Top 10 Care Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a care manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. They also show potential employers that the care manager has acquired certain skills, knowledge, and abilities related to the field of care management. Certifications can also provide the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of care management, such as geriatrics or mental health. This specialization can help a care manager stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to employers. Furthermore, certifications can increase an individual’s salary potential and open up new opportunities for advancement in their career.

This article reviews the top certifications for Care Managers and explains how they can help to enhance a care manager's career.

What are Care Manager Certifications?

Care manager certification is a credential that recognizes a professional’s ability to provide comprehensive care management services. Care managers are often responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects of a patient’s care, including medical, social, financial, and environmental concerns. They must also be knowledgeable about the latest treatments and protocols related to their patients’ conditions.

By obtaining care manager certification, care managers demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and meeting the highest standards in the field. Certification can give care managers greater job security and the opportunity to earn higher salaries. It also demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education in order to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

Care manager certification can also help employers recognize qualified individuals for positions within their organizations. Certification provides an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge and skills, which makes it easier for employers to identify qualified candidates and make hiring decisions based on merit rather than just experience or reputation.

Finally, having a recognized credential can help promote advocacy efforts among care managers who may have difficulty communicating with other professionals or gaining access to resources due to language barriers or lack of networking opportunities.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various care manager certifications available and select one that is most applicable to your professional goals. Also, be sure to check the organization offering the certification for any prerequisites, such as education or experience requirements, before registering for a program.

Related: What does a Care Manager do?

Top 10 Care Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Care Managers today.

1. Certified Care Manager (CCM)

A Certified Care Manager (CCM) is a professional who provides comprehensive case management services to individuals and families. CCMs are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and documenting care for clients. They work with clients to identify their needs and develop a plan of care that meets those needs.

The certification process for becoming a CCM includes completing an approved training program and passing an exam administered by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM). The NACCM offers two levels of certification: the Certified Care Manager (CCM) and the Advanced Certified Care Manager (ACCM).

The CCM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in care management or a related field, such as social work or nursing. Applicants must also complete 45 hours of approved continuing education courses within five years prior to applying for certification. The ACCM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in care management or a related field, as well as 75 hours of approved continuing education courses within seven years prior to applying for certification.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for the CCM or ACCM certifications. To get certified, applicants must submit an application along with proof of their required experience and continuing education credits. The application fee is $225 for the CCM certification and $275 for the ACCM certification.

2. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in case management. The CCM credential is designed to recognize experienced professionals who provide quality care to individuals and families in need of case management services.

To obtain the CCM credential, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a case manager or related health care professional
• Successfully complete an approved education program
• Pass the CCMC Case Management Knowledge Exam
• Agree to adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards for Case Managers.

The process of obtaining the CCM credential typically takes four to six months. The cost of obtaining the CCM credential varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or retaking it. The initial cost is $395 USD and includes both the application fee and exam fee. Retaking the exam costs $295 USD.

3. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

A Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional who has been certified by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). This certification is designed to demonstrate competency in the management and operation of long-term care facilities. To obtain the CNHA certification, an individual must complete an approved educational program, pass a comprehensive exam, and meet other requirements set forth by NAB.

The educational program typically takes two years to complete and includes courses such as health services administration, gerontology, nursing home operations and regulations, and financial management. The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it.

Once a person has completed the educational program, they must take and pass the NAB's comprehensive exam in order to become certified. The exam covers topics such as personnel management, finance and budgeting, legal issues, quality assurance/risk management, marketing/public relations, and resident care services. The cost of taking the exam is $350 for members of NAB or $450 for non-members.

Once a person has successfully passed their exam they will be awarded their CNHA certification which is valid for three years. They must then renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the NAB's comprehensive examination.

4. Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM)

A Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM) is a professional who specializes in providing care and support to elderly individuals. They are trained to assess the needs of older adults, develop care plans, coordinate services, and provide advocacy. CGCMs work with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that elderly individuals receive the best possible care.

It typically takes two years to become a Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM). To obtain certification, an individual must complete a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education in gerontology and pass the National Certification Council for Aging Services Professional (NCCASP) examination. The NCCASP exam covers topics such as aging-related health conditions; legal issues; family dynamics; financial management; housing options; nutrition; end-of-life care; and more.

In order to become certified, an individual must be at least 18 years old and have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work or another related field. Additionally, they must have at least two years of professional experience working with elderly individuals.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $400-$1,000 for the application fee alone. Additional costs may include fees for continuing education courses or study materials needed to prepare for the NCCASP exam.

5. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of health information management, systems, and technology. The RHIA credential is awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to those who have met its rigorous standards for education, experience, and examination.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the RHIA credential. To become an RHIA, individuals must first earn a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also complete at least one year of relevant work experience in health information management and pass the AHIMA-administered RHIA exam.

The cost of obtaining the RHIA credential depends on several factors, including the type of educational program chosen and any additional fees associated with taking the exam. Generally speaking, tuition for a bachelor’s degree program can range from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the institution and length of study; there may also be additional costs associated with textbooks and other materials. The fee for taking the RHIA exam is currently $395.

6. Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to promote patient safety. The CPPS certification is offered through the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM).

The CPPS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that are based on the ASHRM Core Competencies for Professional in Patient Safety. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete the exam.

