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Please take note of the following information: The fee for taking the California Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) exam is $125. This fee is a required part of the application process for the QME competency exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE in partnership with CPS HR Consulting. To register for the exam, applicants must submit the completed original Application for Appointment as Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME Form 100), along with the registration packet and fee, to the Medical Unit of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) for approval.

The exam lasts for 3 hours and includes 200 multiple-choice questions covering various subjects relevant to the test.

Are you preparing for the 2026 Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) Competency Examination in California? Understanding the exam structure and content is essential for success. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the QME exam topics, question distribution, and weighting to help you focus your study efforts effectively.

QME Exam Content Outline and Weighting

The QME exam consists of 200 questions divided into four key sections. Each section assesses your knowledge and expertise in workers’ compensation and medical evaluation. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Clinical Assessment/Evaluation and Medical Treatment

   - Number of Questions: 40  

   - Weighting: 20% of the exam  

   - Focus: This section evaluates your ability to assess clinical conditions, recommend appropriate medical treatments, and apply evidence-based practices in workers’ compensation cases.

2. Disability Issues, Qualified Injured Worker (QIW), Vouchers, and Permanent & Stationary (P&S) Status* 

   - Number of Questions: 50  

   - Weighting: 25% of the exam  

   - Focus: This section tests your knowledge of disability ratings, QIW status, vocational rehabilitation vouchers, and the determination of permanent and stationary conditions.

3. Causation and Apportionment 

   - Number of Questions: 30  

   - Weighting: 15% of the exam  

   - Focus: This section assesses your understanding of the causation of injuries and how to apportion disability between work-related and non-work-related factors.

4. Basic Laws and Regulations and Report Writing Elements  

   - Number of Questions: 80  

   - Weighting: 40% of the exam  

   - Focus: As the largest section of the exam, this part tests your knowledge of California workers’ compensation laws and regulations, as well as the essential elements of writing clear and compliant medical-legal reports.

Total QME Exam Structure

- Total Questions: 200  

- Total Weighting: 100% of the exam

Why This Breakdown Matters:

Understanding the QME exam content and weighting allows you to prioritize your study time effectively. Concentrate on areas with higher question counts and weighting, such as Basic Laws and Regulations and Report Writing Elements, while also ensuring you are well-prepared for all sections.

Tips for Success:

- Create a Study Plan:** Allocate more time to sections with higher weighting.

- Use Reliable Resources:** Review California workers’ compensation laws, regulations, and guidelines.

- Practice Report Writing:** Since report writing constitutes a significant part of the exam, practice drafting clear, concise, and compliant reports.

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