This article gives a comparison of the most popular certifications available for case managers. It also gives you a look at the eligibility requirements and cost of the exam.
A popular question in our Case Managers Community Facebook Group is “Which Case Management Certification should I choose?” While we can’t answer that question for you we can give you the information you need to decide for yourself.
Things to consider are where you are now and where you see yourself in the future. You will also want to take into consideration your professional background and where you work.
This article gives a comparison of 3 of the most popular certifications available for case managers to help you decide which one is best for you.
Considered the gold standard of case management certification this certification will help you stand out as an experienced expert in your field. With over 50,000 CCMs this is by far the most popular and prestigious case manager certification. The exam and credentials are offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), the first organization to certify case managers.
This certification is the only cross-setting, cross-discipline case manager credential for healthcare and related fields that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). It is inclusive of all case managers no matter the work setting or credentials as long as they have a license that allows them to conduct an independent assessment of the client. This makes it very popular with case managers today who are interested in career advancement and know the importance of making themselves more marketable.
To be eligible to sit for this exam candidates must meet the qualifications in three areas;
(1) a current, active, and unrestricted licensure or certification in a health or human services discipline such as RN, LCSW, CRC, Rx, PT, OT, ST, RT, and CDMS among others.
(2) a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a health or human services discipline from an accredited institution in which they have completed supervised field experience in case management, health, or behavioral health.
Part-time work will be calculated by CCMC to meet the equivalent full-time requirement. You should contact CCMC for more information if you are not working full-time and want to pursue CCM Certification.
Be of good moral character, consistent with the CCMC Code of Professional Conduct. (CCM® ELIGIBILITY at a GLANCE | Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), 2024)
Candidates have 3 hours to complete the 180-question multiple-choice exam. Of the 180 questions, only 150 are scored questions, the other 30 are pretest questions which are not scored. According to CCMC, “The CCM exam is practice-based, meaning all questions are based on knowledge that an experienced case manager should know and understand.”
The exam is administered 3 times each year, during April, August, and December. The test can be scheduled for any available day during the testing month at a Testing Center. Online testing is also available. (Exam Application and Window Timeline | Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), 2024)
Applications to test must be submitted during the application window for that test month. See the table below for more information
The America Case Manager Association (ACMA) created and administers the Accredited Case Manager (ACM) exam and credentials. This certification is only available to RNs and Social Workers. The ACM is designed for health delivery systems and transitions of care (ToC) case managers working in the hospital setting. (ACMA: ACM Certification, 2024)
(2) Social workers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or valid social work license in good standing.
All applicants must have 1 year (2,080 hours) of full-time, supervised paid work experience in a healthcare delivery system as a case manager or a role that falls within the Scope of Services and Standards of Practice of a case manager. Internship, whether paid or unpaid does not count toward this requirement.
Having less than two years of experience adds the additional requirement of providing supervisor contact information and an attestation that they have at least one year of supervised case management experience.
Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Nursing Case Management board certification exam is specifically focused on nursing case management.
After meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam and successful completion you are awarded the credential Case Management Nurse – Board Certified (CMGT-BC™). (Nursing Case Management Certification (CMGT-BCTM) | ANCC, 1980)
To qualify to sit for the ANCC Case Management Certification exam, applicants must meet the following licensure, work experience, and education qualifications.
Applicants must hold a current, active RN license within a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country. International applicants also have additional requirements which are outlined on ANCC’s website.
Applicants must have worked as an RN for the equivalent of 2 years of full-time employment. In addition, they must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in nursing case management in the last 3 years.
To be eligible to sit for this exam you must have completed 30 hours of continuing education in nursing case management within the last 3 years. (Need help with this? The Case Management Institute can help.)
The ANCC exam is competency-based, assessing the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of RNs working in the specialty area of case management. The exam content focuses on four domains; professional foundation, care coordination, quality management, and health promotion.
The exam contains 150 questions and must be completed in 3 hours or less. Only 125 of the questions are actual test questions, the remaining 25 are not scored as they are pretest questions.
You can apply at any time. Once the application is submitted an eligibility decision will be made within 4 – 6 weeks. If the applicant is deemed eligible an authorization to test number will be given. The applicant then has a 120-day window in which to schedule and take the exam.
As a new professional starting out in the case management field, getting certified can significantly benefit your career development. Entry-level certifications demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the profession and make you more marketable when seeking that first case management role. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the key benefits of earning a certification as an entry-level case manager and provide tips for choosing the right credential based on your experience and aspirations.
Why Get Certified Early in Your Case Management Career?
Pursuing a certification early on as a case manager can provide a variety of advantages
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Validates your skills and expertise Achieving an entry-level certification proves you have the core knowledge needed to practice case management, even if you have limited on-the-job experience
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Enhances your resume: Certifications stand out on a resume and clearly communicate your qualifications to potential employers.
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Prepares you for the job: Studying for the exam helps strengthen your foundation in key areas like care coordination, healthcare systems, transitions of care, and more.
