A Certification for Health Delivery System Case Management and Transitions of Care Professionals.
The ACM Certification was created by ACMA in 2005, and is designed specifically for health delivery system and transitions of care (TOC) case management professionals. It is one program with two different credentials: ACM-RN and ACM-SW.
This certification is unique among Case Management certifications because the examination:
- Specifically addresses Case Management in health delivery system settings
- Tests core Case Management knowledge that is shared by Nurse and Social Work Case Managers, as well as competency in the individual skills of each professional background
- Utilizes clinical simulation testing methodology to test “competency beyond knowledge” – testing critical thinking skills and the ability to use knowledge in practical situations.
The exam consists of two components. The first contains core case management questions that test the knowledge skills and abilities of registered nurse or social work Case Managers working in a hospital/health system. The second component is comprised of discipline specific clinical simulations. This discipline specific testing method reflects ACMA’s respect for the different roles practiced by registered nurse and social work case managers. Those who meet eligibility requirements and achieve the required passing scores will be awarded the designation of Accredited Case Manager (ACM-RN or ACM-SW) credential.
ACMA Position Statement
Nurses and Social Workers with 36 months of health delivery system experience should have their Accredited Case Manager credential, ACM, to practice Health Delivery System Case Management. ACM exam eligibility requires a minimum of twelve (12) months of Health System Case Management experience.
Approved on December 2, 2016
Who can take the ACM Certification examination?
The ACM Certification examination is available to registered nurses and social workers. However, there are specific eligibility requirements necessary to take the examination. These requirements include a blend of education, paid work experience* and professional practice:
- A Registered Nurse (RN) applicant must possess a valid and current nursing license that is in good standing. RN applicants must provide a nursing license number, state and expiration date.
- Social Worker (SW) applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited school of social work OR a valid social work license that is in good standing. SW applicants must provide the degree, name of school and year of completion OR a current social work license number, state and expiration date.
- All applicants must have at least 2,080 hours of supervised paid work experience employed as a case manager, or in a role that falls within the Case Management Functions and Expectations of a case manager, by a Health Delivery System.
**Candidates with less than two (2) years of experience must provide supervisor contact information and an attestation that they have at least one (1) year of supervised case management experience on the ACM application. The NBCM recognizes that because case management experience, supervision and education vary, some case managers may be qualified to sit for the exam after only one (1) year of experience.
If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements of both an RN and SW, they must indicate which exam they wish to take and provide the applicable documentation of eligibility.
*Paid or unpaid internship experience does not count toward full-time work experience.
When Can I Take the ACM Certification?
Candidates have two test scheduling options:
Option 1: Apply Now, Schedule Now. Candidates pay a small premium to schedule their exam to be taken within the next three months.
Option 2: Quarterly Exam Scheduling. Candidates apply and test within the regularly scheduled deadlines and timeframes listed below.
| Candidates applying by: |
Will be eligible to test in: |
| November 15 |
January, February or March |
| February 15 |
April, May or June |
| May 15 |
July, August or September |
| August 15 |
October, November or December |
Candidates may submit their application at any time. All applications must be accompanied by full payment of application fees to be considered complete and ready for approval. Upon receipt of approval, candidates will receive a scheduling notice from ACM's testing partner and will be directed to schedule their examination through the testing partner's online portal, or by contacting the testing partner by phone.
Failure of a candidate to schedule or take their examination within their assigned testing period will result in the forfeiture of all fees. Expedited (Apply Now, Schedule Now) testing payment is not a guarantee that you can schedule for a specific date. There are no refunds of the expedited testing premium.
ACM Certification Statistics
- Over 7,000 health delivery system case managers have earned the ACM Credential (as of November 2020)
- 98% of ACM Credentialed professional feel the certification is applicable to their case management practice.
- 47% of ACM Credentialed professionals indicate that the certification has increased their professional standing with their direct supervisor, coworkers, and increased their professional knowledge and competency.
- 65% of case management departments report that case management certification is influential in hiring decisions, and over half prefer the ACM credential.
- 90% of ACM Credentialed professionals would recommend the certification to other case managers.
- A summary of ACM Certification Activities is available from the ACMA National Office upon request.
What Do ACM Credentialed Professionals Say?
"ACM Certification is well-recognized and respected within the healthcare and transitions of care systems. That is why I prepared for and obtained my certification. As a manager in the oldest public hospital in Arizona, it verifies my competence and expertise to my employers, peers and patients. It demonstrates by commitment to the case management field."
- Nicole Mielke, LMSW, ACM-SW
“I achieved my ACM Certification after 30 years of work in case management. Although I knew I had the knowledge, I didn’t have the unquestionable creditability - the credibility that comes with having your knowledge, comprehension and ability to apply tested and validated. That’s sweet!"
- Ettie Lande, RN, BSN, ACM-RN, CMAC
ACM Certification Study Guide Available
How are you preparing to take the ACM Certification Exam? ACMA offers preparatory materials including a study guide and self-assessment exam. To learn more, click here.
Questions? Visit
the Frequently Asked Questions Section.