Becoming a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC)

The Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) and Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) certification examinations are offered once a year. To date, examinations have taken place each year in the latter part of May. Once a specific date has been determined, it will be indicated on the website, or if you wish to receive notification directly, please email info@cspdm.ca and request to be put on the list to receive this information.

Certifications are awarded by the International Disability Management Standards Council (IDMSC).

Individuals can hold both the CDMP and the CRTWC certifications. However, those who want both cannot achieve these designations in the same years as the examinations for each are held on the same day.

With the formal adoptions of these professional certifications in 16 countries, the examinations will be held on the same date in various jurisdictions around the world in addition to the locations across Canada.

In the last few years, the examinations have been held in Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg and the Maritimes. Locations are determined by a combination of factors including: population base, whether the location is as close as can be for those who live in outlying areas, current demand, and past demand. More locations may be added if there are enough successful applications from the location/region to warrant arranging facilities and invigilators.

Organizations who anticipate having a group of staff apply to write the examinations at one location are strongly encouraged to alert NIDMAR of your plans as soon as possible so that we can ensure available seating for everyone. Please email: info@pcu-whs.ca.

Requests for accommodation to write the examination must be made at the time of application by providing a description of the disability including medical evidence, and a description of the accommodation required. All such requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Certification Council is committed to providing accommodations consistent with standard practice while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the examination process.

Examination Information

The certification examinations will take place over the course of one day with 3.5 hours in the morning and 3.5 hours in the afternoon. The Certification Council may grant additional time for candidates who indicated on their application forms that this is required due to functional limitations. No textbooks or other reference materials are to be brought into the examination room.

To view or print a copy of the CRTWC Examination Preparation Guide
To view or print a copy of the CDMP Examination Preparation Guide

Upon successful completion of the certification examination, candidates are awarded certificates under the auspices of the International Disability Management Standards Council (IDMS). Candidates must also sign a statement of agreement indicating that they agree to abide by the Ethical Standards and Professional Conduct. Individuals who have been awarded certificates are entitled to use the official designations marks, Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) or Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), as long as their certification is maintained.

For further information regarding the certification examinations, please contact the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) at:

Telephone: 778-421-0821 ext 210
Email: certification@nidmar.ca
Web: www.nidmar.ca     

 How to Apply

Complete application information including links to the application forms can be found at:

CRTWC Certification Examination
CDMP Certification Examination

By navigating the horizontal menu, you will find information on Eligibility Qualifications, Examination Information, How to Enroll, Maintaining Certification and Forms.

Requisite Disability Management Education Component

Certification Examination Applications are reviewed to see how much disability management related education/continuing education an applicant has taken and how much of this has been taken in recent years. (See Eligibility Criteria)

There are many Certificate and Diploma programs available at various educational institutions across the country. Choose the program that best meets your needs in terms of location, full or part-time study, prerequisites and credential offered. Many programs are offered by distance delivery, online or in print, allowing you to continue working and earning while learning the skills and knowledge that are of practical value to practitioners working in the field. Some programs may include a cooperative education, practicum or internship component, particularly useful for those learners who are not presently working in the field of disability management / return to work.

The Examination Preparation Guide is not only useful for preparing the write the examination, but applicants should review it in detail to determine if there are any areas where taking a course or attending a workshop might complement their current education background. The detailed bullet points on the Examination Preparation Guide are used by the test agency as the basis when questions are being formulated.

Disability Management education activities must fall under the  occupational standards identified in the nine domain areas that are the core skills and competencies that are required for effective disability management practice.

Further Important Information Regarding the Application Process

The education and work experience of each applicant is reviewed to ensure the criteria, as set by the IDMSC, are met. This process cannot be started until all the requisite documents have been received along with the application fee.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application early to allow time for review and to answer any requests for further information.

To ensure a timely review of your application, ensure that sufficient information and/or verifiable proof of relevant education and/or career experience is submitted, as per the certification eligibility criteria.