NRCME EXAM
Vision requirements
20/40 each eye and 20/40 both eyes
Peripheral vision
70 degrees
Federal exemption for monocular vision: can certify for how long?
1 year
Hearing requirements
Whisper at not less than 5 feet better ear, or average hearing loss no greater than 40
dB at 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000 Hz.
Name 4 otic conditions that are automatic DQs
Meniere’s, uncontrolled vertigo, labyrinthine fistula, nonfunctioning labyrinth
Max cert period for Syncope
1 year (needs neurologist clearance)
Post MI drivers can be certified for 1 year with all 5 of these criteria: (almost the
same criteria for post CABG) (first 4 also apply for CHF drivers)
- Asymptomatic
- Tolerating meds
- Satisfactory ETT with workload capacity of 6 METs (has to have this biennially)
- LVEF >=40%
- No ST depression on ECG – for post CABG this one is replaced by completely healed
sternal incision
Stable angina: max cert period
1 year
Minimum waiting period post CABG
3 months
Min waiting period for post heart transplant
1 year
Max cert period for post heart transplant
6 months
Min waiting period post PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention)
1 week
Min waiting period for pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction
1 month
Min waiting period for pacemaker implantation for neuro cardiogenic syncope or
hypersensitive carotid sinus with syncope
3 months