Study Guide for the ODS Exam: 2026 Edition NCRA’s popular ODS Exam study guide begins with a review of the Core Knowledge required of all cancer registrars, including the principles of oncology and the body’s systems. The remaining chapters are organized by critical cancer registry subjects and contain basic information on these important topic areas. There are five case studies that include answers and rationales. Available January 2026.
2026 ODS Exam Prep Live Webinars The ODS Exam Prep Webinar Series includes seven, 90-minute live webinars designed to prepare candidates for the Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) exam. Developed and facilitated by a team of experienced ODS-credentialed educators and allied-health professionals, the webinars review all aspects of the exam’s core competencies. Webinars are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 PM ET starting January 20, 2026. Registrants will have access to the recorded presentations through November 15, 2026. Learn more and register!
2026 In-Person ODS Exam Prep Workshop: Hands-On Strategies for the Open-Book Section Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Preconference workshop at NCRA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Louisville, KY
The ODS Exam Prep Workshop is offered as a pre-conference, in-person workshop at NCRA’s 2026 Annual Conference in Louisville, KY. It is a one-day, rigorous training experience for those preparing to take the ODS exam in 2026. Donna Gress, RHIT, ODS, is the presenter. She is Manager, Cancer Staging & Registry Operations, American College of Surgeons, AJCC & Cancer Programs. Gress will focus exclusively on the open-book portion of the exam, providing a thorough review of resources and offering hands-on case studies to help candidates prepare for the exam. Learn more and register!
ODS Exam Online Practice Test The online ODS Exam Practice Test was created to assist individuals in studying for the ODS Exam. It is an assessment tool to aid individuals in gauging their understanding of the different content areas. The questions are organized by the Domains of Competencies as identified by the Council on Certification. Two options are offered – one-time access and unlimited use for 60 days. Available January 2026.
Online Case Studies NCRA produced 15 online cancer case studies to provide opportunities for registrars to practice assigning AJCC TNM Stage and coding SEER Summary Stage. The cases have been designed to assist those new to the cancer registry field to build their skills as well as seasoned professionals who want to improve their proficiencies. The correct answers and corresponding rationales will be presented upon completion of each case. This activity includes 15 case studies on the following sites: Bladder, Breast, Colon/Rectum, Kidney, Lung, Prostate, and Renal Pelvis. The cases will be updated to reflect the 2026 ODS Exam references. Available January 2026.
Center for Cancer Registry Education
EARN THE ODS Credential
ODS CANDIDATE HANDBOOK & APPLICATION
Cancer registrars are data information specialists who capture a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the U.S. The curated data provides essential information to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to better monitor and advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve cancer prevention and screening programs. Learn more about how to become a cancer registrar and how cancer registry data is used to improve public health.
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