DOT Medical Examiner
Training Curriculum
CME Information (1 of 14)
View the educational objectives, method of participation and certificate of completion, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and the institutions providing the continuing education credits.
Introduction, Definitions, & Forms (2 of 14)
This lesson identifies the duties specific to the certified medical examiner and commercial motor vehicle operator. We define motor carrier’s, driver’s, and medical examiner’s responsibilities. Also discussed are regulations vs guidelines, record retention, Federal exemptions and the skill performance evaluation. We end this lesson with an overview of the federal forms and certificates.
Vision & Hearing (3 of 14)
The student will review critical components of the vision exam, the vision standard, and the alternative vision standard for drivers with monocular vision, using the Vision Evaluation Report (MCSA-5871). We review diseases affecting the eye, and findings that may indicate a need for additional testing.
We also discuss common ear disorders and symptoms which may affect the ability to operate a CMV safely. The student will review how to correctly administer acceptable hearing tests and identify passing parameters. They will also learn when and how to use the Federal Hearing Exemption.
Cardiovascular Diseases (4 of 14)
This lesson reviews the required components of the cardiovascular exam and cardiovascular diseases that may affect a driver’s medical fitness for duty. The examiner will identify symptoms and/or findings requiring further testing or medical opinion from a specialist.
Additional topics include the regulations and guidelines concerning coronary heart disease, cardiac surgical interventions, cardiomyopathy, anuerysms and venous thrombosis.
This lesson also identifies how to properly assess a CMV driver for hypertension and will identify how to determine driver qualification or disqualification status according to the FMCSA’s stages of hypertension.
Diabetes, Genitourinary & Gastrointestinal (5 of 14)
This lesson reviews the challenges and safety issues associated with driving a CMV with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The student will learn when and how to use the Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) and the Non-Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5872).
Also covered in this lesson are kidney disease and the proper use and documentation of the urinalysis test.
Respiratory Diseases (6 of 14)
The student will review the required components of the respiratory history and physical exam. This lesson identifies common respiratory conditions found in the CMV driver including sleep apnea, obstructive/restrictive disorders, and infectious diseases.
Musculoskeletal Conditions (7 of 14)
This lesson reviews the relationship between musculoskeletal health and the physical demands of operating a CMV. The medical examiner will learn the FMCSA-required components of a musculoskeletal health history and physical exam.
Neurological Conditions (8 of 14)
This lesson reviews the assessment of neurologic function and disease in the CMV driver. The medical examiner will learn the various aspects of operating a CMV and apply these concepts when evaluating a driver’s medical fitness for duty.
Psychiatric Evaluation & Mental Health Disorders (9 of 14)
This lesson reviews the relevance of psychiatric health and conducting a focused psychiatric exam on the CMV driver. The medical examiner will review specific mental health disorders and their potential impact on the driver operating a CMV.
The Medication Standard, Drug & Alcohol Abuse (10 of 14)
The student will review the acceptable uses of controlled substances in the CMV driver and the effects of drug and/or alcohol on ability to operate a CMV. FMCSA guidelines for examining individuals suspected of substance abuse are discussed. Medical examiners will review how to qualify or disqualify a driver based on history of substance abuse.
Training Evaluation (11 of 14)
Your training certificate will be generated immediately upon completion of the course evaluation.
NRCME Test Key Insights (12 of 14)
Our training exceeds the FMCSA core curriculum and covers everything you should know as a medical examiner. This is not necessarily the same as what should be known for the test. These insights were created to help to span the gap. We provide additional points to remember as you prepare for the test.
Practice Tests (13 of 14)
There are two practice tests of 120 questions and additional bonus questions. Each question is accompanied with an explantion.
The questions are similar to what you will see on the real test. They are specifically constructed to challenge your preparedness and augment your ability to pass the actual certification test.
The Next Steps in Certification (14 of 14)
Now that you’ve completed the training, we discuss the next steps to take to finish preparing for the test, uploading your certificate onto the National Registry, and registering for the NRCME test.