About


NCRA'S COUNCIL ON CERTIFICATION HISTORY

In 1983 the National Tumor Registrars Association, Incorporated (NTRA) established the first certification examination for tumor registry professionals. Successful candidates earned the credential of Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR). The name was changed to the National Cancer Registrars Association, Incorporated (NCRA) in 1993. In 2002, the NCRA Bylaws were amended to create the Council on Certification.

The National Cancer Registrars Association’s (NCRA) Council on Certification promotes standardization in the collection and use of cancer data through examination and certification of cancer registrars and other cancer data specialists. The CTR credential marks achievement, fosters professional pride, and is nationally recognized in recruitment and retention of registry personnel.

“CTR” and “Certified Tumor Registrar” are registered trademarks of NCRA.

COUNCIL ON CERTIFICATION'S MISSION

To create and maintain credentialing processes whereby the public can be assured that individuals certified by NCRA have met a level of competence required to provide accurate information for cancer surveillance and research activities.

  • Oversees the development and administration of the professional certification examination for cancer registrars.
  • Establishes eligibility criteria for examination candidates.
  • Reviews proposed questions and verifies the content of upcoming examinations.
  • Responds to questions from examination candidates regarding eligibility status.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of the Council is to evaluate those individuals requesting certification as Certified Tumor Registrars (CTRs), and other certifications as approved by the Council, and to establish, oversee and administer the mechanisms to accomplish this purpose.

ELECTED PROCESS

The Council consists of nine (9) elected voting members and of appointed non-voting members. The voting members meet the eligibility criteria defined in Article IV, Section 3 of the NCRA Bylaws and consist of one (1) Administrator and eight (8) Representatives, all to be elected by active Certified Tumor Registrars. Any additional non-voting members may be appointed at the Council's discretion and need not be CTRs or NCRA members.

To be eligible for the office of Council on Certification Administrator, the active CTR certificant must have a minimum of five (5) years experience as a CTR and not hold employment in any educational services related field that provides instruction to future registrars.

To be eligible for the office of Council on Certification Representative, the active CTR certificant must have a minimum of three (3) years experience as a CTR and not hold employment in any educational services related field that provides instruction to future registrars.

Members of the Council are elected by a plurality vote cast by active CTR. Elected members of the Council serve a term of two (2) years and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.