National Registry of Certified Medical
Examiners (NRCME) Exam Prep:
Practice Questions with Rationales
Based on FMCSA Regulations
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FOUNDATIONS & CERTIFICATION
(Questions 1–15)
1. What federal regulation establishes the physical qualification standards for
interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers?
A) 49 CFR Part 40
B) 49 CFR Part 382
C) 49 CFR Part 391
D) 49 CFR Part 395
Answer: C) 49 CFR Part 391
Rationale: 49 CFR Part 391 contains the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) governing qualifications of drivers, including physical qualification standards
in §391.41. Part 40 covers drug and alcohol testing, Part 382 covers controlled
substances, and Part 395 covers hours of service.
,2. How long is a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card) typically issued
for?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
Answer: C) 2 years
Rationale: A Medical Examiner's Certificate is generally valid for up to 24 months (2
years). However, the medical examiner may certify a driver for a shorter period (e.g., 3
months, 6 months, or 1 year) if a medical condition requires more frequent monitoring.
3. Which agency maintains the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
(NRCME)?
A) NHTSA
B) FMCSA
C) OSHA
D) EPA
Answer: B) FMCSA
Rationale: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) administers the
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). Medical examiners must be
certified and listed on this registry to perform DOT physical examinations for interstate
CMV drivers.
,4. What is the minimum frequency for recertification of a medical examiner on the
NRCME?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 5 years
C) Every 10 years
D) Annually
Answer: C) Every 10 years
Rationale: NRCME certification is valid for 10 years. Medical examiners must complete
recertification requirements, including continuing education and passing the
recertification examination, to maintain their status on the National Registry.
5. A driver presents with a blood pressure of 165/100 mmHg. According to FMCSA
guidelines, what is the appropriate action?
A) Certify for 2 years
B) Certify for 1 year with monitoring
C) Issue a 3-month certificate and require follow-up
D) Disqualify immediately
Answer: C) Issue a 3-month certificate and require follow-up
Rationale: FMCSA guidelines classify hypertension as follows: Stage 1 (140-159/90-99)
may be certified for 1 year; Stage 2 (160-179/100-109) warrants a 3-month certificate
with follow-up demonstrating blood pressure controlled to ≤140/90; Stage 3
(≥180/110) requires disqualification until controlled.
, 6. Which of the following is NOT a required component of the DOT physical
examination?
A) Vision acuity testing
B) Hearing assessment
C) Blood pressure measurement
D) Chest X-ray
Answer: D) Chest X-ray
Rationale: Chest X-ray is NOT a routine requirement of the DOT physical examination.
Required components include medical history review, vision testing (acuity and field),
hearing assessment, blood pressure/pulse, urinalysis, and a comprehensive physical
examination of all body systems.
7. A medical examiner must report a driver's certification status to the FMCSA
within what timeframe?
A) 24 hours
B) 48 hours
C) 7 days
D) 30 days
Answer: A) 24 hours
Rationale: Certified medical examiners must electronically transmit the results of the
physical examination, including certification status, to FMCSA through the National
Registry system within 24 hours of completing the examination.
Examiners (NRCME) Exam Prep:
Practice Questions with Rationales
Based on FMCSA Regulations
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FOUNDATIONS & CERTIFICATION
(Questions 1–15)
1. What federal regulation establishes the physical qualification standards for
interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers?
A) 49 CFR Part 40
B) 49 CFR Part 382
C) 49 CFR Part 391
D) 49 CFR Part 395
Answer: C) 49 CFR Part 391
Rationale: 49 CFR Part 391 contains the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) governing qualifications of drivers, including physical qualification standards
in §391.41. Part 40 covers drug and alcohol testing, Part 382 covers controlled
substances, and Part 395 covers hours of service.
,2. How long is a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card) typically issued
for?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
Answer: C) 2 years
Rationale: A Medical Examiner's Certificate is generally valid for up to 24 months (2
years). However, the medical examiner may certify a driver for a shorter period (e.g., 3
months, 6 months, or 1 year) if a medical condition requires more frequent monitoring.
3. Which agency maintains the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
(NRCME)?
A) NHTSA
B) FMCSA
C) OSHA
D) EPA
Answer: B) FMCSA
Rationale: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) administers the
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). Medical examiners must be
certified and listed on this registry to perform DOT physical examinations for interstate
CMV drivers.
,4. What is the minimum frequency for recertification of a medical examiner on the
NRCME?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 5 years
C) Every 10 years
D) Annually
Answer: C) Every 10 years
Rationale: NRCME certification is valid for 10 years. Medical examiners must complete
recertification requirements, including continuing education and passing the
recertification examination, to maintain their status on the National Registry.
5. A driver presents with a blood pressure of 165/100 mmHg. According to FMCSA
guidelines, what is the appropriate action?
A) Certify for 2 years
B) Certify for 1 year with monitoring
C) Issue a 3-month certificate and require follow-up
D) Disqualify immediately
Answer: C) Issue a 3-month certificate and require follow-up
Rationale: FMCSA guidelines classify hypertension as follows: Stage 1 (140-159/90-99)
may be certified for 1 year; Stage 2 (160-179/100-109) warrants a 3-month certificate
with follow-up demonstrating blood pressure controlled to ≤140/90; Stage 3
(≥180/110) requires disqualification until controlled.
, 6. Which of the following is NOT a required component of the DOT physical
examination?
A) Vision acuity testing
B) Hearing assessment
C) Blood pressure measurement
D) Chest X-ray
Answer: D) Chest X-ray
Rationale: Chest X-ray is NOT a routine requirement of the DOT physical examination.
Required components include medical history review, vision testing (acuity and field),
hearing assessment, blood pressure/pulse, urinalysis, and a comprehensive physical
examination of all body systems.
7. A medical examiner must report a driver's certification status to the FMCSA
within what timeframe?
A) 24 hours
B) 48 hours
C) 7 days
D) 30 days
Answer: A) 24 hours
Rationale: Certified medical examiners must electronically transmit the results of the
physical examination, including certification status, to FMCSA through the National
Registry system within 24 hours of completing the examination.
