Medical Examiner Recertification Exam

Taking the Medical Examiner Recertification Exam in 2024

If you have been performing DOT medical exams, you know there is a high demand for skilled, certified medical examiners. You also know that your certification status will expire after ten years. If you have held your certification for nine years and need to schedule your DOT medical examiner recertification test in 2024, here are some things you should know.

Time Frame: Timing is crucial to prevent business interruptions. If your certification expires you will not be able to provide examinations. Here are the timing guidelines for 2024 recertifications.

  • You can schedule your exam as early as 12 months before your DOT medical examiner certification expires, giving you a year to complete the requirement. 12 months allows plenty of time to take the recertification training, submit proof of that training, schedule your test, and retake the test, if necessary.
  • After your certification expires, you can no longer perform examinations. Complete the training and test as soon as possible to avoid disruptions to your business. If they remove you from the national registry, you can still use the system and complete your examination.
  • Give yourself six weeks to schedule the test at PSI or Prometric. Test slots are first come, first served, and you may not get the test date you want if you wait too long to schedule a testing time.
  • If you do not pass the test, you can reschedule after 24 hours. You don’t have to wait 30 days like you did 10 years ago after failing the initial exam.
  • A current medical license. If you have changed your license, such as your scope of practice, you must report the change to the FMCSA within 30 days, or they can suspend your ability to perform examinations. The FMCSA will verify your medical license with the appropriate state board.
  • A government-issued identification card.
  • Documentation that you completed certified medical examiner training in person or online. The certified medical examiner course should provide you with all study materials and one or more practice tests to help you prepare for the examination. Once complete, you will receive documentation to upload to the national registry, allowing you to schedule the test (after 24 hours).

Before The Test

According to Harvard’s tips for test-taking success:

  • It is better to study for shorter time periods and do so often rather than to cram the night before. Your brain will retain the information better.
  • Get a good night’s sleep so you are clear-headed on test day.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast with protein and complex carbs so you don’t have a sugar rush and crash during your test.

The Test: Your initial DOT-certified examiner test and the recertification are essentially the same. The test is online but must be taken at a testing facility. Verify the testing location early so you arrive on time on test day.

Tips on Completing the Exam

Check-in: Arrive at the testing facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled test. This will give you time to check in and avoid losing any test time. Make certain you have your picture ID out so they can verify your identity before the test.

You’ll get a locker to store all your belongings during the exam. No coats, bags, hats, electronic devices, or jewelry are allowed in the testing area. Test administrators may have you turn out your pockets, check your forearms for scribbled notes, and use a metal detector to ensure you are completing the test on your own. They will give you any last-minute instructions about the testing technology before escorting you to your seat.

During the Test: Your desk must be clear. Any materials you need, like scratch paper or pencils, will be given to you prior to the test.

There will be no talking except with the proctor during the exam. The proctor can answer questions if you run into problems with the technology, need to leave your seat for some reason, or need more supplies.

Please be courteous to other test takers and follow the instructions given to you on the day of the exam.

Plan Ahead

Start the training process when you hit the nine-year mark so you have all the time you need to study before the exam. By allowing you to take the training course and schedule the exam 12 months early, they’re giving you a year to prepare. Be proactive and use that time effectively. Schedule your test early, so if you need to retake the test for whatever reason, you can reschedule without disrupting your business.

For more information you can read our post from last year: How to Recertify as a DOT Medical Examiner in 2023.