CCDS update: New videos light the path to the CCDS credential amidst exam updates

The CCDS exam underwent a couple changes as of January 1, 2018, so the time is right for some extra help. Here’s a quick list of all the changes to the exam process this year:

• Candidates applying this year now have 90 days (three months) to schedule and take the exam from the date their name is submitted to the exam company. Candidates’ effective eligibility and expire dates are listed on the scheduling notices from the exam company.
• Candidates should also be aware of a couple updates to the resources you may bring into the exam:
  
  • The 2018 edition of the DRG Expert is published in two volumes, both of which can be brought into the test along with a nursing drug guide (so, up to three books in total). Candidates may still use older editions of the DRG Expert, but they should be an ICD-10 edition.
  • The CCDS office has expanded the list of allowable nursing drug guides. Click here to download the entire list.

To help you in this time of CCDS change, CCDS Coordinator Penny Richards sat down in front of the camera to share some tips for all stages of the CCDS journey. The videos range from 40 seconds to two minutes in length, so you can listen on-the-go to get some quick tips.

Here are the questions Richards answers in the videos:

• “What’s the first step in pursuing the CCDS certification?”
• “How do I schedule my CCDS exam?”
• “What can I expect on the day of my CCDS exam?”
• “When will I know my results? What are my next steps?”
• “Do I need to recertify my CCDS?”

The ACDIS team is excited to share these new resources with you, but we also recommend visiting the CCDS certification pages on the ACDIS website for in-depth information about the certification process.

If you want more detailed CCDS test-prep guidance, consider enrolling in the CCDS Exam Prep Class. The next class starts on January 22 in Las Vegas.