In-Person
NRCME Examiner Training
(Currently Paused)
TeamCMEโs live DOT Medical Examiner seminars were widely respected and taught for years by our founder, Dr. Michael Megehee- one of the original architects of the FMCSAโs NRCME curriculum. While weโve paused our public in-person seminars, you can still complete the same expert-developed training online. Large organizations with 100+ examiners may request private on-site NRCME training.
Why We Paused Live NRCME Certification Seminars
For many years, TeamCME offered in-person NRCME certification seminars led by Dr. Michael Megehee, one of the key architects of the FMCSAโs original NRCME curriculum and exam question development. As demand grew, Dr. Megehee and Dr. Jeff Carlson taught the seminars jointly. Over time, Dr. Carlson took the lead as Dr. Megehee reduced his travel schedule.
These seminars were intensive two-day courses – a firehose of everything an examiner must understand: cardiovascular and neurological standards, medication interactions, exemptions, medical documentation, mental health considerations, and more. The content was excellentโฆ but it was a lot to absorb.
We noticed a consistent pattern:
Even extremely attentive attendees struggled to retain all the details after two days of nonstop instruction. DOT medical regulations are complex, and real mastery requires repeated exposure, review, and the ability to revisit challenging topics.
Examiners consistently performed best when they could:
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Pause
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Re-watch
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Re-read
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Revisit nuanced guidance
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Review before taking the NRCME exam
This simply isnโt possible in a two-day live event.
As more clinicians sought flexible learning that didnโt require travel or taking time away from patients – and with increased demand for online NRCME training -it became clear that a self-paced digital format produces better retention, stronger exam preparedness, and more confident real-world examiners.
To deliver the best possible learning outcome, we paused public in-person seminars and now focus on our comprehensive online training program.
The Best Alternative: Online NRCME Certification
TeamCMEโs online NRCME training delivers the same FMCSA-compliant content, the same practical guidance, and the same examiner-focused expertise but in a format that lets you learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as often as needed.
Online Training Solves the Problems of the Two-Day Live Format
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No cognitive overload
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No forgetting key rules after returning home
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No travel or time away from patients or family
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Unlimited review before you take the exam
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Better retention of complex federal medical standards
Why Examiners Prefer the Online Course
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Train anytime, anywhere
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7 included AANP CE hours
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Interactive review modules
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Practice exams modeled after the real NRCME test
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98% said our training prepared them to pass the NRCME exam
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Mobile-friendly
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Designed for actual on-the-job success
What You’ll Learn in Our NRCME Online Training
- ๎How to pass the NRCME certification exam
- ๎Understand the role of Certified Medical Examiners
- ๎Learn to perform a thorough DOT physical exam on drivers of commercial motor vehicles
- ๎How to make confident CDL driver qualification determinations every time
- ๎Recognize current FMCSA regulations, guidelines, and advisory criteria.
- ๎Effectively communicate with drivers and motor carriers regarding FMCSA medical standards
Curriculum
Introduction, Definitions, & Forms
FMCSA Overview
- Functions and Structure
- Office of Medical Programs
Regulations vs. Guidelines
- Definitions and Differences
- FMCSA Medical Examiner Handbook
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
- Driver DOT Medical Certification Requirements
- Important FMCSA Regulatory Definitions
Driver Qualifications
- CDL Licensing and Medical Certification
- Motor Carrier Medical Standards
- Compliance Requirements
- Driver Hours of Service
Interstate vs Intrastate Commerce
- Definitions
- Which drivers need a DOT physical exam?
