Can I sit for the CCM exam while still gathering experience?

No — qualifying employment hours must be complete and verified before CCMC will approve your application.

Does part-time case management count?

Yes. CCMC counts part-time hours proportionally; 12 months full-time equals 2,080 hours of case management practice.

What if my supervisor isn't a CCM?

You can still qualify under Category 2 (unsupervised), but it doubles the required experience to 24 months.

How long is the application processing time?

CCMC typically processes applications in 4–6 weeks. Once approved, you have 90 days to schedule your exam.

Certification

CCM certification requirements

The Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) sets strict licensure, education, and experience prerequisites for the CCM exam. Here are the current 2026 requirements in detail.

Reviewed by Janelle Ortiz, RN, MSN, CCMLast reviewed May 15, 20268 min read

Overview

What you need to know

The CCM credential is the most widely recognized case management certification in the US, with more than 50,000 active certificants. Eligibility is determined by your professional license, qualifying employment experience, and the specific case management tasks you perform.

This page summarizes the 2026 eligibility criteria, exam logistics, and what you must do every 5 years to keep your certification active. All figures and rules come from CCMC's published handbook — always confirm current details on ccmcertification.org before applying.

Checklist

License eligibility (you must hold one of these)

Active, unrestricted RN license (US or Canada)
Active, unrestricted license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Active, unrestricted license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Master's degree or higher in a health or human services field with a license that grants independent practice
Bachelor's degree in nursing, social work, or rehabilitation counseling plus an applicable license

Compare

Qualifying employment experience

	Category	Required experience
Category 1 — Supervised	12 months of full-time case management experience supervised by a CCM
Category 2 — Unsupervised	24 months of full-time case management experience as the primary case manager
Category 3 — Supervisor	12 months of full-time experience supervising others performing case management

Data

Exam format and fees

Item	Details
Question count	180 multiple choice (150 scored, 30 pre-test)
Time allowed	3 hours
Pass score	Scaled score; criterion-referenced (not a fixed %)
Application fee	$230 (non-refundable)
Exam fee	$200
Delivery	Year-round at Prometric test centers and online proctored
Content domains	Care Delivery & Reimbursement, Psychosocial, Quality & Outcomes, Rehabilitation, Ethics & Legal

Fees and format current as of 2026. Verify on ccmcertification.org before scheduling.

Step by step

Renewal (every 5 years)

Step 1
Complete 80 CE hours
Earn 80 continuing education hours during your 5-year cycle, including a minimum of 8 hours in ethics.
Step 2
Maintain your underlying license
Your RN (or other qualifying license) must remain active and unrestricted throughout the renewal cycle.
Step 3
Submit renewal application
Apply online with your CE documentation and renewal fee (currently $200) before your expiration date.
Step 4
Avoid lapses
If you let your CCM lapse for more than 12 months, you must re-test rather than renew.

Frequently asked

Common questions

Editorial standards. This guide was written by the HealthcareApex editorial team and reviewed by Janelle Ortiz, RN, MSN, CCM on May 15, 2026. Salary and certification figures are sourced from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the Commission for Case Manager Certification, and 2025 industry compensation surveys. Always verify current requirements with the issuing certification body before applying.