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Exam Review

Key Facts: SSDA Specialist Exam

100

Exam Questions

NBTA

Pass/Fail

Board Review

NBTA

5 hours

Exam Duration

NBTA

$2,000-$3,500

Exam Fee

NBTA (app + exam)

$9,200

Fee Agreement Cap

SSA 2025

5 years

Certification Validity

Recertification required

The NBTA SSDA exam is a 5-hour written examination with approximately 100 essay and multiple-choice questions. Pass is determined by the NBTA Board based on total performance and peer review. Candidates must have a JD, active bar membership, substantial SSA advocacy practice (typically 25%+ of practice for 5+ years), documented hearing and brief experience, CLE in SSA law, and peer references. Certification is valid 5 years; recertification via continued practice, CLE, and peer review. Fee: $2,000-$3,500.

Sample SSDA Specialist Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SSDA Specialist exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The Social Security Act defines 'disability' for adults as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:
A.Can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months
B.Limits the claimant in any way
C.Has lasted at least 6 months
D.Has been diagnosed by a specialist
Explanation: Under 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(1)(A) and the parallel SSI definition in 1382c(a)(3)(A), the adult disability standard requires inability to engage in any SGA due to a medically determinable impairment (MDI) expected to result in death or last 12+ continuous months (the durational requirement). Both the impairment and duration must be established by acceptable medical evidence. Children under 18 use a different standard (marked and severe functional limitations per SSR 09-1p).
2Insured status for SSDI (Title II) typically requires the worker to have:
A.40 quarters of coverage (credits) with at least 20 earned in the 10 years (40 quarters) before disability onset — for workers 31+
B.Any lifetime earnings
C.Current employment
D.US citizenship
Explanation: Fully insured status requires 40 quarters of coverage over a lifetime, with the 20/40 rule — at least 20 QCs in the 40 calendar-quarter period ending with the quarter of disability onset — for workers age 31+. Younger workers have reduced requirements: age 24-30 need credits in half the quarters since age 21; under age 24 need 6 QCs in the 12-quarter period before onset. Date Last Insured (DLI) is critical — disability must be established before DLI expires.
3The 2025 SSI resource limit for an individual is:
A.$2,000 countable resources
B.$3,000
C.$1,000
D.$5,000
Explanation: SSI resource limits have been $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples since 1989 — unchanged and not indexed. Congress has considered raising this (stuck-in-time limit) but has not acted. Exempt resources include the home, one vehicle, household goods, burial plot, and up to $1,500 burial account. SSDI has NO resource limit — it's an insurance benefit based on work history.
4The 2025 SGA threshold for non-blind claimants is:
A.$1,620 per month
B.$1,000 per month
C.$2,700 per month
D.$5,000 per month
Explanation: For 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for non-blind claimants and $2,700/month for statutorily blind (Title II only). SGA adjusts annually by national average wage index. Working at or above SGA at step 1 precludes disability — though special rules apply for subsidized employment, unsuccessful work attempts (UWA), and impairment-related work expenses (IRWE). TWP months count as SGA-level earnings ($1,160/month in 2025) but are protected during the TWP.
5At step 1 of the five-step sequential evaluation:
A.If the claimant is engaged in SGA, the claim is denied; if not, evaluation proceeds to step 2
B.The claimant's age is evaluated
C.The Listings are consulted
D.RFC is determined
Explanation: Step 1 (20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(i)): is claimant engaged in SGA? If yes, denial. If no, proceed to step 2. SGA at step 1 uses the monthly earnings threshold with adjustments for subsidies and IRWE. Self-employment uses three tests (significant services + substantial income, comparability, or worth of work). Work activity during the pending claim is NOT necessarily disqualifying if earnings fall below SGA or qualify as an unsuccessful work attempt.
6At step 2, a 'severe' impairment is one that:
A.Significantly limits physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities
B.Is listed in Appendix 1
C.Has lasted at least 2 years
D.Is supported by hospitalization
Explanation: Step 2 (20 CFR 404.1520(c)) is a de minimis screening — does the claimant have a medically determinable impairment or combination that significantly limits basic work activities (walking, sitting, lifting, understanding simple instructions, use of judgment, responding appropriately to supervision)? SSR 85-28 defines severity as 'more than slight.' Step 2 should NOT be used to deny claims with colorable evidence — Smolen v. Chater (9th Cir.). If not severe, denial; if severe, proceed to step 3.
7At step 3, if a claimant's impairment 'meets or equals' a Listing in Appendix 1 of Subpart P of Part 404:
A.The claimant is found disabled without proceeding to step 4 or 5
B.Evaluation continues to step 4
C.RFC is assessed
D.The claim is denied
Explanation: Step 3 (20 CFR 404.1520(d)) is a conclusive finding: if medical findings meet or equal a Listing (body-system-specific criteria in Appendix 1), claimant is disabled. 'Meets' means all criteria are satisfied exactly. 'Medically equals' means impairments are at least equal in severity to a Listing's criteria. The ALJ must explain Listing analysis; conclusory statements are reversible error. SSR 17-2p governs medical equivalence.
8At step 4, the ALJ compares the claimant's RFC to:
A.The demands of past relevant work (PRW) as actually performed and as generally performed in the national economy
B.Any job in the national economy
C.The claimant's desired work
D.Only sedentary work
Explanation: Step 4 (20 CFR 404.1520(f)) requires comparing RFC to PRW demands. PRW is work performed within the past 15 years (the relevant period, recently changed to 5 years under SSA's 2024 proposed rule), at SGA levels, long enough to learn the job. If RFC allows return to PRW either as actually performed OR as generally performed per DOT, denial. Claimant bears burden at step 4. SSR 82-62 governs PRW analysis.
9At step 5, the burden of proof:
A.Shifts to SSA to show that other work exists in significant numbers that claimant can perform considering RFC and vocational factors (age, education, experience)
B.Remains on the claimant
C.Shifts to the employer
D.Does not shift
Explanation: Step 5 (20 CFR 404.1520(g)) is the only step where burden shifts — SSA must show other work exists in significant numbers in the national economy that claimant can perform considering RFC and vocational factors. SSA may meet burden via medical-vocational grids (conclusive at framework level) or Vocational Expert (VE) testimony. Failure at step 5 = disability finding. Bowen v. Yuckert confirmed step 5 burden shift.
10RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) is defined as:
A.The most the claimant can still do in a work setting despite limitations caused by impairments
B.The least the claimant can do
C.The claimant's desired work hours
D.Pre-impairment capacity
Explanation: SSR 96-8p defines RFC as 'the most an individual can still do despite limitations' — the MOST, not the least. RFC considers exertional (strength) and non-exertional (postural, manipulative, visual, communicative, mental) limitations. It must be based on ALL relevant medical and other evidence, including claimant testimony about pain and symptoms. RFC is assessed between steps 3 and 4 and carries forward through step 5.

