Top 10 Case Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for case managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is essential for success in the field. Certified case managers have demonstrated their commitment to professional development and their ability to provide effective services to clients. Certifications also allow employers to quickly identify qualified professionals who meet specific criteria and can fulfill the requirements of a particular job. In addition, certification may be required by some employers as part of the hiring process, so having a certification can be an advantage when seeking employment.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Case Managers and explains how they can help to advance a case manager's career.

What are Case Manager Certifications?

Case manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of case management. Case managers provide services to individuals, families, and/or groups in order to help them identify their goals, develop plans to achieve those goals, and access resources or services that are needed to meet those goals. Case managers often work in health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Case manager certification can help professionals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their dedication to providing quality care. It can also give them an edge when competing for jobs or promotions. Having a certification may also lead to increased salaries and improved job satisfaction. Additionally, employers may view certified case managers as more knowledgeable about the latest industry standards and best practices. Finally, certifications demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning which can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike.

Pro Tip: When considering a case manager certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications of the certifying body in order to ensure that it is an accredited program. Additionally, look for programs that offer continuing education credits and other resources to help you stay up-to-date on best practices in the industry.

Related: What does a Case Manager do?

Top 10 Case Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Managers (CCMs) are professionals who specialize in helping individuals and families manage their health care needs. They work with clients to develop plans for managing medical, psychological, social, and financial issues related to a particular health condition or disability. CCMs provide support and guidance to clients as they navigate the healthcare system, coordinate services, and advocate for their rights.

In order to become a Certified Case Manager (CCM), an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements specified by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). The requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, at least two years of case management experience within the past five years, and successful completion of the CCMC’s examination.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as case management principles, legal/ethical issues, communication skills, assessment techniques, planning strategies, resource utilization, evaluation methods, and professional development. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the exam is $395 for members of CCMC-accredited organizations (such as AANAC or ACMA) or $495 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $95 for certification maintenance.

2. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in providing counseling and guidance to individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or social disabilities. These counselors help their clients identify and overcome barriers to employment, independent living, and personal growth. They also provide support for family members of those with disabilities.

To become a CRC, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and pass the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination. The educational requirements include a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited college or university as well as supervised field experience. Depending on the program chosen, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete the necessary coursework and field experience.

The NBCC examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as ethics and professional standards; diagnosis and treatment; case management; research methods; evaluation techniques; career development theories; and disability law. The exam fee is $195 USD for U.S.-based candidates and $210 USD for international candidates.

Once an individual has passed the NBCC exam, they are eligible to apply for state licensure if required by their state of residence or practice. After obtaining licensure, they may then apply for certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This certification requires applicants to have at least 3 years of post-master’s degree clinical experience in rehabilitation counseling as well as continuing education credits every 5 years to maintain certification status. The fee for applying for CRCC certification is $275 USD plus any applicable state fees.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in healthcare quality management and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in this field.

It typically takes about 6 months to 1 year to complete the requirements for the CPHQ certification. To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational and/or experience requirements, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education activities.

To get the CPHQ certification, an individual must first apply for the exam online at NAHQ's website. Once approved, they will be sent a study guide and other materials to help them prepare for the exam. After studying and completing the required practice exams, they can then register for the actual exam.

The cost of taking the CPHQ exam is $395 USD for members of NAHQ and $495 USD for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional costs associated with any continuing education activities that are required to maintain one's certification status.

4. Certified Social Worker Case Manager (CSWCM)

Certified Social Worker Case Manager (CSWCM) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of social workers in providing case management services. It is offered by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

The CSWCM certification requires a minimum of two years of supervised, post-master’s experience in social work case management. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have a master's degree in social work from an accredited program and pass a comprehensive exam.

To get the CSWCM certification, applicants must complete an application and submit it to NASW along with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of supervised experience. Once the application is approved, applicants can take the exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as case management theory and practice, ethical decision making, legal issues, and advocacy for clients. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam to pass.

The cost for taking the CSWCM exam is $350 for NASW members and $450 for non-members. The fee covers the cost of registration and administration of the test.

5. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have obtained the knowledge and skills necessary to lead patient safety efforts. The CPPS credential is offered by the National Board for Certification in Patient Safety, a non-profit organization that provides certification programs for healthcare professionals.

The CPPS program consists of an online exam that covers topics such as patient safety principles, risk management, quality improvement, and communication. The exam is based on the International Standards for Patient Safety Competency Framework developed by the World Health Organization. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in patient safety or a related field.

It typically takes about two months to complete the entire process of obtaining the CPPS credential. To get started, applicants must first register with the National Board for Certification in Patient Safety and pay a fee of $350. Once registered, applicants will receive instructions on how to access and complete the online exam. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within two weeks.

Once an applicant has passed their CPPS exam, they will be issued a certificate from the National Board for Certification in Patient Safety that recognizes them as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). This certificate serves as proof of competency in patient safety and can be used to demonstrate expertise when applying for jobs or promotions within healthcare organizations.

6. Certified Care Manager (CCM)

A Certified Care Manager (CCM) is a professional who assists individuals and families in managing the care of an elderly, disabled, or chronically ill family member. The CCM provides case management services to help coordinate care with healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other community resources.

