FAQs

Question 1. Where can I obtain the Exam Handbook for Candidates and an application?

Download the Candidates Handbook and application.

Question 2. Where do I send the ODS Exam application?

NCRA’s Council on Certification
Attn: CTR Exam
1330 Braddock Place #502
Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

Or, submit to exam@ncra-usa.org

Or, fax (703) 299-9920

Question 3. Where can I test?

The ODS Exam is administered at in-person assessment centers and by remote testing (NEW in 2024!).

Question 4. How quickly will I learn my test results?

Candidates will NOT receive any immediate test results after completion of the computer-based test. Within eight weeks of the close of the testing period, candidates will be notified by email of when their final test results are posted. Scores can then be securely accessed via your online candidate account. Scores on the major areas of the examination and on the total examination will also be reported.

Question 5. I need to retake the ODS Exam. Am I required to meet the current eligibility requirements?

Yes, all candidates registering for the ODS Exam must meet the current year’s eligibility requirements.

Question 6. What other courses meet the specific education requirement of “2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology.”

Read the Coursework Guidelines for classes in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology.

Question 7. Can you clarify the education requirement of Route A?

An Associate's Degree or the equivalent (60 college-level credits) in any discipline is the education minimum. Those who do not yet have the education minimum should pursue the NCRA-Accredited Associate Degree Program path. The Associate's Degree or the college-level courses can be in any discipline. Completed coursework at NCRA-accredited Certificate Programs count towards the 60 college-level credits education requirement for ODS Exam eligibility. Courses recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) are also accepted for the 60 college-level credits education requirement. View the list of providers at https://www.ncra-usa.org/Education/Accredited-Education-Programs/Associate-and-Certificate-Programs.

Question 8. I’m a student, how do I complete the practicum in Route A?

Route A candidates are required to complete the assessments for each of the five competencies to satisfy the practicum requirement. The practicum is based on five core competencies. These competencies are derived from the certification exam’s domains of practice. Practicum activities focus on developing skills in these critical knowledge areas: Casefinding; Abstracting, Coding, and Staging; Analysis and Data Usage; Registry Organization, Follow-Up, and Data Quality Assurance; and Cancer Program Accreditation.

NCRA developed online practicum activities and online competency assessments to assist students in meeting the practicum requirement. Students are required to pass the assessments for each of the five competencies to complete the practicum.

Question 9. I can’t take the exam anymore! Can I get a refund?

You may reschedule your appointment WITHIN THE SAME TESTING WINDOW ONCE at least three business days prior to your scheduled appointment. Login to the candidate portal.

Contact exam@ncra-usa.org to withdraw your application. Refunds will be issued less a $125 processing fee. Requests for transferring an examination appointment to a different testing window must be submitted to exam@ncra-usa.org. All transfers of examinations to a different testing window are subject to a $125 transfer fee.

Question 10. What is the deadline to meet all eligibility requirements?

The deadline to meet all of the eligibility requirements is the stated application deadline.

Question 11. What accommodations are provided for those who have special needs?

Special testing arrangements can be made to individuals with special needs. Requests for special testing MUST be received at least 8 weeks before the testing window begins. Candidates need to send documentation of their disability, such as a letter from a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker who has done an evaluation with their specific recommendations for special accommodations (for example, if requesting extra time, how much extra time). Requests will not be accepted without any documentation.

Question 12. If I apply for the ODS Exam and am not approved, is there a monetary penalty?

Your full application fee will be returned to you along with the reason your application was denied.

Question 13. Does the Council on Certification offer training or prepared ODS Exam Preparatory materials?

NCRA's Council on Certification neither sponsors nor endorses review courses or prepared preparatory materials for the Certification Examination for Cancer Registrars. Check the list of resources that may be of use in preparing for the examination.

Question 14. Is it required to have official transcripts in a sealed envelope for exam eligibility?

Unofficial transcripts are accepted. If they are not sufficient to determine eligibility, then candidates may be requested to send in official transcripts.

Question 15. Can I submit an application for the ODS exam if I have not completed all of the eligibility requirements?

No. Before applying for the exam, candidates must meet all of the education AND experience requirements of either Route A1, A2, or B.

Question 16. What if I encounter a technical issue during my exam appointment?