- Issuing a Medical Examinerโs Certificate
DOT Medical Examinerโs Responsibilities
- Qualifications and Examination Protocols
- Determination Pending Guidelines
Federal Exemptions and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)
- Exemption Programs
- Applying for Exemptions and SPE
CDL Driver Examination Forms and Records
- Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875)
- Medical Examinerโs Certificate (MCSA-5876)
- Record Retention Requirements
Medical Forms for Special Conditions
Vision & Hearing
Vision Standard
- Driver Vision History
- FMCSA Vision Requirements
- Color Perception Guidelines
Vision Testing Procedures
- Visual Acuity Test
- Field of Vision Test
- Ocular Motility, Accommodation, and Convergence
Vision Conditions and Documentation
- Monovision vs. Monocular Vision
- Telescopic Lenses
- Eye Professional Documentation
Failure to Meet Vision Standards
- Alternative Vision Standard for Monocular Vision
- Steps for Certification under Alternative Vision Standard
- Ocular Conditions Requiring Specialist Referral
Specific Eye Conditions
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular Degeneration
- Retinopathy
- Xanthopsia
Hearing Standard
- Hearing Requirements and Testing
- Whisper Test
- Audiometric Testing
Ear Examination
- Tympanic Membrane and Canal Inspection
- Common Ear Conditions
Hearing Aids and Related Devices
- Acceptable Use of Hearing Aids
- Cochlear Implants
Cardiovascular
Hypertension
- Hypertension Concerns
- Hypertension Guidelines and Stages
- Making the certification determination
- Common Hypertension Medications
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
- Certification Considerations
- Cardiovascular Medications
- Documentation and Evaluation
- Heart Transplantation
- Syncope and Pre-syncope
Peripheral Vascular Disease and Aneurysms
- Venous Thromboembolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Emboli
- Intermittent Claudication and Rest Pain
- Abdominal and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Arrhythmias
- Pacemakers
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
- Supraventricular and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Cardiovascular Testing and Metrics
- Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT)
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
Coronary Heart Diseases
- Myocardial Infarction (MI)
- Angina Pectoris
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Congenital Heart Disease
- Types and Certification Considerations
Cardiomyopathy
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Valvular Heart Diseases
- Heart Murmurs and Classifications
- Specific Conditions (e.g., Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis)
- Aortic Valve and Mitral Valve Repair Options
Diabetes, Gastrointestinal (GI) & Genitourinary (GU)
GI and GU Health
- History and Physical Examination
- Abdominal and GU Exam
- Labs and Organ-Specific Tests
GI/GU Conditions and Certification
- Hernia
- Nephropathy
- Dialysis
- Kidney Transplants
Urinalysis Details
- Specific Gravity
- Urinary Glucose
- Protein
- Occult Blood
- CLIA Certificate of Waiver
Diabetes Management
- Non-Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus
- Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM)
- Monitoring and ITDM Certification Requirements
ITDM Standards and Compliance
- Driver and Treating Clinician Requirements
- ITDM Assessment Form
- Severe Hypoglycemic Episodes
- State Issued Waivers and Exemptions
Thyroid Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- ย Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroiditis
Respiratory
Respiratory Qualifications for Driving
- Conditions Impacting Driving Ability
- Respiratory Evaluation Criteria
Physical Examination Indicators
- Lung Sounds and Abnormalities
- Pulmonary Testing (e.g., PFT, Spirometry)
Respiratory Disorders
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
- Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- OSA Testing and Compliance Requirements
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Interstitial Lung Disease
Other Respiratory Concerns
- Pneumothorax (Traumatic and Spontaneous)
- Cor Pulmonale
- Chest Wall Deformities
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal Qualifications for Driving
- Relevant Medical Standards
- Acute vs. Progressive Conditions
Musculoskeletal Examination
- Spine and Extremities Assessment
- Range of Motion and Strength Requirements
- Grasp and Prehension Abilities
Musculoskeletal Diseases
- Conditions with Abnormal Muscle Activity
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsonโs Disease
- Other Neuromuscular Disorders
Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)
- SPE Eligibility and Application Process
- Fixed Deficit Requirements and Restrictions
- Driving Demonstrations and FMCSA Oversight
