Description

The Certificate for OASIS Specialist-Clinical (COS-C) exam is the leading certification for demonstrating your expertise in Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) guidelines, showcasing your commitment to data accuracy in home health care.

This voluntary certification is nationally standardized and psychometrically validated, designed for Home Health Nurses, Therapists, and other professionals involved in comprehensive assessments, OASIS scoring, clinical record audits, or staff training.

HCAF is pleased to sponsor the paper-and-pencil version of the COS-C exam, offering it at a discounted rate compared to the computer-based test, which requires a visit to a testing center.

The COS-C exam covers:
OASIS regulations
Data collection time points
Patient populations
Data collection conventions
OASIS data set item-by-item guidance

Developed and administered by the OASIS Certificate & Competency Board (OCCB),the COS-C exam reflects the most current Medicare guidance and is administered according to strict protocols to maintain the integrity of the certification. Since its inception in 2004, over 30,000 candidates have successfully completed the exam.

Exam Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take the COS-C exam?

Registration will begin at 8:15 am and exam candidates must check-in at the exam site by 8:45 AM on the day of the exam. The exam is open to all participants. There are no prerequisites other than a desire to demonstrate your knowledge of CMS data collection guidance and commitment to OASIS data accuracy. Suggested professions: Home Health Nurses, Therapists, or other home healthcare professionals responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, coding OASIS items, auditing clinical records, or educating and orienting staff.

How long does the exam take?

2.5 hours, 100 multiple-choice questions. Exam results are reported as Pass or Fail. At exam check-in, candidates must present two forms of Identification, one of which must be a valid government-issued ID.

What's on the COS-C exam?

The COS-C exam covers CMS rules and instructions on the OASIS time points, regulations, patient populations and OASIS item-specific coding. The exam is open-book; candidates are allowed to bring ANY paper-based OASIS reference materials into the examination. These materials can include, but are not limited to: CMS Core OASIS Documents, OASIS Guidance Manual, CMS OASIS Q&As, the Blueprint for OASIS Accuracy handout, and an Instant OASIS Answers book.

How much does certification cost?

Paper & Pencil exams cost $250 for initial testing and $200 for renewal testing. If it has been more than three years since your last exam, your COS-C designation has lapsed and you will need to pay the initial testing rate.

Are there any refunds or credits?

No refunds: Exam registration fees are non-refundable. No refunds or credits are available for exam candidates who do not attend their scheduled exam.

Credits/transfers: If OASIS Answers is notified of inability to test prior to the testing date, candidates will be offered a credit for the full amount of the exam fee. This credit is good for 12 months. Paper & Pencil credit is transferable to another Paper & Pencil exam date, another candidate, or as partial payment for Computer-Based Test registration. Account credit is forfeited if unused by the end of the 12 month period.

How do I register for the COS-C exam?

Separate registration and fees are required to sit for the exam. Register at least one week in advance of the exam. Click here for details.