NCRA offers the ODS certification exam using a secure testing platform administered by Meazure Learning.  Our primary goal is to create a fair testing environment where all candidates can successfully complete their examinations. In the unfortunate event of a software or hardware issue arising before or during a proctored exam, follow the steps outlined below: 
1) Notifying the Proctor  
Immediately raise your hand (in-person testing) or notify the proctor via the chat (remote/online testing) that you are experiencing a technical issue. If there is an error message on the screen, do not clear the message. 
2) Troubleshooting the Issue  
Allow the proctor and technical support team sufficient time to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. In the event your computer must be restarted, the exam delivery software is designed to suspend testing time until the computer is operating again. Most candidates who experience an exam restart are able to complete their exam administration without further interruption. If you are connected to a proctor when you experience a technical issue, the proctor will attempt to resolve the issue. If they cannot successfully troubleshoot the problem within 5 minutes, you will be transferred to a technical support agent. If the technical support agent cannot resolve the issue(s) after 15 minutes of troubleshooting, you will be asked to reschedule your exam for a later date or reconnect with a new device. The technicians will assist you through this process. 
3) Reporting the Technical Issue  
If your exam cannot be administered because of technical issues, please immediately file an incident report with the proctor and contact NCRA (exam@ncra-usa.org) in writing. DO NOT wait until you’ve received your test results to contact NCRA. All exam administration technical concerns must be received by NCRA within 10 days of your appointment date. Filing an incident report with the proctor does not satisfy the requirements of notifying NCRA directly.  
4) NCRA Investigation  
Upon receiving your communication regarding your exam technical issue, NCRA will investigate the technical issue, including reviewing any logs, documentation, or reports shared by the test vendor. Following the investigation, which may take up to 30 business days, NCRA will reach out to you directly.  
5) Resolution  
If it is determined that the technical issue was due to an exam testing software malfunction or other issue reasonably outside of your control, NCRA will provide the individual with a complimentary exam registration for an exam retake. Candidates are encouraged to retake the test promptly. NCRA will not provide candidates who experience a confirmed technical issue with compensation for lost time.

Question 17. Why did the references for the open-book section change from hard-copy to digital?

Starting in 2024, NCRA's certification exam will have the necessary open-book resources accessible as PDFs within the testing platform.  This feature will provide a standardized administration for all test takers, plus provide necessary security for our professional certification examination. The use of printed or bound references is prohibited for all (in-person and remote) test appointments.

View more details on the digital references, including search engine functionality. Registered candidates have access to an online tutorial of the Meazure testing platform.

Watch this video how to navigate the open-book PDFs in the Meazure Learning testing platform.

Question 18: Is my computer compatible for online testing? 

For the online testing process, it is advisable to use a personal device. If your computer has a remote desktop application installed, then this can sometimes cause issues with securely testing online. If online testing at your workplace, then firewalls issues may cause issues. Contact ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 Option 1 for tech support to ready your computer for test day.

[Video] Learn how to test your equipment and the importance of using the equipment check before exam day. 

[Video] Learn a variety of common challenges faced by online test-takers and recommendations for overcoming or preventing them. 

Effective online testing requires both reliable internet connectivity and appropriate computer hardware.

Below are best practices for online testing:

• Download the Guardian Browser before your scheduled test appointment.
• Restart your computer before starting to optimize memory and processing power.
• Remove any remote desktop applications to prevent software conflicts.
• Use a wired internet connection if possible, for greater stability and speed.
• Plug your laptop into a power source to avoid battery drain during the exam.
   

Question 19: I will be using a laptop to test online. Can I use an external monitor during my test?
During online testing, the usage of any external monitor connected to the laptop, regardless of whether the laptop lid is closed or open, is not permitted. The use of multiple monitors is currently not an option provided by the testing vendor as a security measure. 

Question 20: What if my Internet goes out while I taking the exam online? 
You will want to ensure you have a strong internet connection during your exam time. It is recommended that you use either a wired connection or strong WIFI connection; hotspots are not recommended. 

If internet connection is lost during your exam, Meazure Learning/ProctorU will attempt to reestablish the connection with you.  You may also reconnect with ProctorU from your candidate account. There is a pause tool for proctors when they see a candidate get disconnected. The timer should restart once the room is secured again. 

Question 21. What can I expect on my testing day?
Meazure Learning is responsible for the administration of the certification exam on your scheduled test day.

For remote testing, here’s what to expect: https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/9951434736525-Exam-Day-What-to-expect-Guardian 
 
For in-person testing, here’s what to expect: https://youtu.be/rvOnAH5Ld1U?si=7PNMr8rbHALgELPx