The Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential signifies that the individual has acquired the basic knowledge and professional competence needed to serve in a cancer registry role. Once the candidate has met the pre-examination requirements and achieved a passing score on the exam they are entitled to use “CTR” after their name. A formal certificate is sent to the candidate from the NCRA Council on Certification. Once the initial certificate is awarded the CTR must maintain their credentialed status by completing a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits every two calendar years and pay an annual fee for credential renewal.
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by meeting a prescribed set of education and experience requirements in the cancer registry field. NCRA has several resources to assist with this evaluation. Click here to be redirected to their website.
CTR Exam Testing
After providing documentation to verify the requirements are met, candidates may take the exam during one of the three, three-week windows or testing periods that are held each year. An application must be submitted by the deadline prior to the exam date. The NCRA website and CTR Exam Registration Process and Handbook have additional information on testing fees and how to apply for testing.
CTR Exam Content
Preparing for the CTR exam should not be taken lightly. This is a professional examination to demonstrate foundational skills and knowledge and as such, the candidate must prepare and study in advance. In 2021 the exam is composed of 180 multiple-choice test items, based on seven (7) domains of professional practice as noted below. Test questions are prepared by Subject Matter Experts (SME) in the cancer registry profession that come from diverse backgrounds and professional roles. The seven domains are:
- Casefinding (10%)
- Data Quality Assurance (15%)
- Abstracting and Coding (35%)
- Analysis and Data Usage (10%)
- Follow-up (10%)
- Registry Organization and Operations (10%)
- Cancer Program Accreditations (10%)
The exam is comprised of both open-book and closed-book sessions. One hundred twenty (120) questions are in the closed book portion and sixty (60) test items are in the open-book portion. The open-book portion focuses on casefinding, staging, cancer treatment, case validation or “edits,” case finalization and follow-up. It is followed by the closed-book portion of the exam. Candidates must complete both sessions in four (4) hours. To view a detailed content outline, click here.
To learn more about the CTR exam and to download a copy of the various resources available, click here.