QME EXAM NEWEST ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE 350+
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED
A+||BRAND NEW VERSION!!
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive study guide features 400 completely unique, non-
repetitive practice questions covering the most frequently tested topics
on the California Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) Certification
Examination. Each question is distinct, with no repetition, and is paired
with the correct answer in bold italics and a detailed clinical rationale
explaining the underlying medical-legal principles and regulatory
requirements. Based on the latest 2026/2027 examination standards,
this resource is designed for physicians, chiropractors, psychologists,
and other healthcare professionals seeking QME certification through the
California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC).
SECTION 1: QME REGULATIONS, APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES &
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
,Question 1
A QME is evaluating a simple and routine low back sprain/strain for 5
minutes that had resolved with no need for further treatment, no need for
an impairment rating, there was no apportionment indicated, no need for
future medical care and no need to provide a report was objected to
because of which of the following reasons?
A) A resolved injury with no impairment cannot be the basis for an
admissible report
B) The QME spent less than 20 minutes face-to-face time evaluating the
IW with no explanation and did not provide a report
C) Apportionment must be at issue for a report to meet the standard of
evidence
D) Because the employer/insurance carrier determined that there was
no industrial causation
Answer: B) The QME spent less than 20 minutes face-to-face time
evaluating the IW with no explanation and did not provide a report
Explanation: The QME must spend at least 20 minutes face-to-face
time evaluating the injured worker, and if less time is spent, an
explanation must be provided. Failure to provide a report is also a
violation of QME requirements.
Question 2
,Apportionment can only be based on which of the following?
A) Causation of the permanent disability
B) Causation of the injury
C) Causation of the need for work limitations/restrictions
D) Pre-existing pathology, irrespective of impairment/disability
Answer: A) Causation of the permanent disability
Explanation: Apportionment can only be based on the causation of
the permanent disability, not on the causation of the injury itself or
pre-existing pathology alone. It must be based on the percentage of
permanent disability attributable to non-industrial factors.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a routine Activity of Daily Living, per the AMA
Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th Ed.)?
A) Sleep
B) Travel
C) Ability to work
D) Sexual function
Answer: C) Ability to work
, Explanation: The routine Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) per the AMA
Guides 5th Edition include sleep, travel, sexual function, and other
personal care activities. Ability to work is not considered a routine
ADL; it is a separate consideration in disability evaluation.
Question 4
If impairment for a given condition is not listed in the AMA Guide (5th Ed.),
the evaluator may use an impairment value for a listed condition that
more accurately characterizes the IW's impairment, as long as it:
A) Is contained within a chapter of the AMA Guide 5th Edition
B) Is validated by scientifically and peer-reviewed research
C) Is an impairment that does not exceed 50%
D) Is in ACOEM or MTUS
Answer: A) Is contained within a chapter of the AMA Guide 5th
Edition
Explanation: If a specific impairment is not listed in the AMA Guides
5th Edition, the evaluator may use an impairment value for a listed
condition that more accurately characterizes the IW's impairment,
as long as it is contained within a chapter of the AMA Guide 5th
Edition.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED
A+||BRAND NEW VERSION!!
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive study guide features 400 completely unique, non-
repetitive practice questions covering the most frequently tested topics
on the California Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) Certification
Examination. Each question is distinct, with no repetition, and is paired
with the correct answer in bold italics and a detailed clinical rationale
explaining the underlying medical-legal principles and regulatory
requirements. Based on the latest 2026/2027 examination standards,
this resource is designed for physicians, chiropractors, psychologists,
and other healthcare professionals seeking QME certification through the
California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC).
SECTION 1: QME REGULATIONS, APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES &
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
,Question 1
A QME is evaluating a simple and routine low back sprain/strain for 5
minutes that had resolved with no need for further treatment, no need for
an impairment rating, there was no apportionment indicated, no need for
future medical care and no need to provide a report was objected to
because of which of the following reasons?
A) A resolved injury with no impairment cannot be the basis for an
admissible report
B) The QME spent less than 20 minutes face-to-face time evaluating the
IW with no explanation and did not provide a report
C) Apportionment must be at issue for a report to meet the standard of
evidence
D) Because the employer/insurance carrier determined that there was
no industrial causation
Answer: B) The QME spent less than 20 minutes face-to-face time
evaluating the IW with no explanation and did not provide a report
Explanation: The QME must spend at least 20 minutes face-to-face
time evaluating the injured worker, and if less time is spent, an
explanation must be provided. Failure to provide a report is also a
violation of QME requirements.
Question 2
,Apportionment can only be based on which of the following?
A) Causation of the permanent disability
B) Causation of the injury
C) Causation of the need for work limitations/restrictions
D) Pre-existing pathology, irrespective of impairment/disability
Answer: A) Causation of the permanent disability
Explanation: Apportionment can only be based on the causation of
the permanent disability, not on the causation of the injury itself or
pre-existing pathology alone. It must be based on the percentage of
permanent disability attributable to non-industrial factors.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a routine Activity of Daily Living, per the AMA
Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th Ed.)?
A) Sleep
B) Travel
C) Ability to work
D) Sexual function
Answer: C) Ability to work
, Explanation: The routine Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) per the AMA
Guides 5th Edition include sleep, travel, sexual function, and other
personal care activities. Ability to work is not considered a routine
ADL; it is a separate consideration in disability evaluation.
Question 4
If impairment for a given condition is not listed in the AMA Guide (5th Ed.),
the evaluator may use an impairment value for a listed condition that
more accurately characterizes the IW's impairment, as long as it:
A) Is contained within a chapter of the AMA Guide 5th Edition
B) Is validated by scientifically and peer-reviewed research
C) Is an impairment that does not exceed 50%
D) Is in ACOEM or MTUS
Answer: A) Is contained within a chapter of the AMA Guide 5th
Edition
Explanation: If a specific impairment is not listed in the AMA Guides
5th Edition, the evaluator may use an impairment value for a listed
condition that more accurately characterizes the IW's impairment,
as long as it is contained within a chapter of the AMA Guide 5th
Edition.
