Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Information What is the purpose of the certification process? How is the certification examination developed? How do I determine if I am eligible to take the certification examination? How should I study for the examination? What if I need to reschedule my time and/or location to take the certification examination?
Computer Based Testing (CBT) Why has the Commission migrated to computer-based testing? What is the timing for computer-based testing to begin? Where will the computer-based testing be available? Has computer-based testing changed the content of the examination? Will the shortened test affect reliability or validity of the certification examination? When will results from the computer-based testing be available?
Application What are the advantages of the new streamlined application process? Is the new online application packet totally electronic? What happens if I submit an incomplete application? What if my job description does not meet the requirements to sit for the exam? If I am deemed ineligible to take the certification examination, is there an appeal process? How much money do I need to submit with my application?
General Information What is the purpose of the certification process? In an effort to protect the public, the Commission has developed a credentialing process. Persons who earn the designation of Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) must demonstrate that they are of good moral character, meet acceptable standards of quality in their practice, and have the requisite education and professional background. To become certified, disability managers must achieve a passing score on the CDMS examination.
How is the certification examination developed? The Commission ensures that its certification examination remains valid and relevant with current practices in the field through an in-depth Role and Function study. This scientifically conducted research is undertaken every five years to determine the roles, functions, knowledge, and skills of disability managers. Additionally, new examination items are continuously created and added to the certification examination. Certification examination items are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure currency of the exam.
How do I determine if I am eligible to take the certification examination? Eligibility criteria are outlined in detail in the CDMS Certification Guide. Eligibility criteria are based on education, licensure, and employment experience.
How should I study for the examination? CDMSC does not endorse or promote any study guides or preparation courses. The CDMS Certification Guide describes what is covered. Please refer to the Suggested Reading section on the CDMS Web site for suggested resources.
What if I need to reschedule my time and/or location to take the certification examination? Applicants may change their time or location for taking the computer-based test but are subject to test site availability. Candidates who cancel or reschedule thirty days of less prior to their scheduled appointment may be subject to a re-examination fee.
Computer Based Testing (CBT) Why has the Commission migrated to computer-based testing? Computer-based testing is considered the state-of-the-art in professional examinations. The commission believes that adopting computer-based testing is in keeping with the "gold standard" of its certification examination, which reflects current trends in the disability management field.
What is the timing for computer-based testing to begin? Computer-based testing will begin with the fall 2008 test cycle. For more information, please see the application instructions.
Eligible applicants may choose a test date among three, 8-day-long periods per year. Upon confirmation of eligibility, CDMS candidates may choose an exam date within the next two CDMS exam windows. Previously, the exam was held only two days a year.
Where will the computer-based testing be available? Computer-based testing allows the certification examination to be available in more than 300 testing locations in North America. Details on testing locations will be arranged with CDMSC's testing company, Prometric. Previously, the written examination was given at only 65 sites nationally.
Has computer-based testing changed the content of the examination? There have been no major changes in the content areas in the new computer-based test compared with the previously administered "paper-and-pencil" examination. The certification examination continues to be based on the latest trends and practices in the field. However, the computer-based testing format has allowed the certification examination to be shortened to three hours from six previously.
Will the shortened test affect reliability or validity of the certification examination? Test developer Prometric has determined that the shortened format of the computer-based test will not impact the reliability or validity of the certification examination.
When will results from the computer-based testing be available? Test results are expected to be available in less than a month. This compares with two months for the previous written examination.
Application The Commission has implemented a new streamlined process, allowing applicants to download the entire application packet including fill-in forms from the Commission web site. After all information and documentation has been compiled, a complete application and fees are to be submitted by mail. For more information, see the application instructions.
What are the advantages of the new streamlined application process? The streamlined application process involves fewer steps and less time from beginning to end. Rather than going through several steps to submit an application and documentation, applicants now download an entire application packet, including fill-in forms, from the Commission web site. Instructions on the site give detailed information about the information and documentation that must be submitted with a completed application and fees.
Is the new online application packet totally electronic? Although the application packet, including fill-in forms, may be downloaded from the site, submission is not electronic at this time. A complete application, including required documentation and fees, must be submitted by mail.
What happens if I submit an incomplete application? If an application does not include all required information or documentation, it will be considered incomplete and eligibility will not be determinable. Your eligibility will be delayed pending complete information.
What if my job description does not meet the requirements to sit for the exam? If for some reason your job description inadequately describes your disability management activities, you may write a letter describing your job duties in relation to the eligibility criteria. The letter must be on your employer's company letterhead and signed by your supervisor.
If I am deemed ineligible to take the certification examination, is there an appeal process? The Commission's appeals process is available to any candidate who feels that the eligibility criteria for certification have been inaccurately, inconsistently, or unfairly applied. Under the appeals process, only those facts presented to the Standards Committee will be reviewed by the Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee will not consider additional information that may be submitted by the applicant subsequent to the disputed eligibility review-unless specifically requested by the Standards Committee. For more information download the CDMS Certification Guide.
How much money do I need to submit with my application? The CDMS Exam has a one-time, all inclusive fee of $385.00 which must be submitted with the Application and supplemental forms.
The CDMS examination fees have been constant for the past ten years while general administration costs have continued to rise. The certification fees have increased to better offset rising costs in addition to the implementation of computer-based testing (CBT). The Commission has partially offset those increased costs with gains in efficiency through its streamlined application process. The Commission made the decision toward CBT because it believes that applicants will greatly benefit from the increased frequency of the exam, offering greater flexibility in days, times and locations, and faster availability of test results that are included with this mode of testing.
Copyright © 2009 The Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission
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