Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Commission for Case Manager Certification’s Case Management Body of Knowledge®?

The Case Management Body of Knowledge® (CMBOK®) is the first up-to-date, comprehensive, peer-reviewed online resource for the professional case manager and those interested in the practice of case management. It offers inclusive information in one place, in an easy-to-access, use and understand, web-based format.

What was the impetus for the CMBOK®?
There has been a dearth of standardized information available about the field.

Case managers and future case managers expressed a hunger for resources to learn more about the profession of case management – its requirements, processes, best practices, related regulations. Few resources exist to prepare professional case managers for their jobs, and there has been no single, comprehensive knowledge source to turn to about the process and practice of case management. Neither has there been a single reference work for established, board-certified case managers – those who have passed the Commission’s rigorous CCM® certification exam – to reinforce and refresh their knowledge of the foundational elements involved in case management.

Why now?
The advent of new models of care under health reform – in particular, the medical home and accountable care organizations – add another element of urgency to the quest for knowledge. Healthcare delivery is undergoing tremendous transformation, and case managers want to be prepared.

How do you envision the CMBOK being used?
The CMBOK can be used by supervisors as a resource for staff training, by academic leaders to inform graduate programs, and by front-line case managers to inform patients and other members of the care team about the role of case management. For all case managers seeking continuing education credit, the CMBOK is a peer-reviewed, trusted resource.

The CMBOK is a source for continuing education and resource tool offering practice and process knowledge to equip today’s professional case managers with the foundational knowledge they need for effective and competent practice. The more up-to-date case managers are, the more standardized their practice, the more effective they will be.

How did all this come together?
The process began with a panel of subject matter experts that met regularly and developed the framework, with the assistance of a case management researcher and an expert in creating knowledge frameworks. The subject matter expert panel reflected diverse backgrounds: nursing, social work, vocational rehabilitation counseling, and behavioral health specialists; and various case management practice settings. This expert panel developed a framework during a workshop in October 2009, drawing on the members’ own experience and expertise.

Next, a customer feedback group reviewed and approved the framework. At that point, a team of professional writers, copy editors, and case managers/writers began developing content. They interviewed subject matter experts, conducted literature reviews on the various topics, and prepared the initial drafts. The CMBOK content was then peer reviewed by experts in the field, ensuring its quality and completeness.

Is the CMBOK complete? How will it stay current?
The CMBOK contains a rich breadth of knowledge, but it is a work in progress.

Adding to and updating the CMBOK is part of its evergreen design. The Commission is engaging a panel of subject matter experts representing the diverse healthcare community who will work actively with the CMBOK knowledge editor to identify additions, changes, and/or product enhancements. This group will regularly review and update the CMBOK to incorporate industry trends. Because of its evolving nature, the CMBOK will remain an up-to-date resource.

How does this fit into the Commission’s work?
The Commission has long been the leading advocate for advancement of the professional case manager and the practice of case management. In the past, its primary focus has been on the certification exam. But in light of the expanded role of the case manager in recent years – particularly on care coordination in new models of care delivery – it is committed to the advancement and evolution of the case management profession through related programs and services. The CMBOK represents part of that evolution. The Commission envisions offering more programs and services that advocate for and enhance professional case manager practice, and promote excellence, through its recently introduced CMLearning Network.

Will CEs be available?
Yes! A key advantage of becoming a CMBOK subscriber is that you will have the ability to take quizzes that will allow you to acquire CEs free of charge. Additional quizzes will be added on an on-going basis to meet the ever-changing needs of the case management community.

Can the CMBOK CEs be used toward other licenses/certifications?
Yes, the CMBOK CEs are approved through ANCC, CCMC, and CDMS. 

Will I be able to retake the quizzes and keep earning CEs?
You cannot retake a quiz and earn the CE for a course you have already claimed a CE for during your current certification period. But you can keep accessing the modules to refresh yourself with all the valuable information and content. 

Will I be able to view what I got wrong on my CE quiz?
The quiz is designed to test your knowledge and will not display the correct answer. You will only receive a pass/fail at the end of the CE quiz. 

Will the CMBOK help me pass the CCM exam?
While the Case Management Body of Knowledge is not intended to be a study guide for certification, it will support learning and begin to establish standards for case management practice that may relate to certification. However, it is not necessary to purchase the Case Management Body of Knowledge to pass the exam. Click here for more information about the certification exam.

Is it only for case managers?
No. It is for anyone seeking information about what a case manager does and the process the professional case manager uses.

The Commission intends for the CMBOK to be used in institutional, academic, and employer environments as well. The content is appropriate for anyone with an interest in – or a need to know about – case management. That includes government agencies, as well as quality and accreditation organizations.

