Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Specialist Certification Exam Update
The Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Specialist Certification Exam will be paused for 2026 while important updates are made to enhance the content, structure, and overall exam experience. These updates are designed to ensure that the certification continues to reflect the most current knowledge and best practices in the care of people with rare neuroimmune disorders.
We appreciate your understanding and commitment to advancing excellence in neuroimmunology care. Updated information, including the revised exam timeline, will be shared in 2026.
For any questions, please contact Kathleen Costello, Interim CEO CMSC and IOMSN at kcostello@mscare.org.
Rare neuroimmunologic disorders are complex with potentially lifelong complications that affect many aspects of an individual’s life. These rare autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system include Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Transverse Myelitis (TM), Optic Neuritis (ON), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis (NMDAR-Ab). Management of these disorders will require the expertise of multiple disciplines working together to meet the dynamic needs of the person and the family. Rapid advances in the treatment of rare neuroimmunologic disorders require that health professionals have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care. The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers supports a voluntary certification process that reflects the knowledge of multiple disciplines in the specialized care of rare neuroimmunologic disorders.
Certification is intended to promote quality and consistent care to those living with rare neuroimmunologic disorders by:
- Formally recognizing knowledge across the multiple disciplines that are necessary for rare neuroimmunologic disorders care delivery.
- Establishing a level of knowledge required for Certification in Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders.
- Providing encouragement for continued personal and professional growth in the care of individuals with rare neuroimmunologic disorders.
- Providing a standard of knowledge requisite for certification, thereby assisting the employer, public, and members of the health professions in the assessment of healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with rare neuroimmunologic disorders.
All licensed health professionals, with a recommended one year of experience in providing services for or interacting with individuals with rare neuroimmunologic disorders, will be eligible to take a certification examination in rare neuroimmunologic disorders. Those who successfully pass the Certification Examination in Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders are eligible to use the registered designation CRND after their names and will receive certificates from CMSC.
Who is eligible?
- Be a currently licensed (or appropriate equivalent) healthcare professional. Â A copy of your license certification must be submitted with your application.
- Complete and file an Application Certification Examination in Rare Neuroimmunoligic Disorders.
- Candidates must fill out and submit the application and examination fee on or before the application deadline.
What content is covered in the examination?
The CRND Examination is a computer-based examination composed of a maximum of 175 multiple-choice, objective questions witha total testing time of three (3) hours. The questions for the examination are obtained from individuals with expertise in rare neuroimmunologic disorders are reviewed for construction, accuracy, and appropriateness by CRNDs. The Certification Examination in Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders will be weighted in approximately the following manner:
- Scientific Basis for Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders 20%
- Diagnosis 25%
- Treatment/Interventions 30%
- Health Maintenance 15%
- Patient Empowerment 10%
What is the cost for applying?
- Examination fee: $345.00 USD
- Payment by Visa, Master Card or check is accepted (Checks must be made payable to PTC)
- Online Registration is available at www.ptcny.com
Examination Process
The Certification Examination is administered twice a year during an established two-week period on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at computer-based testing facilities managed by PSI. PSI has several hundred testing sites in the United States, as well as Canada. Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-served basis. To find a testing center near you, visit PTCNY or call 1-800-733-9267.
WINTER 2026 TESTING PERIOD
Application deadline: December 5, 2025
Exam period: Saturday, January 3, 2026 – Saturday, January 17, 2026
SUMMER 2026 TESTING PERIOD
Application deadline: May 6, 2026
Exam period: Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Saturday, June 20, 2026
Please note: Hours and days of availability vary at different centers. To schedule your examination appointment, you must have received a Scheduling Authorization first from PTC.
More information
Visit PTC to download a PDF version of the Handbook. Candidates can also apply online.
Professional Testing Corporation
1350 Broadway, 17th floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-356-0660
Fax: 212-356-0678
www.ptcny.com
Upcoming Test Schedules
Application Deadline:
December 6th, 2023
First Day of Testing:
Saturday, January 6th, 2024
Last Day of Testing:
Saturday, January 20th, 2024
Application Deadline:
May 1st, 2024
First Day of Testing:
Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Last Day of Testing:
Saturday, June 15th, 2024
