Becoming A DOT
Medical Examiner
What is NRCME Certification?
The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) is a Federal program that establishes requirements for healthcare professionals that perform physical qualification examinations and issue medical certificates for truck and bus drivers. To become a certified medical examiner (ME) and be listed in the National Registry, healthcare professionals must complete training and testing on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) physical qualifications standards and guidelines.
How Do I Get Certified to do DOT Physical Exams?
Becoming a certified medical examiner is easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Register and complete our training program to obtain your Certificate of Completion, which is required for your application to sit for the NRCME Certification Exam.
2. Using this certificate of completion, apply for your account and 10-digit National Registry number on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners website located at https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home
3. FMCSA will issue the 10-digit registry number and then verify your credentials.
4. Use your National Registry number to schedule and sit for the $79 certification exam. Locate a local testing location to take your NRCME Examination. (Click on a testing organization below to access their site and schedule your exam.) appointment.
Testing Organization Websites:
Prometric https://www.prometric.com/
PSI Exams https://psiexams.com/
Be sure to bring the following items to the testing location:
- A valid state issued picture ID
- Valid license to practice in your healthcare profession
- Certificate of completion provided by NRCME Training Online
- Your National Registry Medical Examiner identification number
After Passing the FMCSA Medical Examiner Certification Test:
You will receive a Medical Certification credential valid for 10 years and be listed on the National Registry
As an NRCME examiner, you will now:
- Report results of driver exams every month
- Submit to periodic monitoring and audits
- Maintain certification by completing periodic training every 5 years
- Take and pass the certification exam every 10 years.
Review the complete guide to NRCME Certificate by clicking on this link: Complete Guide to NRCME Certification.
Who Can Be a Medical Examiner and Perform DOT Physical Exams?
Medical providers eligible to sit for the National Registry exam include Doctors of Medicine, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctors of Chiropractic, Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Naturopathic Doctors, Doctors of Nursing Practice, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Acupuncturist in Florida; Doctor of Physical Therapy in Arkansas, Louisiana, North Dakota and Texas; Doctor of Oriental Medicine in New Mexico; and Registered Nurse in Colorado are all eligible to become certified Medical Examiners.
The above listed providers must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a valid and current medical license, certificate or registration in the jurisdiction where they will perform these examinations, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations
- Complete our accredited NRCME training course and obtain a Certificate of Completion
- Obtain a personal National Registry Number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by registering in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
- Register and pass the NRCME Certification Exam from an FMCSA-approved testing organization
What is Included in the Training?
The TeamCME training program was developed by an FMCSA-appointed Original Subject Matter Expert.
It consists of 9 learning modules. Our video lecture format is easy to follow and guides the clinician through performing a thorough driver history, physical exam, and determining driver fitness to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Additional lessons include “NRCME Test Key Insights” and “Next Steps to Certification”.
There are two 120-question practice tests and bonus questions.
Upon completion, the trainee can download and print a certificate of completion, qualifying them to sit for the National Registry Exam.
Training Includes:
- 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ANCC, or PACE Chiropractic CE credits upon program completion
- Two 120-question practice tests & bonus questions
- 60-day free trail of DOT Exam Expert
- TeamCME Medical Examiner Reference Manual
- Medical Condition & Medication Guide
- Exceeds FMCSA Requirements
- Bonus Video: Building Your DOT Medical Practice
How Long is NRCME Certification Good For?
Certified Medical Examiners (MEs) are certified for 10 years from the original certification date. During their ninth year of certification, they must take a recertification training and pass the National Registry certification test.
There is also a required 5-year periodic training which the FMCSA provides online at no cost. This is made available for free online through the medical examiners National Registry account. This must be completed during the fourth year of certification.
What Equipment is Needed to Perform a DOT Physical Exam?
The following equipment is needed:
- The ability to measure height and weight
- A finger pulse oximeter
- A stethoscope
- 2-3 different sizes of blood pressure cuffs
- A Snellen eye chart
- An eye occluder
- An ophthalmoscope and otoscope
- A reflex hammer
- Urinalysis supplies