Top 11 Disability Case Manager Certifications

Certifications for disability case managers are important for a number of reasons. They demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in this field, which gives them an edge over those without certification. Additionally, certifications can give employers confidence in the quality of the individual's work and can help to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest standards and regulations related to disability case management. Finally, certifications provide recognition for individuals who have put in the time and effort to acquire the necessary skills and qualifications to be successful in this role.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various certifications available for Disability Case Managers and explain how they can enhance career prospects.

What are Disability Case Manager Certifications?

Disability case manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of disability case management. This certification is offered through various organizations, including the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their competency in areas such as assessment and planning, advocacy, communication and collaboration, disability management services, ethical practice, legal considerations, and cultural competence.

The primary purpose of disability case manager certification is to ensure that those working in this field are properly trained and qualified to provide high-quality services to individuals with disabilities. It also serves as a way for employers to identify professionals who have met rigorous standards when it comes to providing effective case management services. By having a certified disability case manager on staff, employers can be confident that they are providing quality care and support to their clients.

In addition to verifying an individual’s qualifications for the role of a disability case manager, certification also provides a variety of benefits for the person receiving the credential. These include increased job security; greater respect from employers; improved job opportunities; higher salaries; and access to continuing education programs that can help them stay up-to-date on best practices in their field. Ultimately, obtaining a disability case manager certification can be invaluable for both individuals seeking employment in this field as well as those already employed by an organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities.

Pro Tip: When researching disability case manager certification programs, be sure to look for those accredited by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This accreditation ensures that the program meets a high standard of academic and professional excellence, providing you with the skills needed to become an effective disability case manager.

Related: What does a Disability Case Manager do?

Top 11 Disability Case Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

A Certified Case Manager (CCM) is an individual who has successfully completed a rigorous certification program that demonstrates expertise in the field of case management. This certification is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is the only nationally accredited and internationally recognized credential for case managers.

The CCM certification process requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of full-time case management experience, pass an exam, and complete continuing education requirements. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as clinical assessment, care coordination, patient advocacy, and professional ethics.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the entire certification process. Applicants must first submit an application and pay a fee which includes the cost of the exam. After submitting their applications, applicants will receive study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CCM varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are already a member of CCMC. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to become certified as a CCM. This includes the cost of the application fee, examination fee, and any additional fees associated with continuing education requirements.

2. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with physical, mental, emotional, and/or developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. The CRC works with individuals to develop independent living skills, find employment opportunities, and access community resources.

The process of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor typically takes between two to four years. To become certified, applicants must first complete a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited university or college. Once the degree is completed, applicants must then pass the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselors Certification (CRCC).

The cost of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor varies depending on the institution and program chosen. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 for tuition alone. In addition to tuition costs, there are also fees associated with taking and passing the CRC exam which range from $225-$400 depending on when the exam is taken.

Overall, becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor requires dedication and commitment but can be very rewarding for those interested in helping others reach their full potential.

3. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities and their families to navigate the world of disability management. The CDMS credential is offered through the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is the only nationally recognized certification for disability management professionals.

To become a Certified Disability Management Specialist, you must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of full-time experience in case management or disability management. You must also pass an exam administered by CCMC. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as case management principles, legal issues, medical terminology, and human behavior.

It typically takes about four months to complete the application process and prepare for the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CDMS certificate from CCMC.

The cost of becoming a Certified Disability Management Specialist varies depending on which state you live in and whether or not you are already certified as a case manager. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 to apply for certification and take the exam, plus additional fees if you need to retake any sections of the exam.

4. Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE)

Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialists (CVEs) are professionals who provide assessments to individuals with disabilities or other impairments in order to determine their vocational aptitude and potential. These assessments can be used for various purposes, such as determining eligibility for disability benefits, evaluating job readiness, and providing guidance for career planning.

In order to become a CVE, one must complete an approved program of study in vocational evaluation and have at least two years of experience in the field. The program of study typically takes between one and two years to complete and consists of coursework in areas such as human development, assessment techniques, job analysis, labor market research, and case management.

The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs range from $5,000-$10,000. After completing the program of study and gaining two years of experience in the field, individuals may apply for certification through the National Board for Certified Vocational Evaluators (NBCVE). Certification requires passing an exam administered by NBCVE; this exam costs $400. Once certified, CVEs must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education credits.

5. Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)

Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) is a certification program developed by the National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Vocational Rehabilitation (NARPVR). It was created to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in providing employment support services to individuals with disabilities.

The CESP certification is designed for professionals who provide direct services to individuals with disabilities, including job seekers, employers, and other stakeholders. The program focuses on developing skills related to assessment, job development, placement and retention, career counseling, job coaching, and other employment-related services.

It takes approximately 8-10 months to complete the CESP program. To become certified as a CESP professional you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of two years of experience working in the field of vocational rehabilitation or related services; completion of at least 30 hours of approved continuing education credits; and passing an examination administered by NARPVR.

The cost for the CESP program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $600-$800. This includes registration fees, study materials, and examination fees.

6. Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

A Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) is a professional who has been trained to provide specialized care and support for individuals with acquired brain injuries. CBIS certification is offered by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS), which is an organization that provides educational and professional development opportunities for those who work in the field of brain injury rehabilitation.

