Apply for the RCC
A complete guide for the RCC application process.
RCC Eligibility Requirements
A combination of the following educational and professional experience is required to apply for an RCC exam. Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
RCC-MDR exam eligibility requirements
One of the following educational and professional experience requirement combinations is required to apply:
- Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate Degree in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, or relative sciences + one year of regulatory-related* experience with medical devices
OR
- Four years of regulatory-related experience with medical devices.
RCC-IVDR exam eligibility requirements
One of the following educational and professional experience requirement combinations is required to apply:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate Degree in medicine, pharmacy, engineering or relative sciences and one year of regulatory-related experience* with in vitro diagnostics
OR
- Four years of regulatory-related experience with in vitro diagnostics
To access more application details and instructions on how to apply, download the Candidate Guide for each exam below.
Download the 2025 RCC-IVDR Candidate Guide Download the 2025 RCC-MDR Candidate Guide
* Regulatory-related experience may include quality assurance, quality control, clinical research related to the approval of health products, or health product management
How to Apply
Ready to apply for your RCC exam? Click the button below to sign up for an RCC exam.
Apply
Application Cancellation and Refunds
To cancel your application, submit a written request to the RAPS Program Office before the application deadline (prior to any transfers). There is an administrative fee for canceled applications. Candidates are ineligible for refunds following a transfer. Requests to cancel after the deadline will be rejected. For full information, see the RCC Candidate Guides.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The RCC program does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Submitting Payment
The correct payment must accompany applications.
Application Receipt Confirmation
Receipt of a “thank you” e-mail signifies application receipt. The
RAPS Program Office will contact candidates with application questions or if an application is selected for audit.
Preparing for the RCC Exam
The RCC examinations are challenging, so it is important to develop a study plan to prepare for the examination. Your plan should be based on your knowledge, experience and preferred approach to learning. You do not need to be registered for an RCC exam in order to start preparing.
Here are some things to consider:
- Review the exam content outline — The content outline in the Appendix section of each RCC Candidate Guide contains the exam topics and approximate exam content weights.
- Assess knowledge gaps — Use the RCC study checklists to evaluate areas of strength and weakness.
- Build and implement a plan — Allow time to build a knowledge base in gaps areas. Review the RCC reference lists to close gaps and supplement your knowledge.
Key exam facts:
- Content is updated annually
- Exams consist of 120 questions
- There are two question formats: recall and application
- Candidates have two and a half hours to complete their exam
- All exams are computer-based
- Exams may be taken at a testing center or online
RCC prep resources:
RCC Exam Schedule
How to Apply
Apply
To take the RCC exam, you must register for an exam window. The exams are offered in three testing windows throughout the year. Note that transfer fees apply after Transfer Fee Deadline.
Application Deadlines and Testing Windows
|
Application Deadline |
Window Open |
Window Close |
Transfer Fee Deadline |
Autumn 2024 |
Thursday, 3 October, 2024 |
Monday, 4 November, 2024 |
Friday, 6 December, 2024 |
Thursday, 3 October, 2024 |
Spring 2025 |
Thursday, 27 February, 2025 |
Monday, 24 March, 2025 |
Friday, 25 April, 2025 |
Thursday, 27 February, 2025 |
Summer 2025 |
Thursday, 19 June, 2025 |
Monday, 14 July, 2025 |
Friday, 15 August, 2025 |
Thursday, 19 June, 2025 |
Fall 2025 |
Thursday, 2 October, 2025 |
Monday, 3 November, 2025 |
Friday, 5 December, 2025 |
Thursday, 2 October, 2025 |
Applications and payment must be received by 11:59 pm (US Eastern Time) on the application deadline dates listed above. Applications received after the deadline will not be processed.
Application Fees
2025 Pricing |
RAPS Member |
$275 |
Non-Member |
$375 |
Transfer |
$250 |
Withdrawal |
$100 |
Candidates must be a RAPS member at the time of application submission to receive the members’ rate. If applying for RAPS membership prior to applying, ensure RAPS membership confirmation receipt before submitting the application. RAPS membership information at raps.org/join.
Exam Scheduling
Exams are scheduled directly with the contracted testing vendor, Meazure Learning, who will send “Notice to Schedule” emails approximately 10 days before the testing window starts. This email provides important exam scheduling instructions.
