To be eligible for the Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager Supervisor (CBHCMS) credential, all applicants must ultimately meet the minimum requirements outlined below. These requirements ensure that every CBHCMS professional is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide effective, ethical behavioral health case manager services.
The following information provides an overview of the CBHCMS requirements – detailed information is provided in the CBHCMS Standards and Requirements Table.
Requirements Overview
🎓 Formal Education
- A bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
📚 CBHCMS Training
- Completion of 50 hours of training in CBHCMS-approved topics, designed to build foundational skills in behavioral health case management.
💼 Work Experience
- Completion of hours of relevant work experience depending on the degree held.
👥 Supervision
- At least 50 hours of direct supervision, focused on developing your knowledge and skills as a case manager.
📝 Letters of Recommendation
- Submission of three letters of recommendation that support your readiness and suitability for CBHCMS certification.
🖥️ Exam Requirement
- Applicants may only register for the exam after application requirements have been reviewed and approved by the Certification Board.
- Pass a 100-item, multiple-choice certification exam. The exam is designed to assess knowledge, skills, and competencies essential to behavioral health case management practice.
- The passing score is 70%, with all questions weighed equally.
Standard Application Pathway
Currently, the only pathway to full certification for the Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager Supervisor (CBHCMS) credential is through an application process based on your existing experience as a behavioral health case manager.
💼 Standard Pathway
Choose this path if you have already met all the following:
- Required education
- Completed CBHCMS training
- Completion of hours of relevant work experience based on degree held.
- Required supervision hours
If you’re ready to apply for the CBHCMS credential, see the CBHCMS Standards and Requirements Table for detailed instructions.
If you have additional questions, contact us for guidance.
Click on the standard application pathway button to access detailed information on application, examination, credential award, and maintenance/renewal requirements, processes, and procedures.