In order to improve highway safety, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers are required to undergo regular Department of Transport (DOT) physicals by certified medical examiners. These physical examinations determine if CMV drivers are mentally, physically, and emotionally fit to perform their duties safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which falls under the DOT, has developed the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) to ensure that medical examiners are trained and certified to perform these physicals effectively.
If you are a medical professional interested in obtaining a DOT medical examiner certification, here is an overview of the process and what it entails.
Why is obtaining a DOT physical certification beneficial?
Following a spate of serious road accidents involving CMV drivers, requirements for healthcare providers performing DOT physical examinations were ramped up. If you would like to become an official DOT medical examiner, you are now required to obtain a DOT medical examiner certification by passing a certification exam and becoming authorized by the FMCSA.
Although you may question whether going through all these steps to become certified is worth it, most healthcare providers find that obtaining a DOT physical certification is highly beneficial to their practice. A significant benefit is the diversification and expansion of your current practice, with the certification being open to any licensed healthcare provider authorized by the state to perform physical examinations. This means that a broader range of healthcare professionals are able to perform DOT physicals, including nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses.
With the wider network of medical examiners available to drivers and the DOT providing a list of certified medical examiners on the National Registry, it is easier for drivers to locate and consult with medical professionals. Becoming a certified DOT physical provider that is listed on the National Registry can generate new business for your practice and lead to increased added revenues.
Who can perform DOT physicals?
DOT physical examinations can only be performed by FMCSA-certified medical examiners who are recognized by the NRCME. In order to remain certified, these medical professionals are required to ensure they are compliant with DOT regulations by completing refresher training courses every five years and passing assessments every 10 years. If you are a licensed medical examiner, such as a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor, you can obtain a DOT physical certification that enables you to perform DOT physical exams.
Steps to get certified to perform DOT physicals
If you are a suitable candidate for DOT medical examiner certification, these are the steps for how to get certified to perform DOT physicals:
Step 1: Register on the National Registry website
Upon registration on the National Registry website, you will receive a unique National Registry number to use throughout the process of becoming certified to perform DOT physicals.
Step 2: Complete an accredited NRCME training course
You will have to attend a course presented by an accredited company other than your employer. The courses can be done online, and usually take approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete.
Step 3: Register for the National Registry Medical Examiner certification test
To schedule a time to take the DOT physical certification exam, you can register on the FMCSA website. Here, you will have to use your unique identity number that you received from the NRCME, in addition to your username and password, to find a testing organization in your area and schedule a date and time to take the exam.
Step 4: Pass the National Registry Medical Examiner certification test
Once you have taken and passed the National Registry Medical Examiner certification test, your results will be sent to the NRCME, where you will be listed on the National Registry as a certified DOT medical examiner. You will also receive your certificate indicating that you’ve passed the test by mail or email, or possibly both, depending on which organization you did the test through.
It is important to note that simply passing the National Registry Medical Examiner certification test does not mean you are automatically ready to start performing physicals. You should wait until you have received confirmation from the FMCSA in the form of an email with an attached certificate or a physical certificate mailed to you stating that you have been listed on the National Registry of certified medical examiners. Once you have passed the test, it usually takes about 24 to 48 hours to receive the official certification letter and certificate.
FAQs
How long before I have to recertify for performing DOT physicals?
The DOT medical examiner certification is valid for 10 years and must be renewed with a new test. In addition, you will have to attend refresher training sessions after five years.
What is involved in DOT Certified Medical Examiner training?
Training for the FMCSA Medical Examiner Certification Test focuses on methodologies for evaluating the mental and physical capabilities of CMV drivers. This includes topics such as CMV driver physical standards and job requirements, as well as duties and responsibilities of medical examiners.
What is the format of the NRCME test?
The duration of the test is two hours and it consists of 120 questions on the FMCSA’s rules and regulations for CMV drivers and their ability to perform their duties safely. The pass rate for the test is 71%. If you fail the test, you may retake it after 30 days.
What does a medical examiner check while performing a DOT physical?
In order to determine if CMV drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to perform their jobs safely, medical examiners check several key points during a DOT physical. The examiner usually asks several questions regarding the patient’s medical history, such as prior health problems, surgery, medicine usage, etc. A detailed physical examination will also be done, checking the driver’s weight, blood pressure, hearing, vision, etc. In addition, a urinalysis will also be required, in order to check for any underlying medical issues.
Can I train at the same company where I'm employed?
No, when choosing a training company, you will have to find an accredited company that you do not work for.
What is the cost of the NRCME test?
As test fees have not been specified or regulated by the FMCSA, the cost of the test may vary subject to the training/testing company. However, it should be noted that the federal government does not reimburse training/testing companies, but these companies are allowed to charge for their services relating to training and testing.
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If you would like to find out more about getting rid of the frustrations of manual paper-based testing and would like to submit more accurate documentation with significantly less time and effort, reach out to us today. As the leading innovator of DOT exam management software since 2014, we take the guesswork out of DOT physicals and ensure a smooth process all round.