CCM Exam - Certified Case Manager

About the CCM Exam

The Certified Case Manager (CCM®) credential, granted by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC®), certifies health and human service professionals in the specialty of case management. It assesses a practitioner’s knowledge, skills, and judgment in coordinating care, managing resources, and advocating for patients across the health care continuum. Earning the CCM credential communicates advanced expertise in case management; covering care delivery, reimbursement methods, psychosocial concepts, quality evaluation, and rehabilitation strategies. Professionals certified in this specialty help navigate complex healthcare systems for individuals with serious or chronic conditions, contribute to cost-effective and high-quality patient outcomes, and lead in the integration of ethical, evidence-based practices in case management.

BoardCerts CCM® Question Bank

The BoardCerts Certified Case Manager (CCM®) practice question bank offers an extensive preparation suite designed specifically for the CCM certification.The content is meticulously aligned with the official CCMC® exam blueprint and undergoes rigorous review by experienced clinical leaders. The platform features timed simulation exams that replicate the actual testing environment, building the stamina and confidence necessary for success. Additionally, each question is crafted to sharpen professional judgment and the application of evidence-based advocacy across the healthcare spectrum. The comprehensive rationales target the core exam domains, including care coordination, psychosocial support systems, ethical and legal practice standards, reimbursement models, rehabilitation strategies, and quality outcome measurements.

Content Outline of CCM Exam

The CCMC provides the following content outline for the CCM exam:

i. Care Management (30%): Focuses on the comprehensive process of assessing, planning, and coordinating services to meet an individual’s health needs, ensuring effective transitions of care and the promotion of patient autonomy.

ii. Reimbursement Methods (12%): Involves knowledge of various healthcare financial models, including private insurance, government programs (Medicare/Medicaid), and utilization review processes to ensure appropriate resource allocation.

iii. Psychosocial Concepts and Support Systems (20%): Addresses the impact of social determinants of health, mental health, and family dynamics on a client’s recovery, focusing on building strong support networks and addressing barriers to care.

iv. Quality and Outcomes Evaluation and Measurements (10%): Emphasizes the application of data and metrics to track the effectiveness of case management interventions, focusing on improving clinical outcomes and demonstrating the value of care.

v. Rehabilitation Concepts and Strategies (10%): Includes the management of functional impairments and the coordination of vocational or physical rehabilitation services to help clients return to their highest level of functioning.

vi. Ethical, Legal, and Practice Standards (18%): Focuses on professional advocacy, adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct, and compliance with legal requirements like HIPAA to protect client rights and privacy.

For more detailed blueprint outline, please review the CCMC exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources - CCM

Eligibility Requirements for CCM Exam

Candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC®) to qualify for the CCM exam. Eligibility is determined through a combination of professional licensure or education and clinical work experience.

1. Licensure or Education Requirement Candidates must satisfy one of the following at the time of application:

• License/Certification: Hold a current, active, and unrestricted license or certification in a health or human services discipline (e.g., RN, LCSW, CRC) that permits independent assessment.

• Education: Hold a Baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing, social work, or a related health and human services field that includes a supervised field experience.

2. Employment Experience Requirement Candidates must complete one of the following pathways within the last five years:

• Category 1: 12 months of full-time case management experience supervised by a Board-Certified Case Manager (CCM).

• Category 2: 24 months of full-time case management experience (no CCM supervision required).

• Category 3: 12 months of full-time experience specifically as a supervisor of case management services.

Meeting these criteria ensures candidates possess the necessary professional foundation and practical expertise for specialized case management. For full details on application procedures, you can consult the official CCMC® Certification Guide.

CCM Exam Application Process

Online Application: Apply for the CCM exam via the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC®) official website during one of the three annual cycles (April, August, or December).

Application Submission: Submit your digital application along with the required fee and documentation of your license or degree. CCMC reviews submissions to verify that your professional experience meets their specific "Eight Essential Activities" of case management.

Scheduling the Exam: Once your application is approved, typically within 30 days, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). You can then schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or via live remote proctoring. Exams must be taken within the specific window assigned to your application cycle.

