if online testing is right for you.
- My CCM exam was canceled due to a testing center closure. How can I reschedule and take my exam online through remote proctoring?
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If a testing center closure impacts you, you will receive an email or phone call from Pearson with information on how to reschedule your exam. (Be sure to keep your email updated in your account profile and don’t forget to list Pearson as an approved sender!)
- How do I ensure the OnVUE system is compatible with my computer, test it before my scheduled exam, and find other technical requirements?
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Learn more here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/Standalone-pages/OnVUE-tips.aspx
Find additional technical requirement information here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/op/OnVUE-technical-requirements
- Can I use a corporate computer for my remote exam?
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When testing online, you’ll provide your own computer equipment, so be sure you’ve got the following before exam day:
- Required: a desktop or a laptop computer. Tablets can only be used as a screen, paired with an external keyboard. Touch screens cannot be used for your exam.
- Required: a single monitor. Remove any extra monitors from the testing room, or at least unplug them before taking your test-space photos during check-in.
- Required if using an external monitor with a laptop: an external mouse, keyboard, and webcam, and the lid of your laptop must remain closed throughout your exam.
Recommended: a personal computer rather than an employer-issued computer, which may have additional security settings that can interfere with your exam.
- What should I do if I have technical issues during a remote proctored exam?
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Your proctor attempts to resolve technical issues in real-time. If an issue cannot be resolved, the proctor will file a case on your behalf. Please contact The Commission as soon as possible.
Exam Results
- Will I receive instant results once I complete my online remote exam?
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Upon completion of the computer-based examination, you will receive a preliminary pass or non-pass result that will display on your screen. The Commission will email you the official exam results within six weeks of the end of the exam period.
- If I did not pass, how will I be notified of my performance on the exam?
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The Commission receives the official results from Pearson about 2 weeks after the last day of the exam administration. All candidates will receive an email notification to check their accounts for results. For those who did not pass, the exam results will include their performance for each domain. The Commission™ exams apply three domain breakdown levels: Deficient, Marginal, and Proficient.
- I did not pass the exam. How do I interpret my domain breakdown?
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The Commission® exams apply three domain breakdown levels: Deficient (1), Marginal (2), and Proficient (3)
Disclaimer: The domain diagnostic information is intended to provide you with feedback on your performance in each domain area, i.e., your demonstrated areas of strengths and weaknesses. However, prior success in one content area does not guarantee repeated success in the same content area on another attempt at the exam. Therefore, you should use this feedback as a guide to help determine areas to focus on should you elect to retake the exam.
1. Deficient - The score you obtained is below an acceptable level; substantial study of this content area is recommended before retaking the examination.
2. Marginal - The score you obtained is near an acceptable level; study of this content area is recommended before retaking the examination.
3. Proficient - The score you obtained in this domain is at or above the acceptable level. A review of this content area may be helpful to you before retaking the examination.
- What is the CCM exam pass rate?
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Pass rate is defined as the percentage of people who pass the exam each time it is administered. This rate varies with each administration as well as for first-time exam candidates vs. retake candidates. The pass rate is NOT the exam candidate's score on the exam. For example, annual exam results are included below:
The chart below shows the total numbers from last year.
Exam Administrations
Total Number of Candidates
Total Candidate % Passed
Total CCM Certificants Overall*
April 2025, August 2025 & December 2025
5,041
74%
49,789
* The Total CCM Certificants column fluctuates frequently based on The Commission's renewal cycles and eligible candidates.
Disaster Relief
- I've been impacted by a recent natural disaster, affecting my ability to either participate in education opportunities needed for renewal, or pay fees associated with my application or renewal application. Are there any options available to me?
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The Commission recognizes that in the wake of natural disasters and other similar unforeseen circumstances, you may be facing overwhelming challenges. We understand that such circumstances could possibly affect your ability to renew your certification, participate in/purchase education opportunities needed to earn the number of continuing education hours needed, or to be able to apply for the CCM® exam.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have been impacted by a recent natural disaster and would like to discuss your options with one of our Certification Coordinators.
- Do I need to submit a new application for recertification?
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You will need to complete an online renewal form, submit a copy of your current license, enter your 80 hours of CE, and pay the renewal fee, plus any post-approved CE review fees.
- When can I submit my recertification?
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You will be able to complete your online renewal application approximately 3 months before the “valid through” date printed on your certificate.
- I missed the renewal deadline. Can I still renew?
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The Commission will accept and review formal late renewal requests submitted within the first 30 days after the “valid through” date printed on the individual’s certificate. To be considered, the CCM must have the following: documentation of 80 hours of CE, meet the initial education requirements, and a clear and compelling reason with documentation for having missed the deadline. If a request is approved, the CCM will need to pay the standard renewal fee plus an additional late fee. Late renewal requests submitted after 30 days are considered denied without review. Not receiving notification of the renewal deadline, or lack of awareness of the deadline or process, are not valid excuses.
- What is the difference between post-approval and pre-approval CE?
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Pre-approved courses have been approved by The Commission®. Simply ask the course sponsor before registering. When you complete the activity, the sponsor will provide you with an attendance verification form, including The Commission approval number and the activity code. Any activity that involves a focus area described in the Renewal Guide can be submitted for approval on a post-approval basis; a processing fee will apply, per course. Fees are automatically calculated for you on the website application with easy-to-follow instructions for payment.
- What are the fees for post-approval courses?
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A single program post-approval fee is $15* per course. *Fees are subject to change. Please see the Renewal Guide for the most up-to-date information.
- Will I be charged for post-approved CE entered after I reach 80 CE’s?
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Yes, you will be charged a review fee for all post-approved CE entered, so enter only your required number of CE’s.
- What should I do if I am entering pre-approved credits and can’t find the activity code and approval number?
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If it is not on your certificate of attendance, you must contact the provider.
- If I earn more than 80 clock hours in a five-year period, may I apply the excess to the next renewal cycle?
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No, you cannot. Since continuing education is intended to keep certificants current with emerging trends and technologies, CE must be earned within your current 5-year cycle.
Code of Conduct
- What's the difference between a professional case manager and a Board-certified Case Manager?
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The Commission gives eligible professional case managers an opportunity to be board-certified as case managers across the spectrum of health and human services. We know from the growing demand for Board-certified Case Managers that employers acknowledge their value. Learn more by clicking the Value of Certification menu heading here.
Board-certified Case Managers have demonstrated they have the expertise, knowledge, and professional experience to provide the right services to clients across the continuum of care. They are committed to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards. To maintain their credential, Board-certified Case Managers must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct for Case Managers, which is enforced by The Commission.
- How do I file a complaint?
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All correspondence related to a complaint must be in writing, marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and addressed to the Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct, The Commission®, 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054.
- I have an ethics question about how to handle a certain situation in my practice. How do I get guidance?
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The Commission’s® Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct provides opinions to Board-certified Case Managers and members of the public. These are non-binding responses to specific dilemmas. Questions may be submitted to Ethics & Professional Conduct Committee, The Commission, 1120 Route 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054.
- Where can I learn more about the Code?
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View this webinar on the Learning Network.