If you need help studying for the Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free CDMS practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CDMS certification exam, you’ll have to meet the requirements below:
- You need at least a bachelors degree or an RN license
- You need at least 2,080 hours of full-time work experience within the last five years
If you meet these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 150 multiple-choice questions total, but only 130 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 20 unscored questions on the exam are called “field test” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are field test. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3.5 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the CDMS exam.
1. Disability and Work Interruption Case Management
38% of the exam
- Performing comprehensive individual case analyses
- Reviewing and assessing product services and strategies
- Utilizing effective communication strategies to facilitate collaboration
- Demonstrating multicultural competency
- Conducting job/worksite analyses
- Developing individualized worker retention plans
- Leveraging benefits, services, and community resources to facilitate optimal functioning
- Assessing case progress and facilitating change
- Disseminating and managing information in compliance with standard practice and regulations
- Analyzing recommended products and services to maximize return on investment
2. Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention
25% of the exam
- Demonstrating compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Developing an interactive process to optimize employee functioning in the workplace
- Recommending individual and workplace strategies to address ergonomic, safety, and accessibility needs
- Incorporating health risk factors and prevention strategies to mitigate loss
- Leveraging health and wellness resources to support employees, the organization, and their communities
3. Program Development, Management, and Evaluation
20% of the exam
- Establishing disability management program goals
- Advocating for change in organizational behavior/culture
- Collaborating in the design, implementation, and evaluation of a sustainable disability management program
- Providing education and training consistent with disability management program goals and compliance
- Determining performance metrics to evaluate disability management program effectiveness and support improvement
- Integrating internal and external services/partners
- Utilizing technology to influence disability management outcomes
- Utilizing strategies to support an inclusive and diverse workforce
- Leveraging benefit plans and other services to optimize the health and productivity of employees
4. Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration
17% of the exam
- Identifying elements of employer leave and benefit plans and their interface with local, state, and federal regulations
- Identifying how the relationship between employment leaves and work interruptions influences individual or organizational productivity
- Communicating essential elements of benefits and employment policies to employees, managers, and other stakeholders
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application through the CDMS website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $420.
CDMS Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test during the next available testing window.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay a retesting fee of $200 every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the CDMS exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the CDMS exam?
The exam is timed at 3.5 hours.
How much does the CDMS exam cost?
The testing fee is $420.