Preparation: The BoardCerts CCM® Question Bank is specially designed to maximize your study efficiency. It aligns closely with the official exam blueprint and matches the complexity and multi-domain composition of the actual test. For additional guidance, candidates should review the official CCMC® Certification Guide and the Code of Professional Conduct.

CCM Exam Format

Number of Questions: The CCM exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions. Out of these, 150 are scored items and 30 are unscored pretest items used for statistical validation.

Exam Response Options: Each question provides four response options (A, B, C, D). There is no penalty for guessing, so candidates are encouraged to answer every question.

Testing Options: The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Candidates can choose to test at a designated physical testing center or via Live Remote Proctoring from a secure home or office location.

Time Allotted: Candidates are given 3 hours of actual testing time to complete the exam. The total appointment time is approximately 3.5 hours, which includes a pre-exam tutorial and a post-exam survey.

Pass/Fail Rates of the CCM Exam

Difficulty Level: The CCM® exam is highly challenging, requiring a deep understanding of care coordination, healthcare finance, and professional advocacy. Candidates are encouraged to focus on the official CCMC® blueprint, as the exam emphasizes practical application and situational judgment over simple memorization.

Passing Score: CCMC utilizes a scaled scoring system to account for variations in difficulty between different exam versions. While a fixed raw percentage is not published, a scaled score of 350 (on a 0–500 range) is generally the required benchmark to pass.

Score Reporting: In most cases, candidates receive an immediate pass/fail notification on-screen after finishing the exam. Official score reports are later sent via email.

Exam Statistics: Historically, the CCM exam pass rate has an average of 75%. These figures underscore the importance of utilizing blueprint-aligned study tools and official CCMC® resources to ensure a successful first attempt.

CCM Exam Proctoring

The Certified Case Manager (CCM®) exam is administered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC®) in partnership with Pearson VUE. Candidates have the flexibility to take the exam either at an approved Pearson Professional Center or through the online proctoring system.

Live Remote Proctoring: This option allows candidates to complete the CCM exam from a secure, private location such as their home or office. During the exam, a live proctor monitors the candidate in real time using the computer’s webcam and microphone to maintain strict exam security and integrity.

Preparation and Resources for the CCM Exam

At BoardCerts, our CCM practice questions are fully aligned with the official exam blueprint and based on authoritative hospice and palliative care references.

Exam Topics: Assessment, planning, treatment, interventions, and education and referral. More info can be found here: Preparation and Resources - CCM

Question Bank: Our comprehensive CCM Question Bank includes detailed rationales and predictor exams to help you assess readiness, reinforce key concepts, and build confidence for exam day.

CCM Certification Renewal

The CCM® certification is valid for five years. To maintain your credential, you must complete the recertification process before your current certification expires. The Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC®) offers two pathways for renewal:

1. Continuing Education (CE) Pathway:

• Total Requirement: Document 80 hours of approved continuing education earned within your five-year cycle.

• Ethics Requirement: At least 8 hours (10%) of the total CEs must be specifically related to Ethics in case management.

• Focus Areas: All CEs must align with the six core knowledge domains found on the CCM exam. CCMC provides a "PACE" directory of pre-approved courses to simplify this process.

2. Re-examination Pathway:

• Requirement: Successfully retake and pass the current CCM exam.

• Timeline: You must exercise the re-examination option before your "valid through" date. If you choose this path and do not pass, your credential will expire immediately.

Attaining these requirements ensures that Board-Certified Case Managers remain current with emerging trends, legislative changes, and the evolving standards of professional practice. For full details on the renewal application window and current fees, candidates should refer to the official CCMC® Renewal Guide.

CCM Exam Practice Questions

The most vital part of CCM exam preparation is practicing questions. These questions allow you to become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content domains. With high-quality, faculty-approved, exam-focused sample questions that align with the CCM exam blueprint, BoardCerts ensures that you are well prepared for your test day.

Access Sample Questions: You can find sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are designed to reflect the level of difficulty and the topics found on the CCM exam.