The certification process requires applicants to complete a comprehensive training program, pass an examination, and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area of brain injury rehabilitation. The program consists of three components: online coursework, clinical experience, and a written exam. The online coursework covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, neurology, psychology, pharmacology, rehabilitation techniques, and case management. The clinical experience component requires applicants to have at least one year of supervised practice working with individuals with acquired brain injuries. Finally, the written exam tests applicants’ knowledge of the material covered in both the online coursework and clinical experience components.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three components of the CBIS certification program. Applicants must also pay a fee for each component; this fee varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ACBIS. In total, it can cost up to $1,000 for non-members to become certified as a CBIS.

7. Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP)

A Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) is a professional who has been certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to provide services to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. The CPRP credential is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in providing quality care and services to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

The process for obtaining the CPRP certification involves completing an application, meeting eligibility requirements, passing an exam, and completing continuing education requirements. To be eligible for the CPRP certification, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field from an accredited college or university; two years of supervised experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders; and current licensure or certification as applicable in their state.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as assessment, treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, evidence-based practices, ethics, advocacy, medication management, recovery principles and more. The cost for the exam is $350 USD.

Once certified as a CPRP, professionals must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

8. Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM)

Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) is a professional certification program for individuals who want to specialize in disability management. The CPDM certification is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate knowledge, experience, and commitment to the field of disability management.

The CPDM program is administered by the International Board of Disability Management Specialists (IBDMS). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as disability law, ethics, case management, and rehabilitation.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CPDM certification. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience in disability management or related fields. They must also submit a portfolio of their work and complete 15 hours of continuing education courses.

The cost of the CPDM certification varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence and whether they are applying for individual or group/organizational certification. In general, it costs approximately $400-$600 USD to apply for individual certification and $1,000-$2,500 USD for group/organizational certification.

9. Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional certification for behavior analysts. It is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and requires knowledge of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it can be changed or modified.

To become a BCBA, an individual must have at least a master’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited university; complete coursework in ABA; pass the BACB exam; and complete supervised experience hours. The supervised experience hours are typically completed through an internship or practicum under the supervision of a BCBA.

The BACB exam costs $360 USD and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. After passing the exam, individuals must also submit documentation of their supervised experience hours to receive their certification.

The cost to become a BCBA varies depending on the individual's educational background and where they pursue their supervised experience hours. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to five years to become certified, depending on the individual's educational background and whether they have already completed coursework in ABA prior to pursuing certification.

10. National Association of Social Workers – Clinical Social Worker Certification

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Clinical Social Worker Certification is a professional credential that recognizes a social worker's advanced knowledge and experience in the clinical practice of social work. The certification demonstrates to employers, peers, and clients that the holder has met the highest standards of professional excellence.

To become certified as a Clinical Social Worker, one must hold a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university, have completed two years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical social work practice, and passed the NASW Clinical Exam. The exam is offered twice each year and can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center across the United States.

The process typically takes between 12-18 months to complete all requirements for certification. This includes completing the required 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice and passing the NASW Clinical Exam.

The cost to take the exam is $250 for NASW members and $350 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may also be costs associated with obtaining supervision during your 3,000 hours of clinical practice.

11. Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification – Qualified Rehabilitation Counselor

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification to qualified rehabilitation counselors. The CRCC’s Qualified Rehabilitation Counselor (QRC) credential is the highest level of professional recognition available to rehabilitation counselors in the United States. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of rehabilitation counseling.

To become certified as a QRC, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including completion of an accredited master’s degree program in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, completion of at least two years of full-time paid experience in the field of rehabilitation counseling, and successful completion of an examination administered by the CRCC. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to ethical practice and professional development through continuing education credits.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the process for becoming certified as a QRC. This includes completing all necessary paperwork and submitting it to the CRCC for review, taking and passing the QRC examination, providing proof of relevant work experience and educational credentials, and demonstrating commitment to ethical practice and professional development through continuing education credits.

The cost for becoming certified as a QRC varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the CRCC. For non-members, there is an initial application fee plus additional fees for taking and passing the QRC examination and submitting proof of work experience and educational credentials. For members of the CRCC, there is only an initial application fee plus additional fees for taking and passing the QRC examination.

Do You Really Need a Disability Case Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a disability case manager certificate in order to practice as a disability case manager. However, obtaining such a certificate can be beneficial in many ways. A disability case manager certificate will provide formal recognition of your expertise and qualifications as a disability case manager, and can help you stand out from other applicants in the job market. It also demonstrates that you have completed specialized training on topics such as federal and state laws pertaining to disabilities, best practices for working with individuals with disabilities, and the ethical standards governing the profession. Additionally, having a disability case manager certificate may be required by certain employers or organizations before they hire you for a position.

In summary, while it is not required to obtain a disability case manager certificate in order to practice as a disability case manager, having one can be extremely helpful in terms of demonstrating your qualifications and expertise to potential employers or organizations. Ultimately, whether or not to pursue such certification should depend on individual needs and goals.

Related: Disability Case Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Disability Case Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Disability Case Manager?

Answer: To become a Disability Case Manager, you must have at least a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. You must also have experience working in the disability field and be certified in case management.

2. How do I become certified as a Disability Case Manager?

Answer: In order to become certified as a Disability Case Manager, you must complete an accredited certification program and pass an exam administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

3. What courses do I need to take to receive my certification?

Answer: To obtain your certification, you will need to complete courses on topics such as disability law, ethics and advocacy, assessment and diagnosis of disabilities, and service planning and delivery.

4. How long does it take to earn my certification?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose and your background knowledge of the subject matter, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to earn your certification.

5. Is there any continuing education required after receiving my certificate?

Answer: Yes, most programs require that you complete continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain your certification status.