What Certified Medical Examiners Need to Know About the Required 5 Year Periodic Training — And How to Avoid Removal from the National Registry

Certified Medical Examiners (MEs) play a vital role in ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers on our nation’s roadways.

Maintaining certification requires staying current with FMCSA standards, including the mandatory 5 year Periodic Training. 5 year periodic training is essential for remaining active on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

For Medical Examiners seeking Initial Certification

Clinicians seeking to become Certified Medical Examiners must:

• Complete FMCSA approved training through an accredited organization such as NRCME Training Online, LLC located at: https://nrcmetrainingonline.com/

• Register with FMCSA and obtain a 10 digit National Registry Number.

• Pass the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Exam (NRCME exam).

Once certified, FMCSA will issue a certificate that will expire 10 years from the date of issuance.

Ongoing Requirements: 5 Year Training & 10 Year Recertification

After initial certification, MEs must complete:

• 5 year Periodic Training (Every 5 Years).

• 10 year Recertification by completing training through an accredited organization such as NRCME Training Online, LLC (https://nrcmetrainingonline.com/) and obtaining an updated certificate of completion from the accredited training organization.

Failure to complete either requirement can result in removal from the National Registry!

GOOD NEWS! The FMCSA Has Simplified the Process!

As of November 20, 2025, FMCSA has modernized the training experience for the 5-year Periodic Training. The 5 year Periodic Training is:

• Free of charge

• Accessible directly through the MEs National Registry Account

• Delivered through a new, user friendly Training Dashboard

What’s New in the Training Dashboard?

The updated dashboard provides:

• A centralized “one stop shop” for all FMCSA assigned trainings.

• Interactive knowledge checks to reinforce key concepts.

• Automatic tracking of completion certificates

• On demand access to help guides and FAQs

• Automatic migration of any pending 5 year training.

Eligibility Timeline: A Clear Example

Certified MEs become eligible for their 5 year training on the first day of their 4th year of certification and must complete it within one year.

Example:
“If a certified ME’s date of certification is 5/2/2022, they become eligible to complete 5 year periodic training on 5/2/2026 and must complete it by 5/2/2027.”

Support for Medical Examiners

For technical issues with the National Registry or Training Dashboard:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (617) 494 3003, option #2