I am new to case management. Why should I purchase a subscription?
The Case Management Body of Knowledge is the “go to” resource for information about the practice of case management. It can be used as a critical tool in training and orienting to the role and function of a new case manager (also called the “on-boarding” process). The CMBOK can guide a new case manager in learning all aspects of case management knowledge and skills necessary to achieve practice competency. It is the “gold standard” for information on the practice of case management, just as the CCM is the “gold standard” of certification. The CMBOK is a powerful way for case managers to invest in their own professional development.

I am a very experienced case manager. Why should I purchase a subscription?
The Case Management Body of Knowledge is NOT just for “newbies.” The CMBOK provides an up-to-date resource on emerging trends, new care delivery models, emerging technologies, and other factors influencing the practice of case management. The CMBOK may offer information that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of case management practice that can improve outcomes, including clinical, financial, and satisfaction. The CMBOK is a powerful way for case managers to invest in their own professional development.

I received a "Login failed" message when attempting to log in. I thought I knew my username and password, but I cannot log in with it. How can I log in to the CMBOK?
Click on the “Have you forgotten your password?” link on the login failed page. Then enter either your email address on record or your username to identify yourself and click the corresponding button to reset the password. Once you receive the new password in your email box, use it to log in to the CMBOK site.

I reset my password, but I still cannot log in to view the CMBOK content. What should I try next?
Verify you have an active subscription to the CMBOK. If you have not yet subscribed to the CMBOK, then please subscribe now! If you have subscribed and still cannot access the CMBOK content, please call the Commission at 856-380-6836.

I forgot my password. How can I log in to the CMBOK?
Retrieve your password here. This link will only be visible to non-logged in users. Then enter either your email address on record or your username to identify yourself and click the corresponding button to reset the password. Once you receive the new password in your email box, use it to log in to the CMBOK site.

I would like to subscribe to the CMBOK. How do I subscribe?
Go to the Subscribe page and follow the steps to become a paid CMBOK subscriber.

How much does an annual subscription to the CMBOK cost?
The retail price for a 12-month subscription is $199.
The CCM discounted price for a 12-month subscription is $99.

When does my subscription expire?
A subscription to the CMBOK is for 12 months, starting from the date your subscription is activated. You can check the expiration date of your subscription in the Your Account tab once you are logged in to the CMBOK. You will be notified prior to your expiration date that it is time to renew your subscription.

Why do you need my profile information (i.e., years of experience, specialty)?
We request this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better product. Since the content will be constantly monitored and updated, we want to ensure that we provide you with the resources you need to achieve and exceed your goals as a case manager.

What payment methods do you accept?
You may use Mastercard, Visa, or American Express to purchase your subscription.

I need a Purchase Order in order to subscribe to the CMBOK. How can I get one?
A purchase order can be sent to you so you can subscribe. Please call 856-380-6836 or email help@cmbodyofknowledge.com for this request. You will need to provide your name, company name, mailing address, phone, email address, and the amount of the subscription(s) to order. Corporate licensing discounts are available for multiple subscription orders. Checks are accepted, as well as Amex, Mastercard, and Visa for payment.

Are corporate licenses and/or discounts available?
For information about purchasing a corporate license and/or discounts for your facility, please contact the Commission at 856-380-6836.

How do I request a refund?
The Commission is dedicated to providing “gold standard” content to assist case managers in being effective and successful. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, the Commission for Case Manager Certification offers a 30-day partial money-back guarantee on the Case Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK). The 30-day partial money-back guarantee is limited to one purchase per customer and per account. You are not eligible to receive a refund if you have already completed a domain evaluation and/or earned CEs. A processing fee in the amount of $34.95 will be charged for the cancellation of any 1-year subscription.

Can I email a page?
Yes, you may email CMBOK content strictly for personal, noncommercial use, only to yourself or other subscribers, provided that all copyright and other proprietary notices (e.g., trademarks or service marks) contained on the CMBOK content are retained. See Terms of Use for further information.

May I print a page?
Yes, you may print the CMBOK content strictly for personal, noncommercial use, only for yourself or other subscribers, provided that all copyright and other proprietary notices (e.g., trademarks or service marks) contained on the CMBOK content are retained. See Terms of Use for further information.

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We are regularly reviewing and updating the site, including accessibility. As assistive technology evolves, we encourage users with disabilities to recommend suggestions on how to improve the site’s accessibility. Comments can be sent to:

Email: help@cmbodyofknowledge.com
Phone: 856-380-6836
Fax: 856-439-0525
Mail: Case Management Body of Knowledge
1120 Rt. 73, Ste. 200
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Attn: Disability Accessibility

Will my email be sold to other organizations?
No, your email will not be sold to other organizations. The Commission will protect your privacy and your personal information will be secure.

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For any other questions, please contact the Commission by phone at 856-380-6836 or if you prefer, email help@cmbodyofknowledge.com.