Certification

The CCN would like to congratulate Sandra Wilson, MA, CPCS, CPMSM and Eve Donovan, BS, CPCS, CPMSM, as the two newly elected members of the 2009 CCN.

Sandra and Eve will begin their orientation process by attending the CCN meetings in Milwaukee! Congratulations!

On June 11, 2008 the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the CPMSM and CPCS Exams of NAMSS for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. NCCA is the accrediting body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The NCCA Standards were created in 1977 and updated in 2003 to ensure certification programs adhere to modern standards of practice for the certification industry.  NAMSS joins an elite group of 93 organizations representing over 200 programs that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation. More information on the NCCA is available online at http://www.noca.org or at (202) 367-1165.

2008 Upcoming Application Deadlines/Exam Dates:

Fall Testing Period
Applications must be POSTMARKED by – Friday, August 29, 2008 - CLOSED
Testing Period –Saturday, November 1 through Saturday, November 22, 2008
(Computer-based administration)
Exam Results will be mailed six weeks after the completion of the testing window, November 22, 2008.

2009 Upcoming Application Deadlines/Exam Dates:

SPRING TESTING PERIOD
Application Deadline Friday, January 23
Testing Period – Saturday, March 28 through Saturday, April 18, 2009
(computer-based administration)

SUMMER TESTING PERIOD
Application Deadline – Friday, April 10, 2009
Testing Period – Saturday, June 13 through Friday, July 3, 2009
(Computer-based administration)

NAMSS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Reno, NV
Application Deadline – July 31, 2009
Test Date – Sunday, October 4, 2009
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
(Paper-and-pencil exam only)

FALL TESTING PERIOD
Application Deadline – Friday, August 28, 2009
Testing Period –Saturday, October 31 through Saturday, November 21, 2009
(Computer-based administration)

HELPFUL LINKS:

Cumulative Exam Statistics

EXAM FEES

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

CPCS Exam Content Outline

CPMSM Exam Content Outline

Click here to see Recently Certified individuals.

CERTIFICATION NEWS:

New CE requirements for Dual Certificants, effective 2010

The CCN and the Board of Directors of NAMSS has unanimously voted to change the CE requirements for dual certificants (beginning in 2010).  During the decision making process for this change, both Boards recognized that the two certifications (CPMSM and CPCS) were created because there are distinct differences in the level of skill, knowledge and expertise needed to perform the specific job functions and to pass each exam. Therefore, since such differences exist initially, the same holds true for recertification. Extensive research identified overwhelming evidence indicating organizations offering multiple certifications and/or licensures typically have specific recertification/re-licensure requirements for each certification/license held.   Therefore, beginning with the 2010 recertification cycle, all dual certificants will be required to obtain 45 CE credits for recertification, of which 25 must be NAMSS approved. This requirement becomes effective with the first recertification cycle in which you hold dual certification for the entire three-year period.  For example, if you were, or are due for:

• Recertification in 2007, 45 credits will be due in the next recertification cycle of 2010.

• Recertification due in 2008, 45 credits will be due in the next recertification cycle of 2011.

• Recertification due in 2009, 45 credits will be due in the next recertification cycle of 2012.

These changes were made in an effort to enhance continued knowledge, ability and proficiency in each field represented by certification.  The change will also be the first step of many to raise the level of our profession. NAMSS and the CCN have begun the work through the Industry and Government Relations Committee to have the Certifications of NAMSS recognized in the standards of regulatory bodies.  In the coming months, the CCN will be working to define what will be accepted as a CE and any equivalent CE sources for the purpose of recertification.  In addition, we will offer information regarding the many ways available to obtain additional CE outside of the NAMSS Conference and your respective State Conferences.  Please continue to check the NAMSS Web site and Synergy for further information regarding these subjects.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the NAMSS Executive Office and/or the members of the Certification Commission at certification@NAMSS.org or 202-367-1196.

The CPCS and CPMSM examinations are the standard in the medical services profession and are a symbol of excellence within the industry. Earning the credential signifies that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to perform competently in today's complex medical credentialing enviroment. The certification cycle begins at the time of notification of successful completion of the certification examination and continues through October 31, three years later, and every three years thereafter. The certification cycle for those holding dual certification begins at the time of notification of successful completion of the first certification exam and continues through October 31, three years later, and every three years thereafter. Subsequent certifications are rolled into the initial certification cycle.

If you have any questions about upcoming exams, please contact the NAMSS Executive Office at certification@namss.org

The CCN introduces a practice exam for the CPMSM

The Certification Commission of NAMSS offers an online practice exam with sample questions similar in type to those that will be found on the actual examination. The practice exam was designed using the same specifications as the full exam. The CPMSM Practice Examination is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions and is intended to provide individuals with a sample of the type of questions that will be asked. These practice questions do not appear on the certification examination. Success on the practice exam does not guarantee positive results on the certification exam.

The practice exam is best taken using a high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL or cable. The cost of the practice exam is $50.00. You will have four hours to complete the test from the time of access.  You will have a 48 hour window to complete the four hour exam.  You cannot re-enter this test once you have submitted it for scoring. Remember, you are allotted four hours to complete the actual CPMSM exam.  With that in mind, for comparison purposes only, you should be able to complete the practice test within approximately one hour. Feedback on answers is provided, and your test score results will be immediate. 

To access the practice exam, please click here.

NAMSS Certificant Code of Ethics

• NAMSS Certificants shall abide by ethical principles developed to safeguard the public and to promote quality patient care through the support of the health care organization and its functions.
• NAMSS Certificants shall share knowledge, foster educational opportunities, and encourage personal and professional growth through continued self-improvement and applications of current advancements in the profession.
• NAMSS Certificants shall refrain from conduct deemed harmful to the public or inappropriate to the profession.

Complaints or concerns regarding a current CPCS or CPMSM should be addressed immediately in writing and sent to the following address:

CCN
2025 M Street, Suite800
Washington, DC 20036

NAMSS is now APPROVED for VA EDUCATION BENEFITS. Go to www.gibill.va.gov for more information.