Candidate Handbook & Policies

Candidate Handbook & Policies

The National Medical Certification and Accreditation Board (NMCAB) Candidate Handbook provides essential information on exam eligibility, testing procedures, renewal requirements, and professional expectations. Every applicant is responsible for understanding and following these policies.

Purpose of the Candidate Handbook

  • Guide candidates through the certification process from application to renewal.
  • Outline exam development, administration, and security policies.
  • Provide clear standards for fairness, transparency, and compliance.
  • Ensure all candidates understand their rights and responsibilities.

Key Policies

1. Eligibility

  • Applicants must meet one of the Eligibility Pathways.
  • Documentation of education, work experience, or prior credentials may be required.

2. Registration & Fees

  • Candidates must submit a completed application and pay the exam fee listed on the Credential Chart.
  • Fees are non-refundable. Rescheduling may be available with an additional fee.

3. Exam Administration

  • Exams are delivered under secure proctoring conditions (onsite or online).
  • Candidates must bring valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Late arrivals or no-shows may result in forfeiture of fees.

4. Exam Security

  • Cheating, unauthorized materials, or disruptive behavior will result in immediate dismissal and possible permanent ineligibility.
  • Sharing or reproducing exam content is strictly prohibited.

5. Exam Results

  • Results are typically available within 7–10 business days after testing.
  • Passing scores are determined using validated psychometric methods.
  • Failing candidates may retake the exam after a waiting period (see retake policy).

6. Retake Policy

  • Candidates may retake an exam up to three times per year.
  • Additional exam fees apply to each attempt.

7. Renewal & Continuing Competence

  • Credentials must be renewed every two years.
  • Renewal requires 200 verified work hours OR 20 CEUs, plus ethics attestation and renewal fee.
  • Expired credentials may be reinstated only through retesting or special review.

8. Code of Ethics

9. Appeals & Complaints

  • Candidates may appeal exam results or disciplinary actions through the formal Complaints & Appeals Policy.
  • Appeals must be submitted in writing within the designated timeframe.

Candidate Rights

  • To be treated fairly and respectfully throughout the certification process.
  • To have access to published eligibility, exam, and renewal standards.
  • To appeal exam results or disciplinary actions through established policies.

Candidate Responsibilities

  • To provide accurate and truthful information on all applications.
  • To follow all exam rules, security procedures, and ethical standards.
  • To maintain credentials through renewal requirements.
  • To notify NMCAB of changes in contact information or credential status.

Download the Candidate Handbook

A full PDF version of the Candidate Handbook is available for download:
👉 Download Candidate Handbook PDF

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