Joint Commission Resources (JCR) today announced the launch of the Joint Commission Certified Accreditation Professional™ (JCCAP™) program. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission. This new professional certification program is designed to provide accreditation professionals with distinguishing recognition and credentials and to enhance the skills and expertise of those professionals responsible for planning, leading, and executing accreditation compliance activities within their health care organization, specifically hospitals at this launch. JCCAP is specifically for Joint Commission accreditation professionals and is the only certification program endorsed by The Joint Commission and designed and developed by experts from Joint Commission Resources and The Joint Commission. The new program is launching in response to customer demand for a credible, robust professional recognition from The Joint Commission. To attain the JCCAP credential, a professional must pass an examination on topics such as understanding The Joint Commission accreditation process and the standards. The exam focuses on the standards areas of Medical Staff, Environment of Care and Leadership, as well as patient safety and ongoing performance and organizational analysis. The exam also covers the requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services related to hospitals. Interested professionals can apply for JCCAP beginning September 5, 2012, and the first exam will be offered in January 2013 (and quarterly thereafter in April, July, and October). The cost of certification, including application processing and the sitting fee for the exam, is $375. The cost for recertification after a three year period is $350. For more information about the JCCAP program, visit www.jcrinc.com/jccap, or e-mail jccap@jcrinc.com.