About the SSDA Specialist Exam

The NBTA Social Security Disability Advocacy Specialist certification is an ABA-accredited board certification for attorneys whose practice is focused on SSDI and SSI claims. The written exam tests the five-step sequential evaluation, Listing of Impairments, RFC analysis, medical-vocational grids, hearings before ALJs, Appeals Council, federal court review, representative fees (agreements and petitions), and EAJA fees.

Exam sponsor: National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

5 hours (written exam)

Passing Score

Pass per board review

Exam / Certification Fees

$2,000-$3,500

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: ~55-65%. for experienced SSA advocates (NBTA estimate) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

SSA Programs & Eligibility

Title II SSDI (insured status, 40 credits, 20 in last 10), Title XVI SSI (resource and income limits), concurrent claims, auxiliary benefits, Medicare/Medicaid linkage

25%

Five-Step Sequential Evaluation

SGA (step 1), severe MDI (step 2), Listings meets/equals (step 3), RFC and past relevant work (step 4), other work with vocational factors (step 5), burden shifting

15%

Listings of Impairments & Medical Evidence

Appendix 1 Subpart P Part 404 listings, musculoskeletal, mental, cardiac, medical opinion evaluation (20 CFR 404.1520c supportability/consistency), consultative exams

15%

RFC, Grid Rules & Vocational Issues

Physical RFC (sedentary/light/medium/heavy), non-exertional limitations, medical-vocational guidelines (grids), DOT, transferable skills, SSR 00-4p

15%

Claims Process & Appeals

Initial application, reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, federal district court under 42 USC 405(g), HALLEX and POMS

10%

Representation, Fees & Ethics

SSA-1696 appointment, fee agreements ($9,200 cap 2025), fee petitions, EAJA fees in federal court, conflict of interest, SSA Rules of Professional Conduct

Preparing for the SSDA Specialist Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass per board review
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 5 hours (written exam)
  • Exam / certification fees: $2,000-$3,500 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SSDA Specialist: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the five-step sequential evaluation — nearly every question connects back to one of the five steps
2Memorize the grid rules for sedentary, light, and medium work at ages 50+, 55+, and advanced age (60+)
3Know 20 CFR 404.1520c supportability and consistency factors for evaluating medical opinions (post-March 2017)
4Understand SGA thresholds (2025: $1,620 non-blind / $2,700 blind) and how they apply at step 1 vs. step 5
5Study Trial Work Period (9 months of SGA earnings in rolling 60-months) and Extended Period of Eligibility (36 months)
6Know the fee agreement cap ($9,200 as of 2025), when fee petitions are required, and EAJA fee practice in federal court
7Practice analyzing hearing transcripts and VE testimony for step 5 errors and SSR 00-4p DOT conflicts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NBTA SSDA exam?

The Social Security Disability Advocacy Specialist is a board certification administered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an ABA-accredited certifying body. The 5-hour written exam tests mastery of SSDI and SSI programs, the five-step sequential evaluation, Listings of Impairments, RFC analysis, medical-vocational grid rules, ALJ hearings, and federal appeals.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Candidates must hold a JD, be active bar members in good standing, have substantial experience in Social Security disability practice (typically 5+ years with 25%+ of practice in SSA matters), demonstrate ALJ hearing experience, substantial brief writing, peer references, and required CLE. Specific minimum counts of hearings and federal court briefs are required.

How many questions are on the exam?

The SSDA exam contains approximately 100 essay and multiple-choice questions over a 5-hour session. Pass/fail is determined by the NBTA Board based on total performance, combined with peer reference review.

How much does the SSDA certification cost?

Application and examination fees typically total $2,000-$3,500 (varies by NBTA year and any applicable state bar joint arrangement). Recertification fees apply every 5 years.

How long is the certification valid?

NBTA certifications are valid for 5 years. Recertification requires continued substantial involvement, CLE, updated peer references, and board review — no re-examination if standards are met.

How should I prepare?

Plan for 80-150 hours of focused study over 3-4 months. Review 20 CFR Part 404 (Title II) and Part 416 (Title XVI), the full Listing of Impairments in Appendix 1, key SSRs (SSR 96-8p RFC, SSR 00-4p VE-DOT conflicts, SSR 82-41 transferable skills, recent mental health SSRs), HALLEX, and POMS. Practice writing hearing memos and federal court briefs under time pressure.