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The American Board of Wound Management

The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of credentialing multi-disciplinary professionals in the field of wound management.

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Certifications

CWCA®

Certified Wound Care AssociateTM
Certification Level:
Associate
Experience Needed:
3+ Years

The Certified Wound Care AssociateTM (CWCA®) board certification demonstrates a distinct and specialized knowledge in wound management, thereby promoting quality of care for persons with wounds.

For associate degree LPNs, LVNs, PTAs, all certified healthcare assistants, healthcare administrators, dietitians, sales and marketing professionals, and academic researchers.

CWS®

Certified Wound Specialist®
Certification Level:
Specialist
Experience Needed:
3+ Years

The Certified Wound Specialist (CWS®) board certification is a formal recognition of a master level knowledge and specialty practice in wound management.

For licensed DO, DPM, MD, NP, DVM, PA, PT, OT, PharmD, RD, or RNs. 

CWSP®

Certified Wound Specialist Physician®
Certification Level:
Physician
Experience Needed:
3+ Years

The Certified Wound Specialist Physician (CWSP®) is a wound care certification specifically developed for physicians.

For licensed MDs, DOs, and DPMs. 

Candidate Certifications (<3 Years Experience)

CWCA® Candidate

Certified Wound Care AssociateTM Candidate
Certification Level:
Associate
Experience Needed:
<3 Years

Passing the CWCA® Candidate exam demonstrates a distinct and specialized knowledge in wound management, and provides a structured pathway to earning the prestigious Certified Wound Care Associate™ (CWCA®) board certification.

For associate degree LPNs, LVNs, PTAs, all certified healthcare assistants, healthcare administrators, dietitians, sales and marketing professionals, and academic researchers with less than three years of professional wound care experience.

CWS® Candidate

Certified Wound Specialist® Candidate
Certification Level:
Specialist
Experience Needed:
<3 Years

Passing the CWS® Candidate exam demonstrates a distinct and specialized expertise in wound management, and provides a structured pathway to earning the prestigious Certified Wound Specialist® (CWS®) board certification.

For licensed DO, DPM, MD, NP, DVM, PA, PT, OT, PharmD, RD, or RNs with less than three years of professional wound care experience.

CWSP® Candidate

Certified Wound Specialist Physician® Candidate
Certification Level:
Physician
Experience Needed:
<3 Years

Passing the CWSP® Candidate exam demonstrates a distinct and specialized expertise in wound management, and provides a structured pathway to earning the prestigious Certified Wound Specialist Physician® (CWSP®) board certification.

For licensed MDs, DOs, and DPMs with less than three years of professional wound care experience.

Are You Eligible?

In order to sit for the CWCA®, CWS® or CWSP® you must have at least 3 years of wound care experience. Candidates with a professional license applying for ABWM exams must possess a full and unrestricted license in at least one state, and in all states in which the candidate currently practices. Wound care does not have to be your primary responsibility to meet the requirement of 3 years of experience, as long as you have a cumulative total of three years of experience in wound care related roles.

In order to sit for the CWCA® Candidate, CWS® Candidate or CWSP® Candidate exam you may have less than 3 years of wound care experience. The candidate certifications may apply to recent graduates or those who have recently moved into a wound care-related role. Candidates may pursue this certification as a first-step towards achieving a full certification and helping to distinguish themselves in the field.

Visit the How to Apply page for the application process.

Which best describes your professional experience?

You are eligible to sit for CWCA®

I'm interested in CWCA

You are eligible to sit for CWS®

I'm interested in CWS

You are eligible to sit for CWSP®

I'm interested in CWSP

You are eligible to sit for CWCA® Candidate

I'm interested in CWCA® Candidate

You are eligible to sit for CWS® Candidate

I'm interested in CWS® Candidate

You are eligible to sit for CWSP® Candidate

I'm interested in CWSP® Candidate

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