How are the exams scored?
How many questions do we have to get right to pass? How is the passing score determined? Why does the passing score change?
When will we know the results?
Why can’t I receive my official score on sight if there is auto scoring? Why is there a waiting period?
How long does it take for me to receive my official score?
Why can’t we get a copy of the questions we get wrong or know what the right answers were to the questions we got wrong?
If I fail the exam why can’t I take it in the same testing window?
How many questions are on both exams?
How long do I have to take the CPCS/CPMSM exam?
How much does it cost to take the exam?
What is the difference between the CPCS and the CPMSM and how do I know which one I should take?
What standards are on the exam? Review of the candidate handbook will provide detail regarding standards and exam content.
Why isn't there a test geared towards just the body of knowledge that I need to know? Why is the test so broad?
Should I take both exams the same day?
Is the test all multiple choice? Essay?
What is the percentage of pass/fail rates for candidates who took the prep courses?
Do the instructors (of the prep courses) know the questions on the test?
When will questions about Det Norske Veritas (DNV) be included in the exam?
How can I contact someone regarding my questions about sitting for the exam?
How do I apply for examination?
How do I find an exam site?
What are the post cumulative exam statistics?
Where can I access practice tests for the CPCS and CPMSM exams?
When do I need to recertify?
What are the fees for recertification?
What are the new CE requirements for dual certificants, effective 2010?
How are the exams scored?
Each candidate taking the exam is judged against a predetermined standard rather than against other candidates. The predetermined standard (or “cut score”) is set by a committee of subject matter experts working with testing experts to evaluate each question based on its level of difficulty. Once each question has been evaluated, the testing experts compile statistical data into a formula that determines the minimum passing score for each exam form. The passing score may vary among exam forms depending on the difficulty of the items which comprise each exam form. The methods used to determine the cut score adhere to NCCA certification standards. The CCN and testing experts work very hard to ensure that exams are similar in overall difficulty, however, each exam form is not identically difficult, therefore, each exam has its own unique passing score based on the standard setting for that exam form.
How many questions do we have to get right to pass? How is the passing score determined? Why does the passing score change?
The cut score (or passing standard) for each exam form is set by a panel of subject matter experts working with testing experts to ensure the validity, reliability and legal defensibility of the exam. The cut score may vary depending upon the criticality and difficulty of the items which comprise each exam form; therefore, different exam forms have different cut scores. The methods employed for cut score (passing standard) determination and equating must adhere to NCCA and applicable standards.
When will we know the results?
The CPCS and CPMSM exams are auto scored at the completion of the examination. Auto-scoring allows the candidate to receive a preliminary pass or fail result from the examination. The official results will follow to candidates within six weeks after the testing period/window has closed.
Note: To ensure the confidentiality of exam results, actual scores will not be released via telephone, fax, or any other electronic transmission by either the CCN or CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. personnel. Scores will NOT be sent to employers, schools, other individuals, or organizations under any circumstances. Names of candidates who do not pass the examination are confidential and are not revealed under any circumstances, except by legal compulsory process.
Why can’t I receive my official score on sight if there is auto scoring? Why is there a waiting period?
Following the testing period, there is a review to ensure that there were no computer calculation errors and to review the test form for any irregularities.
How long does it take for me to receive my official score?
Preliminary scores are validated and reported to candidates within six weeks from the close of the testing window. (See Candidate Handbook Page 9)
Why can’t we get a copy of the questions we get wrong or know what the right answers were to the questions we got wrong?
The exams are protected by copyright and the certification is accredited by NCCA. To protect the integrity of the exam and assure fairness to future candidates, the questions on exams, including answers to questions, may not be shared by CCN, Test Development Volunteers and/or candidates who may have already taken the exam
If I fail the exam why can’t I take it in the same testing window?
Only one exam form for each certification is offered during the same testing window. In order to protect the integrity of the exam, candidates who fail must wait until the next testing period to re-test.
How many questions are on both exams?
There are 150 questions on the CPCS exam, which is focused primarily on provider credentialing; and 200 questions on the CPMSM exam due to its broader scope of exam content.
How long do I have to take the CPCS/CPMSM exam?
Three hours for CPCS and four hours for CPMSM. (See Candidate Handbook Page 5)
How much does it cost to take the exam?
