About the NRCME Exam

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

What Does the Exam Cover?

• Cardiovascular / Hypertension
• Vision and hearing standards
• Respiratory / Sleep apnea
• Neurological conditions
• Diabetes and endocrine
• Musculoskeletal assessment
• Psychiatric conditions

• Substance abuse
• Medications and driving
• The physical exam process
• Certification decision-making
• Regulatory knowledge
• General medical standards
• Documentation (MER form)

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 2,000+ questions
4. Take full-length practice exams
5. Review weak areas

Read our complete guide to passing the NRCME exam.