Certified Disability Management Specialist - FAQs
CDMS FAQs
- GET CERTIFIED (CDMS)
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- What is the Certification for Disability Management Specialist?
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The Certification of Disability Management Specialists (CDMS) credential has a rich history that spans 30 years. Offering the only independent, nationally accredited program that certifies disability management specialists, the CDMS credential is the industry standard in workplace solutions and has long been recognized for excellence. It promotes competence, high professional standards, and ethical practice in the field.
- How do I receive my CDMS certificate?
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More information can be found here.
- 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 CDMS exam was canceled due to testing center closures. How can I reschedule to 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 address up to date in your account profile and don’t forget to list Pearson as an approved sender!)
- How do I ensure the Pearson 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.
- Will I receive instant results once I complete my 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 their 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.
- 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 prior to retaking the examination.
2. Marginal - The score you obtained is near an acceptable level; study of this content area is recommended prior to 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 prior to retaking the examination.
- What is the CDMS exam pass rate?
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The 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 the 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 shows the total numbers from last year
Exam Administration
Total Number of Candidates
Total Percentage of Candidates Passed
Total CDMS Certificants*
March 2025, & September 2025
138
71%
1,627
* The total CDMS Certificants column fluctuates frequently based on The Commission's renewal cycles and eligible candidates.
Disaster Relief (CDMS)
- 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 CDMS® 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.
CDMS RENEWAL FAQS - STAY CERTIFIED
- If a program/activity is not pre-approved, can I still receive credit, and what do I need to do?
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Yes, but the program/activity must fall within one of the domains of practice. For complete details, review the CDMS Renewal Guide.
- RETIREMENT STATUS OPTION (CDMS-R)
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- How long is the retirement status good for?
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Retirement status is good for five years. At the end of the five-year cycle, those who have chosen the retirement designation have the option to renew as a CDMS-R or renew as a CDMS.
- Can I actively practice as a CDMS while in the retirement designation?
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No, if an individual believes that he or she may provide consulting or other services in the future using their CDMS certification, he or she should NOT select the retirement designation, but should continue to maintain the CDMS certification.
- How do I request the retirement status?
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To request the retirement status, please complete the retirement request form. Once you submit your form, The Commission will reach out to you to collect the retirement fee.
- How much is the fee for the CDMS-R?
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Retirement Status (one-time fee) of $100 for five years.
- Can I renew my retirement status after the five years?
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Yes, simply complete the retirement request form. Once you submit your form, The Commission will reach out to you to collect the retirement fee.