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ACM Exam Scoring

Exam Scoring Overview

The ACM certification exams are all pass/fail exams developed to measure minimum competence in case management practice. Pass/fail status is determined by the raw score. Pass rates are reviewed at each NBCM meeting to look for abnormalities or trends.

ACM Examination Structure

The certification is earned by passing both a Core (multiple choice) exam and a Specialty Simulation exam.

Score Reports

A score report is issued for each portion of the exam indicating pass or fail. Additional detail is provided in the form of raw scores by major content category on the Core score report, and a raw score for Information Gathering (IG) and Decision Making (DM) on the Specialty Simulation score report.

Pass/Fail Determination for the Core Exam

The minimum passing score is determined using a modified Angoff Method, which is applied during the performance of a Passing Point Study by a panel of experts in the field. Passing scores may vary slightly for each version of the examination. To ensure fairness to all candidates, a process of statistical equating is used.

Pass/Fail Determination for the Specialty Simulation Exam

The passing point for the Specialty Simulation portion was set by an examination committee using a similar criterion-referenced method. The exact passing point may vary from one form of the examination to another, depending on the scored problems included on the examination form attempted. Each Specialty Simulation will have separate scores and minimum pass levels for both the DM and IG questions. Passing only one of the two sections will not result in an overall passing score. Candidates must achieve passing scores in both IG and DM on the entire exam.

Retest Policy

Scores for test candidates who did not successfully pass both the Core and Specialty Simulation exams, but did pass one of them, are kept on file for six months from date of issue. If retesting does not occur within six months, or if both portions of the exam are not successfully passed within six months, the original passing score cannot be applied toward certification and the candidate will be required to sit for the entire examination. Candidates can re-apply to take only the portion of the examination they did not pass, if the retest occurs within the six (6) month period. The number of times a candidate can test on either exam part will be limited to three (3) in a calendar year (January 1-December 31).

Additional Exam Scoring Considerations:

Delay/Cancelation of Test Scores: Test results are normally immediately available at the conclusion of an individual’s testing session. Under some circumstances, scores may be delayed.

Pretest-Test Items: All ACM exams include unscored pre-test items, and examinees have no way of distinguishing these items from the scored items. To ensure the best possible testing result, candidates should treat each question as if it is being used in the final exam computation.

Multiple Test Forms: The ACM certification exam uses multiple forms containing different items to minimize item exposure and ensure the continued relevance of test items.

For more information about these topics, please visit the ACM Candidate Handbook

Announcements

SAVE THE DATE | ACMA 2025 National Conference

Join us for ACMA 2025 National Conference, April 3-6, 2025 in Denver, CO. Don't miss out on the premier case management and transitions of care conference of the year!
Experience ACMA at National!

Care Transitions Today Podcast

Our upcoming series, Case-of-the-Month, is co-presented by the American Case Management Association (ACMA) and the Association of Physician Leadership in Care Management (APLCM). In the Case of the Month series, we delve deep into real-world medical cases, sharing experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to patient care. Each episode, our panel of experts brings you a new case study, offering a unique learning opportunity for health care professionals at all levels of experience. Learn more!

Karen Vanaskie Scholarship Fund

Karen Vanaskie was one of case management's brightest and most dedicated professionals. She was serving as Secretary / Treasurer on the ACMA National Board of Directors at the time of her unexpected passing on June 21, 2024.

At the request of Karen's family, ACMA has set up the Karen Vanaskie Scholarship Fund. Karen was passionate about the need for case management certification. She actively supported her staff in pursuing the Accredited Case Manager (ACM) Certification. To continue her legacy, this scholarship fund will cover the cost of their ACM certification application fee for those to whom it is awarded. We believe this continues Karen's legacy.

To apply for the scholarship, click here. For eligibility details, please see below.

To donate to the scholarship fund in Karen's memory, click here.

2024 National Survey Results are Live!

ACMA and APLCM are proud to announce the latest iterations of the National Case Management and Transitions of Care Survey and the Physician Leaders in Care Management Survey, which have been the only source of comprehensive data for the case management industry since 2001. This ongoing research incorporates over 20 years of data, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of case management, transitions of care, and physician advising. Access the full reports through your ACMA and APLCM member portals!

Share Your Research | Collaborative Case Management

Do you have a project or measurable initiative you've instituted at your organization? Have you conducted research on a current issue in the field? Share your experiences and results with your professional community! Email your proposal or questions: vmatthews@acmaweb.org.
Learn more!

Get ACMA News in the Palm of Your Hand

Join the conversation with ACMA! Text the keyword ACMA to 844-554-2497 to stay up to date on all the latest news and announcements, delivered straight to your phone!

Now Accepting Presentations for Chapter Conferences

We are now accepting presentations for upcoming ACMA chapter conferences. If you have a unique solution, intervention or strategy to improve case management, this is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and be a part of ACMA's national-caliber education at the local level. There is no deadline to submit; presentations will be accepted throughout the year so you can prepare a submission as your schedule allows.
Submit a presentation!

SAVE THESE DATES | National Case Management Week

2024 - October 13-19
2025 - October 12-18
2026 - October 11-17
2027 - October 10-16
2028 - October 8-14

American Case Management Association
17200 Chenal Parkway Ste 300 #345
Little Rock, AR 72223
Phone: 501-907-ACMA (2262)
Fax: 501-227-4247