NAMSS members $350.00; Non-NAMSS members $475.00
What is the difference between the CPCS and the CPMSM and how do I know which one I should take?
The Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS) is typically employed or contracted by a healthcare organization including, but not limited to, hospitals (health systems), health plans, ambulatory care settings, group practices, and credentialing verification organizations. A CPCS is an integral part of a credentialing team whose responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies;
- Participating in the development and implementation of credentialing processes and procedures;
- Credentialing of physicians, allied health and other practitioners;
- Overseeing or participating in the development of and adherence to:
- Governance bylaws;
- Department rules and regulations;
- Policies pertaining to medical staff, practitioner/provider and the organization; and
- Collecting and maintaining an accurate practitioner database and analyzing verification information.
At the time of application, candidate must be currently employed in the medical services profession for at least the past 12 consecutive months and have a total of three years of experience within the past five years, OR Be a CPMSM in good standing and be employed for at least the past 12 consecutive months in the medical services profession.
The Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM) is typically employed or contracted by a healthcare organization including, but not limited to, hospitals (health systems), health plans, ambulatory care settings, group practices, or credentialing verification organizations. A CPMSM is an integral part of a credentialing team whose responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies;
- Developing and implementing credentialing/privileging processes and procedures;
- Developing and implementing provider enrollment processes and procedures;
- Overseeing development of and adherence to:
- Governance bylaws;
Department rules and regulations; and
Policies pertaining to medical staff, practitioner/provider, and the organization
At the time of application, candidate must be currently employed in the medical services profession for at least the past 12 consecutive months and have a total of five years of experience within the past eight years, OR Be a CPCS in good standing and be employed for at least the past 12 consecutive months in the medical services profession.
To best determine which exam is right for you, examine your qualifications and skill set and select the most appropriate fit.
What standards are on the exam? Review of the candidate handbook will provide detail regarding standards and exam content.
Please refer to page 11 of the Candidate Handbook.
Why isn't there a test geared towards just the body of knowledge that I need to know? Why is the test so broad?
The exam is based on testing standards developed by the Certification Commission and Subject Matter Experts and includes examination content that is current, valid, and representative of the responsibilities of medical services and credentialing professionals to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities of medical services and credentialing professionals.
Should I take both exams the same day?
Candidates are not advised to take both exams the same day. Due to scheduling conflicts successful completion of both exams may not be possible. However, you are welcome to take both exams within the same testing window.
Is the test all multiple choice? Essay?
The CPCS exam is an objective examination consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. The CPMSM exam is an objective examination consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. There are no essay questions.
What is the percentage of pass/fail rates for candidates who took the prep courses?
This information is being collected; however, the sample size at this time is too small to establish statistical significance. As more data is collected, the results will be shared through NAMSS publications and materials.
Do the instructors (of the prep courses) know the questions on the test?
No. Prep course instructors do not know actual test questions. However, instructors teach based on the same blueprint that the certification committee uses to create the exam.
When will questions about Det Norske Veritas (DNV) be included in the exam?
There are currently no questions on the exams that test to DNV standards. DNV questions will be offered at a date to be determined. There is currently not enough data to support the development of a standard for testing. NAMSS will widely publicize when and if this information will appear on future exams.
How can I contact someone regarding my questions about sitting for the exam?
Jaclyn Weinrauch, NAMSS Certification Associate
(202) 367-2491
certification@namss.org
How do I apply for examination?
Visit the Application Procedures/Instructions page to learn more.
How do I find an exam site?
Visit the Scheduling Your Exam Appointment page to learn more.
What are the post cumulative exam statistics?
View the CPCS & CPMSM exam statistics.
2008-2010 Cumulative Pass-Fail Rates
Where can I access practice tests for the CPCS and CPMSM exams?
Find information about the CPCS practice exam and the CPMSM practice exam here.
When do I need to recertify?
Three years after achieving certification. If you are dually certified, then three years from obtaining your first certification.
What are the fees for recertification?
Single Certification:
NAMSS Members: $100
Non-Members: $250
Dual Certification
NAMSS Members: $125
Non-Members: $275
What are the new CE requirements for dual certificants?
Find out more information on the certification news page.