How do I Become a DOT Certified Medical Examiner
- Published
- Updated May 19, 2026
- Dr. David Thorpe
Full Step by Step Requirements
Eligibility requirements by profession
You must be a licensed, certified, or registered healthcare professional authorized by your state to perform physical examinations. Eligible professionals typically include:
- MD/DO: Doctors of Medicine or Osteopathy
- NP/DNP: Nurse Practitioners
- PA: Physician Assistants
- DC: Doctors of Chiropractic
Eligibility varies by state. Check if you are eligible. Becoming a CME with the National Registry has a few requirements. It is important to note that eligibility requirements vary by state and medical profession.
Complete FMCSA Required Training
You must complete an accredited training program that meets the requirements of the NRCME. The course must be accredited and meet the following standards:
Mandatory Training Standards
To be compliant for the 2026 National Registry certification, training programs must satisfy these three primary requirements:
- Accredited Provider: Training must be conducted by a private-sector provider accredited by a nationally recognized medical profession organization that grants continuing education units (CEUs).
- Core Curriculum Content: Courses must meet or exceed the eight topics defined in the FMCSA core curriculum, which cover commercial driver physical qualifications and mental demands.
- Proof of Training: Providers must issue a certificate of completion that includes the candidate’s name, completion date, and specific accreditation information (name and contact details of the accrediting body).
Core Curriculum Topics
FMCSA-approved training focuses on preparing examiners to evaluate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers against federal safety standards. Key areas include:
- Physical Qualifications: Specific standards for vision, hearing, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and related guidance.
- Medical Conditions: Impact of diabetes, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal health, and respiratory issues on driving safety.
- Administrative Duties: Correct use of the National Registry and reporting requirements, such as next-day electronic results uploading as of 2026
Pass My Physical meets and exceeds these standards, register and take our online training. We offer the best, most up-to-date training, on the market. Once you complete our course, you will be provided your training corticate.
Register with the FMCSA on the National Registry
You must create an account on the National Registry website to receive your unique 10-digit National Registry number. You must upload your training completion certificate to your profile before you may register for the certification exam.
Click here to register with the DOT/FMCSA: The link will lead you to their site, scroll down and click the register button. Once registration is completed, you will be given your 10 digital National Registry number. This number is used for test registration.
Schedule and Pass the Certification Exam
Schedule your exam with either PSI or Prometric. They will ask for your eligibility number, which is your National Registry 10 digit number.
Finding an Exam Location and Time: Exam locations and times are not public information and only available once you have validated your training in your National Registry account and begin the registration process with PSI or Prometric.
Certification Exam Format: 120 multiple choice questions.
Time Limit: 2 hours.
Passing Score: Minimum of 71%
Final Validation by the FMCSA
Once you pass your exam, the FMCSA will verify your medical license. Upon approval, you will be listed on the National Registry and can begin performing DOT Physicals.
Have questions? Call us! (315) 704-6013 or email us at info@passmyphysical.com.