Exam Study Materials

Certification

CDMS Certified Disability Management Specialist

Earn the only independent, nationally accredited certification for disability management specialists.

Exam Application Dates:
April 1 - June 30, 2026
Renewal Application Dates:
February 1 - March 31, 2026

Exam Study Materials

DISCLAIMER: The CDMS® exam is practice-based, meaning all questions are based on the knowledge that an experienced case manager should know and understand. As an exam candidate, you are not required to take any course or purchase any study materials. Purchasing study materials is optional and not required to take the exam. Attending or purchasing courses or study materials is not a guarantee of passing the exam. The Commission™ does not endorse or approve any study materials.

6-WEEK EXAM PREP CIRCUIT


The time it takes to study and prepare for the exam varies based on the candidate's schedule. This 6-Week Prep Circuit is a rigorous guide to aid in the CDMS® exam review. This program is designed to elevate your core knowledge and confidence surrounding the four domains. It’s a handy reminder to frequently review materials during this period leading up to the exam while boosting your confidence on exam day.

WEEK 1

Session 1

  • To start, download the CDMS Certification Guide and familiarize yourself with the weighted domains and sub-domains. You can also download the CDMS Glossary app, access exam practice items, and review the Core Knowledge Curriculum (CKC).

Session 2

  • There are a total of 4 domains. Review the domains and highlight any materials that you know may need further review before you start week two.
  • Review Glossary terms on the CDMS app for 20 minutes. Be sure to mark the ones that need more practice.
WEEK 2

Session 3

  • Dedicate time to focus on domain one, Disability and Work Interruption Case Management, and highlight any problem areas.
  • Research and reference any additional study materials pertaining to this domain. 

Session 4: 

  • Review Glossary Terms for 20 minutes. Mark and practice the words you need more focus on.
  • Continue to review study materials from this week.
WEEK 3

Session 5:

  • Progress to domain two, Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention.
  • Research and reference study materials that relate to this domain.

Session 6:

  • Review Glossary Terms for 20 minutes. Practice words you need more focus on.
  • Highlight information from this week, implement any additional study materials and research problem areas.
WEEK 4

Session 7:

  • Dedicate time to focus on domain three, Program Development, Management, and Evaluation.
  • Research additional domain concepts and review materials related to those concepts.

Session 8:

  • Continue reviewing the materials from week four, summarize key concepts and any additional research from Session 7. Focus on previous problem areas and review marked terms from the Glossary app.
WEEK 5

Session 9:

  • Proceed to domain 5, Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration.
  • Research, review references, and implement any other study materials that relate to this domain.

Session 10:

  • Review Glossary Terms for 20 minutes.
  • Highlight ALL areas in domains that need more practice, glossary terms, CKC sessions, and any additional study material.

Session 11:

  • Watch our Rooted in Excellence series to see how the power of your hard work is leading you to the right path to excellence.
WEEK 6

Session 12:

  • Test your knowledge by using exam practice items and reviewing the CDMS Glossary app. Review study materials from Week 6 and any other problem areas.

Session 13: 

  • Review ALL materials, domains along with questions that you may have missed with the CDMS exam practice items.

CDMS Exam Practice Items

The Commission™ has created a practice item review to help you prepare and study for the CDMS® exam. The practice items utilize actual CDMS® exam questions that are now retired to provide exam item practice. The new 115-question CDMS® exam practice items are here to help you strengthen your understanding in the CDMS® knowledge domains!

This includes:

  • 115 practice questions designed to align with the exam blueprint
  • Self-paced and access on the go
  • Designed to help you identify strengths and areas to improve
  • Mimics the real exam experience with a blend of 3-4 multiple choice answer options.
  • Correct answers will be provided at the end to help with your studying.

ADDITIONAL OFFER - More Practice, When You’re Ready!
When you purchase the 115-question practice items, you’ll unlock another optional offer to expand your knowledge:

 - Add up to 115 additional questions
 - Get them at a discounted price of $24.99, only available after your initial purchase

No pressure — just more opportunities when you want them.

REFUND POLICY: There will be no refunds given after you have purchased this.

Disclaimer: The CDMS® exam is a practice-based exam, and includes questions that experienced disability management specialists should know and understand. The practice exam is available only as a resource to focus studying efforts in preparation for the CDMS® exam. There is no guarantee that performance on a practice exam will yield the same performance on the actual CDMS® exam.

PURCHASE EXAM PRACTICE ITEMS


CDMS Glossary

ACCESS THE GLOSSARY


CDMS Glossary App
  • Over 770 terms and definitions, divided into 26 decks with 30 terms
  • Expanded to include key terms and definitions related to new content that has been added to the Core Knowledge Curriculum (CKC)
  • Available in the App Store and on Google Play! Look for the "CDMS Glossary App"

Core Knowledge Curriculum (CKC)

The CKC is the first comprehensive online learning program focused solely on disability management and leaves of absence in the workplace. Those applying for CDMS® certification may find the CKC a useful supplement in their preparation for the exam.

The CDMS® CKC opens the door to disability management professionals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for CDMS® certification. 

ACCESS THE CKC

History:
As the gap in disability management learning resources was identified, and investigation into the possibility of offering a curriculum for current and prospective practitioners was begun. That process led to the development of the CDMC Core Knowledge Curriculum, or CKC for short.

A case-based curriculum designed for an online delivery platform was developed from the collaboration between CDMS leadership, industry leaders, and subject matter experts picked for their experience and expertise. The goal was to create a resource for colleagues and the future of the profession. In 2022, The Commission™ brought together another group of subject matter experts to review and revise the content of the CKC to ensure its relevance and currency in today’s environment for disability management specialists. Although we do not endorse any study materials or preparation courses, The Commission™ leadership continues to realize a need to provide disability management professionals with educational material to deepen their understanding of the field.