MAIN MENU
ODS CredentialCertification About

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 its ODS examination and certification of cancer registrars and other cancer data specialists. The ODS credential marks achievement, fosters professional pride, and is nationally recognized in the 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.

The Council:

  • 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 Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) certification, 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 committee and taskforce 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 ODS-certified professionals. Any additional non-voting committee or taskforce members may be appointed at the Council's discretion and need not be ODS-certified or NCRA members.

To be eligible for the office of Council on Certification Administrator, the active ODS-certified professional must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as an ODS-certified professional 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 ODS-certified professional must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience as an ODS-certified professional 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 ODS-certified professionals. Elected members of the Council serve a term of two (2) years and may not serve more than two (2) terms.

 

 
Copyright 2025 by National Cancer Registrars Association |