Neurological Conditions
Neurological Exam
- Key Assessment Areas (e.g., Reflexes, Sensory, Motor Function)
- Nerve Roots and Myotomes
Seizure Disorders
- Non-Discretionary Seizure Guidelines
- Single Provoked vs. Unprovoked Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Federal Seizure Exemption
Headaches, Vertigo, and Dizziness
- Types of Headaches
- Incapacitating Symptoms and Driving
- Meniereโs Disease
Infections and Tumors of the CNS
- CNS Infections
- Central Nervous System Tumors
Static Neurological Conditions
- Embolic and Thrombotic Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Intracerebral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Traumatic Brain Injury
- Types and Severity
- Cognitive and Physical Impairments
Mental Health
Psychological (Mental) Disorders
- Medical Advisory Criteria
- Key Risks for Driving Safety
- Evaluation Criteria for Certification
Psychiatric Medications
- Antidepressants and Antipsychotics
- Anxiolytics, Stimulants, and ECT
- Considerations for Medication Side Effects
Mental Health Conditions
- ADHD
- Bipolar Disorder
- Major Depression
- PTSD
- Personality Disorders
- Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders
Cognitive Disorders
- Dementia and Alzheimerโs Disease
Medication Standard, Drug, and Alcohol Abuse
Medication Standard
- Controlled Substances and Schedule I Drugs
- Prescription Exception Criteria
- Prescription and OTC Medication Assessment
Drug Testing Requirements
- Types of Testing (Pre-Employment, Post-Accident, etc.)
- Substance Abuse Resources (MRO, SAP)
Marijuana, THC, and CBD
- THC Limitations and Federal Regulations
- CBD Products and Non-DOT Drug Testing
Alcohol Abuse
- Evaluation and Screening (e.g., CAGE Questionnaire)
- Certification Considerations and SAP Involvement
How to Pass the NRCME Exam
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.
For each subject, we provide additional points and things to review that you are likely to see on the certification exam.
Sample NRCME Exams
There are over 250 practice test questions and two sample NRCME exams of 120 questions that mirror the questions on the certification test. Each question is accompanied with an explanation.
The questions are specifically constructed to challenge your preparedness and augment your ability to pass the actual certification test.
Guide to NRCME Certification
Now that youโve completed the course, whatโs next? This lesson is an outline that guides you through each step.
- ย Downloading Your TeamCME Certificate of Completion
- Creating a National Registry Account (if not already created)
- Uploading Your Certificate onto the National Registry
- Registering for the Certification Exam
- Obtaining Your National Registry Certificate
Private On-Site NRCME Training for Large Organizations (100+ Attendees)
Although public in-person seminars are paused, we do occasionally offer private, on-site NRCME certification events for large organizations โ typically with 100 or more participants.
Ideal for:
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Hospital systems
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Corporate occupational medicine groups
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National healthcare organizations
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Multi-location urgent care networks
Because DOT medical guidelines are dense and require review, most organizations ultimately choose online training but for large teams needing a coordinated training solution, on-site instruction may still be considered.
FAQs
Are live NRCME training classes still available?
Public in-person seminars are paused. Private on-site training may be available for groups of 100+.
Why did TeamCME stop offering live seminars?
The two-day format delivered excellent content but created information overload. Examiners learn far better with self-paced online training they can review anytime.
Is online NRCME training accepted by FMCSA?
Yes. FMCSA fully accepts online NRCME training that meets their curriculum standards.
Do I get CE hours with the online course?
Yes. You’ll earn 7ย AMA PRA Category 1 Creditโขย hours or 7 PACE chiropractic CE credit hoursย and meet all FMCSA requirements to perform DOT physicals.
Can I review the online material multiple times?
Yes. Your training is valid for one year. All of the material including video modules, lectures, documents, and sample NRCME exams can be reviewed as much as needed.
The 290+ practice test questions and sample NRCME exams can be taken as many times as you like.
Get NRCME Certified the Fast, Flexible, FMCSA-Accepted Way
TeamCMEโs online NRCME course provides everything you need to get certified- without the grind, overload, or scheduling challenges of a two-day seminar.
- ๏ญDOT-Compliant Training
- ๏จ24/7 Chat Assistance
- ๏Trusted by Thousands Nationwide