Our convenient online examinations are available for the Fifth and Sixth Editions of the AMA Guides. You may take one or both examinations.
1. What should I know?
In order to pass the exam, participants must demonstrate the following:
- Understanding the terminology and concepts of impairment evaluation.
- Ability to assess permanent impairment of musculoskeletal injuries, including those of the spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities.
- Ability to assess permanent impairment of nervous system disorders and pain.
- Ability to use the Guides to evaluate other impairments.
2. Unsure whether you’re ready?
Recommended options:
- No-cost: assess your knowledge and skills with a 10-item sample examination:
- You may prepare via online training at www.emedicolegal.com or training offered by the International Academy of Independent Medical Examiners (IAIME).
3. Register to take the exam.
Register today; the process is easy! The fee is $495.(IAIME members are provided with a significant discount; please contact IAIME for further information.)
This approach is more cost-efficient than traveling to take prerequisite seminars and exams in person, plus travel expenses. Not to mention the indirect costs associated with being away from your office for those times — it can easily add up to thousands of dollars. Less cost, less hassle. In addition, this is an excellent learning experience. Your investment is a fraction of what most people receive for performing one evaluation.
By increasing your understanding of the use of the AMA Guides and demonstrating your qualifications, it is probable
that you will obtain more valued referrals.
Register Now, Test When Ready
(Note: The musculoskeletal exam is designed for providers who focus on musculoskeletal injuries, e.g., orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, and physical therapists.)
After registering, you may take the exam whenever you like. You may do this in one sitting or in segments, i.e., you take a portion and return later, as your schedule permits.
Most examinees take three (3) to four (4) hours to complete the full examination; however, you are not limited by time and take this over any length of time.
(No Risk 100% Unconditional Money Back Guarantee. If, for any reason, the examination does not meet your expectations and/or you do not find this to be an effective learning experience, your fee will be fully refunded. Simply contact us within 30 days of registering, and you will receive a prompt refund.)
4. Your Results
You will be notified of the results of your examination immediately.
If you are unsuccessful in passing, your registration entitles you to take the examination up to two more times, with at least three days between each.
Those who pass will:
- Receive a Certified Impairment Rater certificate immediately upon completion.
- Be entitled to use the abbreviation CIR® after your name and, in your curriculum vitae, the phrase: “Certified Impairment Rater.”
Sample Question, Sixth Edition
A 56-year-old man developed back and bilateral leg pain and experienced findings consistent with left S1 radiculopathy. He was managed conservatively, failed to improve, and underwent an L5–S1 diskectomy without improvement. A year later, he underwent an L4–S1 arthrodesis without improvement. On examination, at maximum medical improvement, he complained of back and leg pain. His PDQ score was 135. Examination revealed significant pain behavior, a positive SLR test, absent ankle reflex, and numbness along the lateral side of the foot. He had difficulty toes standing on the left, 3/5. The examiner determined residual single-level radiculopathy. On the basis of these findings and the diagnosis of lumbar disk herniation L5–S1 with multiple-level fusion, what is his impairment?
A. 12% WPI
B. 15% WPI
C. 19% WPI
D. 29% WPI