About the NRCME Exam

Everything you need to know about the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners certification.

The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) exam is administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is required for all healthcare providers who wish to perform DOT physical examinations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

Who Needs to Take the NRCME Exam?

  • Doctors of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
  • Doctors of Chiropractic (DC)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NP)

You must hold an active, unrestricted medical license. See the full step-by-step certification process.

Exam Format

Format

120 multiple-choice questions

Testing

Computer-based at approved centers

Certification

Valid for 10 years

What Does the Exam Cover?

  • Cardiovascular
  • General Overview and Regulations
  • Hypertension
  • Neurological
  • Respiratory and Sleep
  • Diabetes and Endocrine
  • Vision
  • Hearing and Vestibular
  • Substance Abuse and Drug Testing
  • Certification Decisions
  • Musculoskeletal and Extremities
  • Psychiatric and Mental Health
  • Medications and Pharmacology
  • Physical Examination Process
  • Renal and Urinary
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Hematologic and Neoplastic

For a detailed breakdown, read our NRCME Exam Study Guide.

How to Prepare

  1. Complete your FMCSA-approved training course
  2. Study the FMCSA Medical Examiner Handbook
  3. Practice with exam-format questions: our question bank includes 2,500+ questions
  4. Take full-length practice exams
  5. Review weak areas

Read our complete guide to passing the NRCME exam.

Ready to Start Preparing?

2,500+ practice questions. Full-length practice exams. Just $100.

Get Started: $100
Try Free Questions