The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners consists of a database of certified medical examiners (MEs) who have passed certain tests and received specific training and certification. These enable these MEs to effectively determine if a driver’s medical fitness for duty meets FMCSA’s standards and related guidance.

The main job of the certified MEs is to perform medical examinations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in interstate commerce.

The goals and objectives of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

The National Registry was created to improve highway safety and driver health. The goal of this listing is to promote and preserve the highest level of professional standards, training, and care among medical examiners.

The objectives of the National Registry are to: 

• Ensure that medical examiners understand fully the medical standards in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and related guidance and how they apply to CMV drivers.
• Maintain ongoing competency of medical examiners through training, testing, certification and recertification.
• Promote public confidence in the quality of the medical examinations of CMV drivers.
• Ensure that the list of certified medical examiners is easily accessible.

FMCSA rules and regulation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published rules and regulations that created a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

As of May 21, 2014, the FMCSA:

• Requires that motor carriers and drivers use only medical examiners on the National Registry.
• Accepts as valid only those medical examiners listed on the National registry. This means that as of May 21, 2014, commercial drivers can no longer get a DOT exam performed by the following practitioners unless they are certified and listed on the National Registry of Medical Examiners:
  
  • A general practitioner
  • Internal medicine physician
  • Chiropractor
  • Other provider

Becoming a certified medical examiner

The certified MEs from the National Registry fully understand the medical standards in the FMCSA Regulations, related guidance and how they relate to the medical demands of operating a commercial motor vehicle.

All healthcare professionals can apply to become a certified medical examiner if their scope of practice authorizes them to perform physical examinations, as defined by the state in which they practice.

The National Registry requires medical examiners to participate in required training, pass a certification test, and register on the National Registry system to become a certified medical examiner. Certified medical examiners agree to keep their National Registry accounts up to date (licenses, training records, etc.).

Implementation of the National Registry program helps make our nation’s highways safer. It reflects the commitment of the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration towards this ideal.

The National Registry requires medical examiners to participate in required training, pass a certification test, and register on the National Registry system to become a certified medical examiner. Certified medical examiners agree to keep their National Registry accounts up to date (licenses, training records, etc.).

Learn more about becoming a certified medical examiner.