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Shows commitment: Earning a certification demonstrates your dedication to the case management profession.
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Provides a sense of accomplishment: Successfully passing the exam gives a sense of achievement early in your career.
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Leads to higher pay: Certified case managers often have higher salaries than uncertified peers.
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Creates job opportunities: Many employers specifically seek out certified case managers.
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Allows for career advancement: Certification supports professional growth from entry-level to higher level case management roles.
Given these significant upsides, new case managers should absolutely consider getting certified as early as possible after entering the field.
Overview of Entry-Level Case Management Certifications
If you are just starting your case management journey, which certifications make the most sense? Here is an overview of some of the top options for entry-level practitioners:
CCM® – Certified Case Manager
The Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) is the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized certification for case managers. To be eligible, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a health or human services field and have worked at least 2 years in healthcare or case management.
The CCM is considered the “gold standard” and demonstrates mastery of the case manager role. This national certification is valued across all healthcare settings. It does require some prior experience, so may not be realistic for those just entering the field.
ACMTM – Associate Case Manager
The Associate Case Manager (ACM) certification provided by the American Case Management Association (ACMA) is designed specifically for early career case managers. Eligibility requires an RN license or a bachelor’s degree, but no experience is necessary to qualify.
The ACM focuses on foundational case management knowledge and assesses important entry-level skills. It is an ideal stepping stone certification for new case managers and can lead to the more advanced CCM down the road.
CMWA® – Case Management Workforce Advanced Certification
The Case Management Workforce Advanced Certification (CMWA) from the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) is another option targeted to inexperienced case managers. Candidates need an RN license or bachelor’s degree to qualify.
The CMWA covers core case management principles and helps entry-level practitioners gain competency in areas like coordination, transitions, reimbursement, quality, and more. It provides a launchpad for professional growth.
CDMS® – Certified Disability Management Specialist
Case managers focused on absence management, return to work, and disability prevention may consider the Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) credential. Offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification, the CDMS is suited for less experienced professionals.
To qualify, you need a bachelor’s degree in any field along with 1 year experience in disability management, healthcare, or human resources. The CDMS covers important disability, workplace, legal, and benefits knowledge.
Tips for Choosing the Right Entry-Level Certification
As an aspiring case manager just starting your career, how do you narrow down which certification is the best fit? Follow this guidance:
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Consider your professional background and education level. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
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Research the topic areas covered by each exam to find the right knowledge emphasis.
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Ask colleagues for recommendations based on your goals and work setting.
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Review costs – factor in study materials, exam fees, and renewal expenses.
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Look for financial assistance such as employer benefits or military discounts.
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Evaluate recognition and demand for the certification from employers.
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Choose a credential aligned with your long-term career plans and aspirations.
How to Earn Your Entry-Level Case Management Certification
Once you’ve selected the ideal certification for your situation, it’s time to work toward earning it. Follow these steps:
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Check your eligibility: Confirm you meet all requirements for education and experience.
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Review the exam content: Download the exam blueprint that outlines covered topics.
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Obtain study materials: Purchase exam prep books, take review courses, use flashcards, and more.
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Schedule your test: Register for the exam date and testing center location.
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Take practice tests: Use practice questions to identify knowledge gaps as you study.
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Sit for the exam: Arrive prepared on test day and apply your knowledge.
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Get recertified: After passing, maintain your certification through ongoing renewal requirements.
Investing the time and effort to gain an entry-level case management certification provides invaluable benefits for jumpstarting your career. Display your new credentials proudly and leverage them to demonstrate your professionalism and open doors to exciting new career opportunities.
Spotlight on the CCM Exam for Experienced Case Managers
While this article has focused on certifications tailored to early career case managers with limited experience, I want to provide a brief spotlight on the Certified Case Manager (CCM) exam.
The CCM is considered the pinnacle credential in the field, and passing this exam is a major accomplishment and career milestone for more seasoned case managers. Here is a quick overview:
- Ideal for case managers with 2+ years of direct care experience
- Covers core case management knowledge across all health settings
- Recognized, valued, and preferred by employers
- Governed by the Commission for Case Manager Certification
- Requires eligibility application approval prior to sitting for the exam
- Updated exam released every 5 years based on role study
- Renewal through continuing education every 5 years
So while new case managers should pursue entry-level certs first, the CCM remains the “gold standard” to strive for as you advance in your career. Experienced case managers interested in standing out should absolutely pursue this premier certification.
Recap – Why Get Certified as an Entry-Level Case Manager?
For new professionals just getting their start in the case management field,earning an entry-level certification right away delivers tremendous benefits:
- Validates case management knowledge and skills
- Enhances your resume and job prospects
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession
- Leads to sense of accomplishment
- Allows for salary growth and career advancement
- Shows you meet industry education standards
- Prepares you to provide quality care coordination
- Provides foundation for future CCM certification
Entry-level credentials like the ACM, CMWA, and CDMS are within reach and set you up for success as a healthcare case manager. The investment of time and effort to study and pass the exam is well worth it early in your career.
