ACM Certification FAQ

Who can take the ACM™ Certification examination?

The ACM™ Certification examination is available to registered nurses and social workers who meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Registered Nurses, (RN) must possess a valid and current license to practice in their state of residence.
  • Social Workers must have a degree from an accredited school of social work at the bachelors or masters level.
  • Both registered nurses and social workers must have a minimum two years experience in hospital/health system case management.

How do I apply to take the exam?

Applications to take the exam are available on this website (click "Application" in the navigation bar at the top of this page) or by calling the national ACMA office at (501) 907-2262. The application can also be found in the back of the Candidate Handbook.

When can I take the exam?

Applications to sit for the ACM™ Certification examination are processed quarterly. Applicants must submit their application by the quarterly deadline (listed below), and if approved are then able to sit for their exam during the following quarter. Once approved, applicants will be notified and can schedule to take their exam at their local testing center at a time that is convenient to them.

Application Deadline Examination may be taken during:
November 15 January, February or March
February 15 April, May or June
May 15 July, August or September
August 15 October, November or December

*Note: Application and payment must be received in the ACMA office no later than the listed date; if the date falls on a day the national ACMA office is closed, applications will be accepted on the next regular business day.

Where can I take the exam?

ACMA partners with Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) to administer the ACM™ Certification examination. AMP operates testing centers across the country. To find a testing center near you, click the appropriate link (based on your professional background) below and enter your zip code:

Nurse | Social Worker

How much does the exam cost?

The application fee is $325. Candidates deemed ineligible to sit for the examination will receive a refund of the examination fee less a $75 processing fee.

What happens if I do not pass the exam?

Passing scores for test candidates who did not successfully pass both the Core and Simulation Examinations, but did pass one of them, will be kept on file for six months from date of issue. If retesting has not occurred within six months, or if the candidate does not successfully pass both portions of the exam within six months, the original passing score will not be applicable toward certification and the candidate will be required to sit for the entire examination. Test candidates can re-apply to take only the portion of the examination that they did not pass. The cost to retest in $325 regardless of which section(s) the candidate needs to retake. If test candidate does not pass the retest, they can submit another Request to Retest Form and payment to ACMA. There is no limit to the number of times a test candidate can retest during the six (6) month period. Click here to download a Request to Retest Form.

What material will be on the exam?

ACMA has released an outline of the content categories.

How was the examination content developed?

The content of the ACM™ (Accredited Case Manager) Examination has been defined by a national job analysis study. The study involved surveying practitioners in the field to identify tasks that are performed routinely and considered important to competent practice. The examination has been developed through a combined effort of qualified subject-matter experts and testing professionals who have constructed the examination in accordance with the ACM™ (Accredited Case Manager) Examination content outline. Click here to obtain a summary of the national job analysis study.

How long is the credential valid?

The ACM™ credential is valid for a four (4) year period. Re-certification required 40 hours of continuing education (CE) - 30 of which must be specific to case management, and the remaining 10 may be in related content.

Approved CE providers are:

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • National Institute for Case Management (NICM)
  • American Case Management Association (ACMA)
  • All state approved nursing and social work educational courses

How can I verify the status of an ACM™ credential?

Status of an ACM™ credential can be verified by written request to the ACMA National Office.

Study Information

ACMA does not produce, endorse, or recommend any preparatory course or study materials. However, there are third parties who have developed ACM preparatory materials. When purchasing any preparatory course, be aware ACMA has not provided to any third party any details regarding exam content beyond the publically available materials published on ACMA’s website. Any preparatory course or study materials available from a third party are based on their own knowledge, experience, and publically available information. Preparatory courses may or may not accurately predict the material that is on the examination. No developer of preparatory materials can know for certain what will appear on the examination, nor can they guarantee that you will achieve a passing score on the examination. Be wary of any party making such claims.

It is suggested that individuals who are preparing for the ACM examination make use of the Content Outline and other materials already provided to them in the ACM Candidate Handbook. Review the Content Outline, and concentrate on those areas in which you feel you have had less experience or that you do not perform on a regular basis.

Where can I find additional information?

More information regarding the ACM™ Certification can be found in the Candidate Handbook. To view the Candidate Handbook, click here.

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