The CCM certification is offered by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM). To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in the field of aging or disability services and must pass an exam. It typically takes about three months to complete the application process and receive certification.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of NACCM or not. For members, it costs $295 USD; for non-members, it costs $395 USD.

7. Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP)

Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of individuals who are trained to improve the accuracy and completeness of medical records. It is designed to provide healthcare organizations with an assurance that their documentation improvement programs are being managed by qualified professionals.

The CCDIP certification requires at least two years of clinical documentation experience and completion of an approved training program. The training program must be approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or other recognized accrediting body. After completing the required training, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by AHIMA or another accredited organization.

The cost for obtaining the CCDIP certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. The cost also includes fees for taking the exam and any additional materials needed for study purposes.

It typically takes up to six months to obtain the CCDIP certification after completing all requirements and passing the exam.

8. Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in medical coding and auditing. The CPMA certification is an important credential for those working in medical coding, billing, and auditing, as it demonstrates knowledge of the principles and practices of medical auditing.

It typically takes about six months to a year to complete the requirements for the CPMA certification. To get certified, applicants must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as compliance and risk management, reimbursement systems, audit techniques, coding accuracy, and data analysis. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits within two years of testing to maintain their certification status.

The cost of obtaining the CPMA certification varies depending on where you take your exam. The AAPC offers exams at various locations across the country with prices ranging from $299-$399 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with continuing education courses required for maintaining your certification status.

9. Registered Nurse Case Manager (RN-BC)

A Registered Nurse Case Manager (RN-BC) is a type of registered nurse who specializes in the management of patient care. The RN-BC credential is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification demonstrates that an RN has achieved a higher level of expertise in case management and is committed to providing quality, cost-effective care.

It typically takes 6 months to 1 year to complete the requirements for this certification. To become an RN-BC, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing and be currently licensed as a registered nurse. You must also have at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in case management or related field within the past five years. In addition, you must pass an exam administered by the ANCC.

The cost of obtaining the RN-BC certification varies depending on where you take the exam and if you are a member of any professional organizations. Generally, it costs around $400-$500 for non-members to take the exam and $200-$300 for members.

10. Accredited Case Manager (ACM)

Accredited Case Manager (ACM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of case managers in the health care field. This certification is offered through the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). The ACM credential demonstrates a commitment to excellence and professionalism, and provides evidence of expertise in case management practice.

To become an ACM, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and at least three years of full-time experience as a practicing case manager within the last five years. Applicants must also pass the CCMC's comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions on topics such as patient assessment, care planning, coordination of services, legal and ethical issues, reimbursement systems, communication strategies, and quality improvement.

It typically takes four to six months to complete all requirements for the ACM credential. During this time period, applicants must complete an online application form with information about their educational background and work experience; submit official transcripts from their college or university; take and pass the CCMC exam; pay an application fee; and provide verification of their work experience from their employers.

The cost for obtaining the ACM credential varies depending on whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing your certification. For first-time applicants, there is a $450 fee which includes both the application fee ($250) and examination fee ($200). Renewal fees are $300 every five years.

Do You Really Need a Case Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question will depend on the type of career you are interested in pursuing. If you are looking to become a case manager, then yes, you will likely need a case manager certificate. This certificate is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage cases and provide clients with quality services.

Having a case manager certificate can be beneficial for those who want to work in social services, healthcare, or other fields where they may be dealing with vulnerable populations or difficult situations. A case manager certificate can also help individuals who are already employed in these types of roles but want to advance their career by gaining additional qualifications and credentials.

Case managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities that include patient advocacy, assessment of needs, crisis intervention, community outreach and education, as well as financial management and budgeting. To become competent in these areas requires specialized training that can only be obtained through a case manager certification program. These programs usually involve classroom instruction as well as field experience working with real-life cases.

In addition to learning the necessary skills required for effective case management, those enrolled in these programs also learn about legal issues pertaining to their field of work such as confidentiality laws and HIPAA regulations. Furthermore, many employers prefer candidates with certification because it shows them that the individual has received advanced training and is committed to providing quality service to their clients.

Overall, if you are considering becoming a certified case manager then having a certificate is essential for success in this field. It not only provides you with the necessary skills needed for effective case management but also demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and standards of practice within your chosen profession.

Related: Case Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Case Manager Certifications

1. What is a Case Manager Certification?

Answer: A Case Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in providing case management services. It is typically awarded by professional organizations or educational institutions after passing an assessment.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Case Manager?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Case Manager depends on the certification program you choose and your familiarity with the material. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete all of the requirements for certification.

3. What are the requirements for becoming a Certified Case Manager?

Answer: Generally, there are three components that must be met in order to become certified as a Case Manager: passing an assessment, completing continuing education units (CEUs), and maintaining professional credentials. Some certifying bodies may also require additional experience or qualifications such as a degree in social work or healthcare administration.

4. Are there any benefits of being certified as a Case Manager?

Answer: Yes, there are many benefits to being certified as a Case Manager including increased credibility, recognition by employers, improved job prospects, and higher salary potential. Additionally, certification can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices which can make you more effective at your job.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Case Manager?

Answer: The cost of getting certified varies depending on the certifying body and their specific requirements but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD for initial certification fees plus any associated costs such as exam fees or continuing education credits needed for renewal.