ACM-RN - Accredited Case Manager-Registered Nurse

The Accredited Case Manager - Registered Nurse (ACM-RN) certification is granted by the American Case Management Association (ACMA).

An accredited case manager oversees the care delivered to patients in many settings. They help put together the plan of care and coordinate with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that the patient is receiving the care they need. Then, they reassess to ensure the patient is progressing appropriately. The responsibilities of this role vary greatly depending on the facility, but certification is an ideal way to demonstrate skill and professionalism.

ACM-RN certification is unique in that it's open to both nurses and social workers. It addresses case management in healthcare settings and tests core knowledge of the professional background.

Costs

• Exam fee: $359, can be expedited for $46

• Re-examination fee for Core and Simulation: $359

• Re-examination fee for Core or Simulation: $200

The exam has two components. One consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, with 90 of the questions scored and 20 unscored. The other part of the exam is discipline-specific simulation questions, so for registered nurses, questions would be nursing-related. This section has five questions, one of which is unscored. The sections are given in random order. 

You have two hours to complete the multiple-choice portion and 90 minutes for the simulation questions. 

There are two ways to apply to take the exam. The first is the “apply now” option, where you can pay a premium fee and schedule the exam immediately. Applications must be submitted online. If you apply and are deemed ineligible to take the exam, you're refunded the examination fee minus the non-refundable $75 processing fee.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must have at least 12 months (2,080 hours) of supervised, paid experience working in case management or a related role within a health delivery system. RN applicants are required to hold a valid, current nursing license.

Candidates with less than two years of experience must provide contact information for a supervisor and attest that they have the required experience. The National Board of Case Management (NBCM) understands that some case managers may be eligible to take the exam with only one year of experience.

The score report will have results for both the multiple-choice and the discipline-specific simulation portions. You must pass both sections to pass the exam.

The ACM-RN credential is good for four years. To recertify, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education credits, 30 of which must be specific to case management in your field of practice. The remaining 10 hours can be non-case management related, but they must be related to the field of practice.

Renewal Fee: $209

The American Case Management Association provides plenty of resources to help you prepare, including a candidate handbook. They also provide in-depth information about how the exam is scored.

Online study guides and self-assessments are available, but they are not free. Prices range from $129 to $357, depending on which option you choose and whether you are a member of the ACMA.

If you’re looking for other case management certifications, there are a few other options.

• Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC)

• American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Case Management Certification (CMGT-BC)

Other related certifications include the DDNA Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN).