MAIN MENU
ODS Credential

The Oncology Data Specialist (ODS)® credential demonstrates a requisite knowledge and professional competence needed within the cancer registry. The National Cancer Registrars Association’s (NCRA) Council on Certification promotes standardization in the collection and use of cancer data through its ODS examination and ODS certification of cancer registry professionals. The ODS credential marks achievement, fosters professional pride, and is nationally recognized in the recruitment and retention of registry personnel.

 

Over 9,000 cancer registry professionals have earned the ODS credential since it was first offered in 1983. Today, there are over 6,000 active ODS-certified professionals worldwide.

Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) Credential

The ODS credential demonstrates a requisite knowledge and professional competence needed within the cancer registry. It promotes excellence in the cancer registry field by: 

  • Establishing a standard of knowledge and experience required for professional registry practice.
  • Promoting professional growth and individual study by cancer registrars to attain and maintain the ODS credential.
  • Assisting employers, members of allied-health professions, and the public in the assessment of cancer registrars.

 Value of the ODS Credential

  • Recognized internationally in the recruitment and retention of cancer registry personnel.
  • Validates competence to practice in the cancer registry.
  • Demonstrates commitment to the cancer registry profession.
  • Required continuing education ensures ODS-certified registrars are current with changes in cancer screening, diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
  • Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited facilities require an ODS-certified registrar to be a member of the cancer committee (Standard 2.1).
  • CoC-accredited facilities require case abstracting to be performed by an ODS-certified registrar (Standard 4.3).
  • NCRA’s Salary and Compensation Considerations for Cancer Registrars reports ODS-certified cancer registrars earn $25,000 more than non-credentialed cancer registrars. 

 

Earn the ODS Credential

 

 

Certification Maintenance

ODS-certified professionals must complete specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain a certified status. The two-year CE cycle and four-year CEIP cycle ends on December 31, and CE credits must be earned within the CE Cycle dates. ODS-certified professionals must complete a minimum of 20 CE credits within their 2-year CE cycle and 8 CEIP credits within their 4-year CEIP cycle to maintain a certified status.

 
Copyright 2026 by National Cancer Registrars Association |