FAQ

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FAQ

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

2. Where do I send the CTR Exam application?

3. Where can I test?

4. How quickly will I learn my test results?

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

6. Does AHIMA's Anatomy and Physiology course satisfy any eligibility requirements?

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

8. Can you clarify the education requirement of Route A?

9. I’m a student, how do I complete the 160-hour practicum in Route A?

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

11. What is the deadline to meet all eligibility requirements?

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

13. If I apply for the CTR Exam and am not approved, is there a monetary penalty?

14. I am applying via Route A, what if I am not able to send my transcripts with my application before the application deadline?

15. Does the Council on Certification offer training or prepared CTR Exam Preparatory materials?

16. How do I request a request a Paper-and-Pencil exam?

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

A.The Handbook for Candidates and the application are available at www.ptcny.com/clients/NCRA or www.ctrexam.org/exam/handbook.html.

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

A. NCRA’s Council on Certification
Attn: CTR Exam
1340 Braddock Place #203
Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

Question 3. Where can I test?

A.The CTR Exam is offered via computer-based testing at www.ptcny.com/cbt/sites.htm

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

A. Candidates will receive an unofficial test results report immediately after completion of the computer-based test. Within six weeks of the close of the testing period, candidates will be notified in writing whether they have officially passed the examination. Scores on the major areas of the examination and on the total examination will also be reported. Candidates are not eligible to use the CTR credential until their official score is received.

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

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

Question 6. Does AHIMA's Anatomy and Physiology course satisfy any eligibility requirements?

A.Yes, AHIMA's Anatomy and Physiology course satisfies one (1) semester of the 2-semester anatomy & physiology education requirement for Eligibility Route B. AHIMA’s Pathophysiology/Pharmacology course would qualify the 2nd semester A&P requirement.

Question 7. What other courses meet the specific education requirement of “2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology.”

A. Read the Coursework Guidelines for classes in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology (PDF 40 KB).

Question 8. Can you clarify the education requirement of Route A?

A. An Associate's Degree is the education minimum requirement. To meet the education requirement, candidates have 2 options: a) complete an NCRA-Accredited Associate Degree Program; b) complete an NCRA-Accredited Formal Education Certificate Program PLUS completion of a minimum of an Associate's Degree [or equivalent (60 college-level credits)]. The Associate's Degree need not be an "allied health field." Additionally, the 160-hour practicum is required for both options. Search for schools at www.ncra-usa.org/school.

Question 9. I’m a student, how do I complete the 160-hour practicum in Route A?

A. The Route A requirement must be completed under supervision by a CTR. There are specific educational components that comprise the 160-hour experience.

Begin contacting possible sites before you complete the program. Certain times of the year may be more feasible than others due to surveys and data submission requirements. Here are some tips for locating clinical host sites:

1. Use the NCRA Directory of Mentors/Clinical Site Hosts to identify host sites in your area. Find the list at: www.ncra-usa.org/job.

2. Contact the state cancer registrar association for possible names. A list of state association contacts can be found on the NCRA website at: www.ncra-usa.org/local.

3. Contact hospitals in your area. If they are not available, ask for names of other facilities in the state or region.

Question 10. I can’t take the exam anymore! Can I get a refund?

A. No refunds are given within the testing window you registered; however, for a non-punitive processing fee of $180 (NCRA member rate ; $260 for nonmembers), we can push you to the next testing period this one time.

Question 11. What is the deadline to meet all eligibility requirements?

A. The deadline to meet the eligibility requirements is the stated application deadline. For experience via Route B, you may be eligible via the hour equivalency of one year full-time (1,950 hours). For Route A, the 160-hour practicum specifies areas to be covered under the supervision of a CTR. There is no established time table for you to accumulate experience, and experience can be achieved and/or supplemented with volunteer hours, full- or part-time employment.

Question 12. What accommodations are provided for those who have special needs?

A. 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 13. If I apply for the CTR Exam and am not approved, is there a monetary penalty?

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

Question 14. I am applying via Route A, what if I am not able to send my transcripts with my application before the application deadline?

A. Send a letter from your school stating your graduation date with your completed application. Upon receipt of your transcripts, please forward them to NCRA.

Question 15. Does the Council on Certification offer training or prepared CTR Exam Preparatory materials?

A. 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 16. How do I request a request a Paper-and-Pencil exam?

A. Answer: If you are not planning to utilize the available computer-based testing sites (www.ncra-usa.org/ExamWhere), then you must request a Paper and Pencil Test. A special test center fee ($125 US) is required to fulfill your request. Return this completed and signed Paper & Pencil Request form with your application and fees, at least 8 weeks prior to the test date.