CMCN - Certified Managed Care Nurse

The Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN) credential from the American Board of Managed Care Nursing (ABMCN) shows a dedication to patient-centered care. Nurses in this field focus on making sure the patient receives the care they need without having to go through unnecessary testing and procedures.

Nurses who are interested in caring for patients by helping them get the preventative care they need and educating them on the importance of health screenings, vaccinations, and regular checkups to prevent major illnesses or catch them early. This type of care not only helps the patient stay healthy but also keeps healthcare costs down.

There is a required preparatory course for the CMCN exam. The cost of the course depends on whether or not you are a member of the American Association of Managed Care Nurses (AAMCN). The course and one year of membership are $325. Those who are already members can take the course for $275, or you can pay $375 if you do not wish to be a member. 

If you have taken applicable coursework elsewhere, you can submit documentation like your resume, job description, or educational background to possibly avoid taking the course. Your documentation will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, who will ultimately decide whether you need to take the course or if your experience is sufficient.

You can apply for the CMCN exam online. To register, you must submit the following:

• A $250 registration fee

• Completed application form

• Completed proctor agreement form

• Copy of nursing license or online verification

• Verification of AAMCN completion or verification of basic knowledge and board approval

If you are using your own proctor, they must sign and complete the proctor agreement form.  

After your application is approved, the ABMCN will send your exam materials to your approved proctor. You may choose to take a written exam, which will be sent to your proctor via FedEx. They will receive it within three business days of the exam date. If you’re taking the exam online, your proctor will receive access to the exam via email within two days of the exam date. 

If you choose to take the exam remotely using ExamRoom.AI, they will reach out to you within five business days of receiving your application and payment with information about how to schedule the exam. To use this remote option, you must have access to the internet and a computer with a webcam and a working microphone. You must also have an updated version of Google Chrome. If you don’t have a computer, you can rent one from ExamRoom.AI.

The CMCN credential is valid for three years, from January 1 of the year after you get your certification until December 31 of the third year. To renew, you must meet the following qualifications: 

• Complete 25 contact hours of continuing education 

• Submit a copy of your current license

• Pay a $55 renewal fee

Continuing education programs may include programs from a variety of agencies, including the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), Commission for Case Management (CCM), and state boards of nursing, just to name a few. 

One semester of academic courses equals 15 contact hours, obtain a C or better or pass if the course is pass/fail. Home study courses are also acceptable but must be by an approved agency. 

Attendance at conferences can count toward CE hours, but only time spent in attendance. Workshops, conferences, and seminar presentations are also accepted at a rate of four CE hours for every one hour of presentation. Published work is also accepted as long as the content is relevant to being a CMCN at a rate of four hours per each full page published.

The ABMCN has a detailed handbook for nurses wanting to take the CMCN exam available online. It includes a list of suggested reading materials and practice test questions. There is a renewal handbook available as well.

If you are interested in managed care, there are several other certifications to explore, including: 

• Nursing Case Management Certification (CMGT-BC)

• Certified Case Manager (CCM)

• Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM)