Full QME Review Access: $395

October 2026 Exam

Exam Window: October 3–9, 2026

Application Deadline: August 19, 2026 (passed — applications are now closed for this exam cycle)

April 2027 Exam

Dates not yet announced by DWC

Based on past years, expect the announcement around January 2027, with the exam typically held in mid-April

Application deadlines are typically set 6–8 weeks before the exam window — so plan to have your license, training hours, and required documentation ready well before dates are released

Don't wait for the announcement to start preparing. Application windows can be short once they open, and candidates who've already completed their training hours and reviewed exam content are best positioned to apply the moment DWC opens registration.

Get early access — be notified when April 2027 registration opens →

The California QME exam is required for doctors who want to perform Qualified Medical Evaluations in California workers' compensation cases. QMEs evaluate injured workers, determine impairment using the AMA Guides 5th Edition, and prepare medical-legal reports for the California Division of Workers' Compensation.

Doctors must submit applications before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Official exam information from the DWC: dir.ca.gov/dwc/MedicalUnit 

Pearson VUE registration: pearsonvue.com/us/en/qme.html 

To take the California QME exam, physicians must meet eligibility requirements from the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Requirements typically include:

• Active California medical or chiropractic license

• Required continuing education hours

• Application submission with QME Form 100 and Form 102

• Agreement to follow California workers’ compensation regulations

Always confirm current requirements on the DIR website.

Preparing for the QME exam requires knowledge of:

California workers' compensation law

Medical-legal report writing

Impairment rating using AMA Guides 5th Edition

Case analysis and documentation

Ethical and professional standards

Many physicians choose structured preparation programs to review key topics and practice exam-style questions. QME Review provides:

Realistic QME exam simulations

AMA Guides 5th Edition review

Medical-legal report writing guidance

California workers' compensation concepts

Self-paced learning for busy physicians

Becoming a Qualified Medical Evaluator can help physicians:

Expand professional opportunities

Participate in medical-legal practice

Serve injured workers and the legal system

Develop expertise in impairment rating and occupational medicine

California continues to need experienced QMEs, and many physicians begin this path every year.

The fee for the California QME exam is $125. This fee is required as part of the application process, administered by Pearson VUE in partnership with CPS HR Consulting. To register, 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.