So don’t wait – make earning an entry-level certification one of your top first priorities. Then you can proudly display your new credentials and leverage them to launch and grow an exciting and fulfilling career in the case management field. Your patients and clients will benefit from the care coordination knowledge you gain as well.
About the Commission for Case Manager Certification
This article has covered various certifications, but I want to highlight the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) as the gold standard leader in the industry.
The CCMC is the first and largest nationally accredited organization that certifies case managers. In addition to the CCM and CDMS certifications, CCMC offers excellent exam prep resources, continuing education, workshops, and events.
CCMC also published the Case Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) as an invaluable resource on best practices. They are actively driving the ongoing evolution of case management through research, partnerships, advocacy, and more.
I highly recommend new case managers check out the wealth of knowledge available through CCMC’s website. You’ll find the tools and information to support your career journey and provide the best possible services for your patients and clients.
Final Thoughts
Launching a new career as a case manager is an exciting and challenging endeavor. While you may lack extensive experience starting out, getting certified right away provides a major boost.
Entry-level credentials like the ACM, CMWA, and CDMS validate your core competencies and demonstrate your dedication to the field. This guide provided tips for selecting the right certification based on your goals and background.
Earning an accreditation requires disciplined study and preparation, but the investment pays dividends
Study Resources for CCM
CCM Certification Made Easy: Your Guide to Passing the Certified Case Manager Exam is the number one resource used by those passing the CCM exam. The suggested retail price is $69.97 but can be purchased for $59.45 here plus you will receive additional free bonuses.
This resource is a must for anyone studying for the CCM Exam and is only available on Amazon and through the publisher. You can click here to learn more.
For those who prefer to learn by taking a course, Case Management Institute has the best online course available taught by respected case management expert Anne Llewelyn.
You can get more information on how to study for the CCM Exam HERE
Who: Medical Professionals who are permitted to conduct an independent client assessment
Work Setting: Any
Credential: CCM
Work Experience: 1 – 2 years depending on your employment
Renewal: 5 years
Popularity: 50,000+
Study Resources: CaseManagementStudyGuide.com
Total Cost: $479.45
Application and testing fee of $420 plus study guide of $59.45.
For more information contact CCMC directly at: CCMCertification.org
The America Case Manager Association (ACMA) created and administers the Accredited Case Manager (ACM) exam and credentials. This certification is only available to RNs and Social Workers. The ACM is designed for health delivery systems and transitions of care (ToC) case managers working in the hospital setting. (ACMA: ACM Certification, 2024)
Licensure or Education Requirements
The ACM Certification examination is open to:
(1) Registered nurses with a current valid nursing license in good standing,
(2) Social workers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or valid social work license in good standing.
Work Experience Requirements
All applicants must have 1 year (2,080 hours) of full-time, supervised paid work experience in a healthcare delivery system as a case manager or a role that falls within the Scope of Services and Standards of Practice of a case manager. Internship, whether paid or unpaid does not count toward this requirement.
Having less than two years of experience adds the additional requirement of providing supervisor contact information and an attestation that they have at least one year of supervised case management experience.
About the Exam
There are two components to this exam. The first part consists of questions that test the core case management knowledge, skills, and abilities of case managers working in a hospital/health system. The second part of the exam involves discipline-specific clinical simulations. Candidates must pass both the core and discipline-specific portions to be entitled to use the ACM credential.
The examination content focuses on hospital case management and transitions of care (ToC) in the following four domains:
- screening and assessment,
- planning,
- care coordination, intervention, and transition management,
- evaluation.
Candidates for the ACM have two test scheduling options, quarterly or expedited.
With quarterly scheduling, candidates apply at any time and test within the regularly scheduled deadlines and timeframes listed below.
Candidates who do not want to wait for the next exam period can opt for the Apply Now Schedule Now option. This expedited scheduling allows the candidate to take the exam sooner (in the next three months). There is an increased cost for expedited scheduling.
Case Management Review SAMHSA TIP 27 | Comprehensive Case Management Certification
What are the most common case manager certifications?
Let’s look at three of the most common case manager certifications. The Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) offers what many call the industry standard certification for caseworkers. The Case Manager Certification (CCM) is the longest-standing certification recognized by most organizations.
How do I get an entry-level case management certification?
Here’s how to earn an entry-level case management certification: 1. Choose a specialty Case management is a relatively broad field. By choosing your specialty from the beginning, you can tailor your education and work experience to the area that interests you the most.
What is a case manager certification?
The Case Manager Certification (CCM) is the longest-standing certification recognized by most organizations. According to the CCMC, 58 percent of employers will pay for their employees to become certified, and nearly half require their employees to have the certification.
How do I become a case manager?
Professionals with this certification can become case managers at hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation clinics or schools. Requirements vary depending on which organization you pursue certification through, but candidates typically pursue postsecondary education, complete work experience and pass a written exam.
