ODS Exam Preparation

The Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) credential is a nationally recognized mark of achievement that demonstrates a requisite knowledge and professional competence needed within the cancer registry. The process to become a ODS ensures that individuals have met or exceeded the standard level of experience and technical knowledge required for effective cancer data management. NCRA offers candidates several tools to prepare for the exam, including an online practice test, ODS Exam Prep Archived Workshop sessions, and the NCRA Study Guide for the ODS Exam: 2026 Edition. Information regarding these tools can be found under ODS Prep Activities and ODS Prep Publications.

NOTE: NCRA ODS Exam study tools are intended to assist candidates in preparing for the examination. NCRA does not warrant, guarantee, or imply that use of these resources will ensure a passing result on the examination. Individual examination outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s preparation, knowledge, and test performance.

For more information on how to become a cancer registrar and earn the ODS visit Paths to the Profession.

• ODS Prep Activities - These activities include the ODS Exam Prep Archived Workshop sessions and the online practice test for the ODS Exam (updated  for 2026).

• ODS Prep Publications - Includes publications used to assist candidates with studying for the ODS Exam. These publications include the NCRA Study Guide for the ODS Exam, 2026 Edition and the Cancer Registry Management: Principles and Practices for Hospitals and Central Registries (Fourth Edition).