What are the eligibility requirements for the exam?
What is the fee to sit for the exam?
How many questions are on the CPMSM exam?
How many questions are on the CPCS exam?
What is the breakdown of exam questions by category?
How is the passing score established?
What basic knowledge would help me to be prepared?
What is the difference between the two certifications?
How can I contact someone regarding my questions about sitting for the exam?
How do I apply for examination?
When will I receive my results?
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?
How do I apply for recertification?
What are the fees for recertification?
What are the new CE requirements for dual certificants, effective 2010?
What are the eligibility requirments for the exam?
CPCS Examination:
- 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.
CPMSM Examination:
- 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.
What is the fee to sit for the exam?
NAMSS members: $350
Non-members: $475
How many questions are on the CPMSM exam?
200
How many questions are on the CPCS exam?
150
What is the breakdown of exam questions by category?
CPMSM Percentages
Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance 23%
Management of Credentialing Processes 23%
Privileging 23%
Medical Services Administration 12%
Risk Management 10%
Information Management 9%
CPCS Percentages
Credentialing and Privileging 41%
Primary Source Verification 26%
Compliance 23%
Operations 10%
How is the passing score established?
The pass/fail cut-off score is determined using a criterion-referenced method, which allows for the performance of each candidate taking the exam to be judged against a predetermined standard rather than against other candidates. The predetermined standard is set by a committee of subject matter experts working with testing experts to ensure the validity, reliability, and legal defensibility of the exam.
What basic knowledge would help me to be prepared?
Basic knowledge would include accreditation standards for AOA, CMS, JCAHO, NCQA, AAAHC, and URAC; basic principles of credentialing, management theory, and practice; and regulatory and legal compliance. The certification exam objectives also define the content areas covered on the exam.
What is the difference between the two certifications?
The CPMSM certification is directed toward the broader responsibilities of medical services professionals and those who are charged with managing, improving, and implementing processes. Certification focuses on professionals who deal with governance, bylaws, medical executive committee responsibilities, and the overall compliance with internal policies and procedures as well as state, federal and accreditation agencies.
The CPCS certification focuses on the responsibilities of credentialing specialists in various healthcare environments (i.e. hospitals, CVOs, PHOs, physician groups, ambulatory facilities, and managed care/health plans. The CPCS exam is for those professionals who specialize in processing initial and recredentialing applications, who perform primary source verification and ensure compliance with appropriate accrediting agencies.
How can I contact someone regarding my questions about sitting for the exam?
Erica Weiss, NAMSS Certification Associate
(202) 367-2351
certification@namss.org
How do I apply for examination?
Visit the Application Procedures/Instructions page to learn more.
When will I receive my exam results?
Results of the computer-based exams are mailed to the candidate within six weeks after the last day of the testing period.
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.
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.
How do I apply for recertification?
30 clock hours in educational activities, which are directly related to the certification objectives, during the past three-year cycle. (15 CEUs must be NAMSS accredited.)
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.