RTWDM/Study Guide
Return to Work Disability Manager, RTWDM
Scope of Practice
Return to Work Disability Managers, RTWDM have specialized expertise in developing, coordinating & implementing timely & effective individualized return to work programs following illness or injuries, to enable clients to return to productive & meaningful participation in job duties while ensuring their safety & the safety of others in the workplace. Registrants with this specialty possess a unique set of knowledge, experiences, skills, as well as the ability to determine & apply interventions and strategies, which are used to support affected worker, employers, unions, health care providers & any other stakeholder. Registrants with this specialty are responsible for minimizing the impact of illness or injuries on workers, coworkers, employers & organizations while maximizing the recovery of the affected worker.
Areas of Expertise
The RTWDM provides services necessary to assist workers who, due to an injury or illness, experience, or at risk of experiencing, a loss of function to remain at work &/or return to work.
Click here for the RTWDM Study Guide
Reopening RTWDM Grandfathering
We are excited to announce the reopening of the Grandfathering for the Return to Work Disability Manager (RTWDM) credential. The RTWDM credential is of continuing interest to applicants & having further access to grandfathering to this credential is a means of enhancing professional qualifications. Disability management is a field steeped in insurance-based rehabilitation. Over the years, the industry has expanded & now covers a wide variety of services and solutions to benefit people. The RTWDM will provide those services necessary to assist workers who, due to an injury or illness, experience, or at risk of experiencing, a loss of function to remain at work &/or return to work.
Grandfathering is open until June 30, 2023.
After the Grandfathering phase certification eligibility criteria is based on experience &/or formal education as well as the passing of an examination.
RTWDM Grandfathering Eligibility & Application Process
Prior to submitting an application, forward your current resume/CV to info@cvrp.ca to determine eligibility at no cost.
1. Application & Fee. Application fee is non-refundable; Fee Schedule; &
2. Proof of citizenship, passport or other government issued identification; &
3. Original education transcripts. Due to COVID-19 CVRP is accepting soft copies of transcripts; &
4. A Registrant in good standing holding any of the College’s credentials; or
5. A member in good standing with VRA holding designations of RRP, RVP, RCSS; or
6. A member in good standing with a disability management related association holding a credential such as CDMP, CHRP, CRTWC, CCC; or
7. Demonstrated work experience in disability management minimum of 800 hours confirmed in writing by employer. If self-employed a minimum of 800 hours confirmed by clients; &
8. Submit a current Vulnerable Sector Police Check(VSPC)/Criminal Police Check(PC); &
9. Provide a current Error & Omissions(E&O)/Liability Insurance; &
10. A Registrant profile is created &/or updated on the Public Registry, to display certification status(s).
Click here for the RTWDM Grandfathering Application
RTWDM Eligibility & application process
Prior to submitting an application, forward your current resume/CV to info@cvrp.ca to determine eligibility at no cost.
1. Application & Fee (includes examination). Application fee is non-refundable. Fee Schedule; &
2. Proof of citizenship, passport or other government issued identification; &
3. Original education transcripts. Due to COVID-19 CVRP is accepting soft copies of transcripts; &/or
4. Proof of Disability Management Experience;
1. Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional designation (CVRP), with a minimum 50 hours of Return to Work/Disability Management competency related courses during the last 5 years & minimum of 800 FTE hours performing roles & responsibilities during the last 5 years, with at least 50% or more of time in the delivery of Return to Work/Disability Management services; or
2. Post graduate degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Disability Management, or a Vocational Rehabilitation-related field (nursing, social work, occupational health nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, kinesiology, chiropractic, MD) (If program was completed more than 5 years prior to year of application, minimum 50 hours of Return to Work/Disability Management competency related courses during the last 5 years). Minimum of 800 FTE hours performing roles & responsibilities during the last 5 years, with at least 50% or more of time in the delivery of Return to Work/Disability Management services; or
3. Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Disability Management, or a Vocational Rehabilitation-related field (nursing, social work, occupational health nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, kinesiology, chiropractic) (If program was completed more than 5 years prior to year of application, minimum 50 hours of Return to Work/Disability Management competency related courses during the last 5 years). Minimum of 1 year performing roles & responsibilities during the last 5 years, minimum 50% or more of time in the delivery of Return to Work/Disability Management services; or
4. Diploma or certificate program in Vocational Rehabilitation or Disability Management (If program was completed more than 5 years prior to year of application, 50 hours of Return to Work/Disability Management. Minimum of 2 years performing roles & responsibilities during the last 5 years, with at least 50% or more of time in the delivery of Return to Work/Disability Management services; &
5. Submit a current Vulnerable Sector Police Check(VSPC)/Criminal Police Check(PC); &
6. Provide current Errors & Omissions(E&O)/Liability Insurance; &
Click for the RTWDM Application
An Applicant achieves certification upon the following:
7. Successful Examination minimum of 70%. Applicant must sit the examination within 1 year of application submission; &
8. Initial (first year) Registration fee within 60 days of successful examination. Fee Schedule
A Registrant profile is created &/or updated on the Public Registry, to display current certification status(s).
The RTWDM online examination with virtual proctoring is available. The online examination is 3 hours, consisting of 150 skill-based, multiple-choice & scenario questions. Examination content is standardized and a passing grade of 70% is required for Certification. If a rewrite is required the fees are payable to CVRP, the online eaxmination provider and virtual proctor. An applicant must sit the examination within 1 year of application submission. Click here for Fee Schedule
Click for more information on Online Examinations
RTWDM Certification Compliance
Annual Renewal Application/Fee/Insurance
Biennial 20 CEUs Click here for Core Competencies/Domains of Learning
3 must be Ethics (Domain 8 Vocational Rehabilitation or 6 Vocational Evaluation)
10 must be Case/Disability Management (Domain 7 Vocational Rehabilitation)
5 Year VSPC/Criminal Police Check
Note* if Registrant holds multiple certifications CEU domain compliances vary.
Click for the Approved CEU List
For CEUs that do not appear on the approved CEU list, Registrants & Education Stakeholders can submit a pre &/or post-approval for an education program.
CEU post-approval application
CEU pre-approval application
Click for the Annual Renewal Policy
Click for Registration Polices
If you would like more information, contact CVRP.