To become a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS), you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ASHRM:

• Be a current member of ASHRM;
• Have at least two years of experience in healthcare risk management or patient safety; and
• Have completed an accredited patient safety course or equivalent education/training.

Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the CPPS exam. The cost of registration is $400 for members and $500 for non-members.

7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence among healthcare quality professionals. The CPHQ credential is awarded by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), an organization dedicated to advancing healthcare quality through education, certification, and advocacy.

The CPHQ exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of healthcare quality management, including patient safety, performance improvement, risk management, data analysis, and leadership. To be eligible for the CPHQ exam, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in the field of healthcare quality or a related area.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CPHQ exam. Preparation includes studying course materials provided by NAHQ and taking practice exams. It is also recommended that applicants attend one or more educational programs offered by NAHQ or other organizations related to healthcare quality.

The cost of the CPHQ exam varies depending on where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $350 to take the exam at a Prometric testing center or $400 to take it online. Outside of the United States, it costs $500 to take the exam at a Prometric testing center or $550 to take it online.

8. Advanced Practice Social Worker in Health Care Settings (APSW-HC)

Advanced Practice Social Worker in Health Care Settings (APSW-HC) is a designation that recognizes the highest level of social work practice in health care settings. This credential is awarded by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and signifies that an individual has met the standards for advanced practice social work in health care settings.

To become an APSW-HC, individuals must have at least two years of post-master’s experience working in a health care setting, complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education related to health care, and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as clinical assessment and treatment planning, ethical decision making, cultural competency, and legal and regulatory issues.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on the state where you live. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 to take the exam. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for licensure or certification.

Once you have passed the exam and received your APSW-HC credential, you will need to maintain your credential by completing continuing education requirements every two years. You can find more information about continuing education requirements on NASW's website.

9. Certified Professional Guardian (CPG)

Certified Professional Guardian (CPG) is a professional designation for individuals who have been trained and certified to provide guardianship services to vulnerable adults. A CPG is an individual who has met the criteria established by the National Guardianship Association (NGA) and has successfully completed an approved training program. The purpose of the CPG designation is to ensure that guardians are qualified to serve as legal representatives of vulnerable adults, providing them with protection, advocacy, and decision-making support.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the requirements for certification as a CPG. To become a CPG, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements, pass an examination administered by the NGA, and complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training in guardianship topics.

The cost of becoming a CPG varies depending on the state in which you are applying for certification. In some states, there may be fees associated with taking the exam or completing the required training courses. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for background checks or other administrative costs associated with becoming certified.

10. American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine Certification

The American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM) certification is a voluntary certification program for physicians who specialize in the care of older adults and those with chronic, disabling conditions. This certification recognizes physicians who have achieved a high level of expertise in post-acute and long-term care medicine. The ABPLM is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

To become certified, physicians must meet the eligibility requirements, which include: completion of an accredited post-acute and long-term care medicine residency or fellowship program; successful completion of an approved examination; and current licensure to practice medicine.

It typically takes two years to complete the certification process. During this time, physicians must complete all required training and educational activities, including passing the ABPLM examination.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first register with the ABPLM. The registration fee is $1,500 USD. After registering, applicants will be provided with access to study materials and information about upcoming testing dates. Once registered, applicants can begin studying for the exam at their own pace.

The exam itself consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as geriatric pharmacology, medical ethics and end-of-life care. The exam fee is $1,200 USD and it must be taken within one year from the date of registration. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification from the ABPLM.

Do You Really Need a Care Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you hope to do with the certificate. If you are looking for a career in care management, then yes, a certificate is essential. Care managers help people who need assistance managing chronic health conditions and other life challenges such as aging and disability. They provide advice, resources, and support to their clients so that they can live more independent lives.

Care managers must be well-versed in many different areas including medical ethics, legal issues, financial planning, mental health services, and insurance options. A care manager certificate can demonstrate your knowledge of these topics to employers and ensure that you are prepared for the job. Additionally, many states require care managers to be certified or have completed specialized training before they can practice in their state.

On the other hand, if you are already working as a caregiver or in another related field such as social work or nursing and would like to expand your knowledge base or specialize in care management, then a certificate may not be necessary. Many of the skills required for care management can be gained through on-the-job experience or through further education such as obtaining an advanced degree in gerontology or social work.

Ultimately it is up to you to decide if a care manager certificate is right for your career goals. Consider what type of job you want and what kind of credentials will make you the most marketable candidate for that position.

Related: Care Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Care Manager Certifications

1. What is a Care Manager Certification?

Answer: A Care Manager Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who are working in the field of care management. It is designed to assess an individual’s ability to coordinate, plan, and facilitate care for those in need.

2. What are the different types of Care Manager Certifications?

Answer: The most common types of Care Manager Certifications are Certified Case Manager (CCM), Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Professional Long-Term Care Administrator (CPLTCA), and Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP).

3. How do I become certified as a Care Manager?

Answer: Generally, certification requires completion of a recognized educational program and passing an exam administered by an accredited organization. Additional requirements may vary depending on the type of certification sought.

4. How long does it take to get a Care Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time needed to obtain certification will depend on the specific program chosen and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam. On average, it takes about six months to complete the process.

5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that you participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain your certification status. These activities can include attending conferences, completing online courses, or taking part in webinars related to your chosen field of study.