Testing Information

The Commission™ partners with a testing vendor, Pearson, to deliver the CDMS^® exam. Pearson conveniently offers more than 5,000 physical, highly secure exam locations. As another option, Pearson also offers the exam through an online-based system, On VUE, which allows you to take the exam from the convenience of your home. 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TESTING REMOTELY 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TESTING AT A TESTING CENTER

If you need help deciding whether to take the exam remotely or in a testing center, use this decision tree to help make the decision that is right for you.

Job Task Analysis

The most recent Job Task Analysis (previously known as the Role & Function Study) is being conducted in 2025/26. The Commission™ is conducting a job task analysis study of the disability manager practice to update the content of the Certified Disability Management Specialists (CDMS^®) examination. Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), an experienced provider of assessment solutions, is working with The Commission™ on the analysis. The study aims to validate the core knowledge areas that are important for the continued certification of disability managers. A panel of experts has proposed updates to the content outline of the CDMS^® examination, to become effective in 2026. 

Who is Surveyed? And When?

A survey was sent to all current certificants and relevant individuals through The Commission™ database in April 2025. This survey was in the field from April 2 to April 22, 2025, and resulted in 205 responses.

What were the demographics of those surveyed? 
 

• 50% of the respondents work in vocational rehabilitation
   
• 25% of the respondents have maintained their CDMS^® for more than 20 years
   
• 38.8% of the respondents live in the western United States

Exam Blueprint Changes - What’s Changing:

The new blueprint includes four domains with updated weights that better reflect today’s professional landscape:

• Domain 1: Disability and Work Interruption Case Management (36 percent)
• Domain 2: Workplace Interventions (27 percent)
• Domain 3: Program Development, Management, and Evaluation (18 percent)
• Domain 4: Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration (19 percent)

This new structure shifts emphasis based on what we learned is most critical and frequent in current practice. In addition to refined domain weightings, task statements and knowledge and skill areas have been updated for clarity, precision, and relevancy.

New Exam Features to Support Fairness and Experience:

Along with the updated blueprint, candidates taking the exam starting in March 2026 will notice a few structural enhancements designed to improve the testing experience:

• Three-option multiple-choice questions: These are just as valid and reliable as traditional four-option questions but reduce ambiguity and streamline development.
• An optional 10-minute scheduled break: Available to both in-person and remote candidates midway through the exam. This break supports candidate focus and well-being.
• Adjustments to language within the exam were made to better reflect industry changes to ensure clear and concise modifications to the overall objective.
• Although the subject matter will not change, since there is a difference in weight distribution, there may be more questions.

What This Means for You:

If you are preparing for the CDMS^® exam, rest assured. The new blueprint offers clearer guidance and better alignment with real-world practice. Updated preparation materials and resources will be available in advance of the March 2026 launch. Whether you are a prospective certificant, a long-time CDMS^®, or an employer seeking qualified professionals, this update reinforces our shared commitment to excellence.

Results for the March 2026 CDMS^® Exam: 

Candidates taking the March 2026 exam will NOT receive immediate pass/no pass notification because a standard-setting study must be conducted whenever a new exam blueprint is introduced to establish a cut score for the exam. Candidates will be notified via email that the results have been uploaded to their account within ninety (90) days of the end of the testing window. Notification regarding exam results is in alignment with certification best practices related to the implementation of a new exam blueprint.