Applicants should add candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com to their email safe list.
Exams can be taken in-person or online. To see a list of in-person locations view the Meazure Learning Candidate Services. If you plan to take the exam online, please view the computer requirements for taking an RCC exam. For more on what to expect on exam day, visit the Meazure Learning page.
To learn more about the exam scheduling process, review the exam day section of each Candidate Guide, available below.
Up to two transfers are allowed. Deadlines and transfer fees apply. See the Candidate Guides for details and restrictions.
Download the 2025 RCC-IVDR Candidate Guide Download the 2025 RCC-MDR Candidate Guide
On Exam Day
Onsite Testing
What to Bring to the Testing Center
- Arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early with a copy of the exam confirmation e-mail and a valid government-issued ID. IDs must include name (in English characters or translation to compare with RCC application information), photograph, and signature. Make sure that the name on the ID EXACTLY matches that on the scheduling screen. If the ID lists more than one last name, the same last name must be reflected in the confirmation e-mail.
The following are acceptable ID forms:
- driver’s licenses
- military IDs
- passports
- national identification cards
- In case of a mismatch or incorrect name, contact RAPS immediately at +1 301 770 2920, ext. 200. Candidates who cannot produce ID or exact matching ID forfeit their exam fees and will not be permitted to take the exam.
Items Prohibited at the Testing Center
Candidates are prohibited from bringing the following items to the test center:
- cameras, cell phones, optical readers, or other electronic devices that include the ability to photograph, photocopy, or otherwise copy test materials
- notes, books, dictionaries, or language dictionaries
- book bags, luggage, purses, or handbags
- iPods, mp3 players, tablets, headphones, or pagers
- calculators, computers, PDAs, or other electronic devices with one or more memories
- personal writing utensils (i.e., pencils, pens, and highlighters)
- watches and other jewelry except for wedding or engagement rings
- food and beverages
- coats and jackets
- weapons
- hats, hoods, or other headwear are not permitted in the exam room unless required for religious purposes; all items are subject to inspection by the proctor if suspicious behavior is detected
- sweaters and sweatshirts without pockets or hoods are permitted
- Google and smart glasses (any glasses with electronics)
- medicine (except as expressly permitted in advance)
You will be provided with an:
- abbreviations table
Meazure Learning testing centers administer exams for multiple organizations. Others in the testing room may be taking different exams and have different rules for their exam, including time allocation and permitted items.
Online Testing
Authentication
- Show government-issued photo ID with a signature exactly matching the name used for registration
- Show username, password, and exam password from “Notice to Schedule” e-mail
Online Testing Privacy Statement
By taking the online exam, candidates attest that they understand the exam session, including video, is recorded and may be saved for up to one year. The recordings will be deleted no later than one year after the exam date. By agreeing to take the exam online, the candidate agrees to exam session recording and review by the testing agency and testing program owners.
Download the complete Candidate Guides here:
After the Exam
Exam Scoring
Exams are not scored at testing centers. A statistical report of scoring is reviewed by a statistician and the exam committee to assure ongoing quality of the exams.
Notification of Exam Results
RCC exam results are typically available six weeks after the last day of the testing window. Results will be sent via email. No results will be reported over the telephone. Results are released only to candidates.
RCC Recognition
A directory of all active RCC-credentialed professionals will be available online. Newly credentialed professionals will be added after all candidates are notified of their status. Anyone not wishing to be included in the online listing should contact the RAPS Program Office.
Retaking the Exam
Candidates who fail the exam are eligible to retake the exam starting in the next window. Candidates cannot retake the exam during the same window. To apply to retake the exam, candidates must submit a new application. There is no limit on the number of times a candidate may retake the exam. Retake fees apply.
Use of the RCC Designation
After passing, candidates may use the RCC-MDR or RCC-IVDR designation after their names, as well as on resumes, curriculum vitae, employment, and other professional records. This designation cannot be used by individuals who do not recertify.
Recertification
Recertification reinforces the importance of advancing your regulatory knowledge and skills and enhances ongoing professional development. The professional development required to maintain the RCC credential also helps sustain the global recognition, status, and value of the credential.
Download the RCC Recertification Guide
Recertification Fees $150 Member/$250 Nonmember