In order to perform DOT physical exams, certification by the NRCME – the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners – is required. 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 Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers.
The first step to NRCME certification is to complete the accredited NRCME training course at www.NRCMEweb.com. You will receive a certificate of completion in your account immediately upon completing the course. Next, you will apply for your NRCME Registry ID number directly from the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA). You will typically receive your NRCME Registry ID number in 1 - 2 weeks after applying.
Once you obtain your Registry ID number, you will locate an FMCSA-approved testing center and schedule the NRCME certification exam, which must be taken in person. You will need a copy of the certificate of completion from the training course and your Registry ID number to sit for the exam. The NRCME certification exam fee is typically $79. The NRCME certification exam is a 2-hour multiple choice exam consisting of 120 questions, 20 of which are questions that are being evaluated and are not scored. A score of 71% is required to pass the NRCME certification exam.
Upon passing the NRCME certification exam, you will receive confirmation from the NRCME and are now able to perform DOT physical exams. NRCME certification is valid for 10 years.
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 Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers.
To become a certified Medical Examiner to perform DOT physical exams, you must be licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to perform physical qualification examinations of interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers. In all states, Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Osteopathy (MD/DO), Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Nurse Practitioners (NP's) are eligible to obtain NRCME certification to perform DOT physical exams. In most states, chiropractors are eligible to obtain NRCME certification to perform DOT physical exams, but notable exceptions include New York, Michigan, and Washington.
Various other healthcare providers may be eligible to obtain NRCME certification depending upon the specific state. This would include naturopaths, registered nurses, physical therapists, acupuncturists, among others.
The DOT Physical exam is a thorough general bedside physical examination with vital signs. In addition, the required components include:
The DOT physical exam also includes completion of the appropriate FMCSA forms, including the Medical Evaluation Report Form and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.