The CWS® board certification is a prestigious and rigorous certification in wound care, and demonstrates a distinct and specialized expertise in the practice. The CWS® credential displays to patients, employers, and peers a dedication to the highest standards and achievement in wound care.
Becoming a CWS® will help you:
Examples: Physicians, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the American Board of Wound Management Certified Wound Specialist® (CWS®) for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance). The NCCA Standards were created in 1977 and updated in 2003 to ensure certification programs adhere to modern standards of practice for the certification industry. The American Board of Wound Management joins an elite group of more than 130 organizations representing over 315 programs that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation.
In compliance with National Accrediting Standards, the ABWM does not provide review materials for the Certification Examination. It is the responsibility of the candidate to prepare by any means they feel are appropriate. The link below provides resources previous candidates have used to prepare for the certification exam.
View the outline below by expanding the list. You may view the results of the National Job Task Analysis Study of the CWCA®, CWS®, and CWSP® here.
A. Anatomy and Physiology
1. Integumentary
2. Musculoskeletal
3. Vascular
4. Neurological
5. Lymphatic
6. Other systems (e.g., endocrine, renal, respiratory, immunologic)
B. Wound Healing
1. Phases
2. Cell function (e.g., signaling proteins, cellular mediators)
3. Acute vs. chronic
A. History
B. Physical examination
C. Wound and skin assessment
D. Pain assessment
E. Risk assessment
F. Functional assessment
G. Laboratory/Imaging/Biopsy
H. Nutrition
A. Wound bed preparation/debridement
B. Dressings
C. Cellular and/or tissue products for wounds
D. Topical agents
E. Complications in healing (e.g., biofilm management, infection, systemic factors, bariatrics, pharmacological)
F. Nutrition
G. Biophysical technologies
1. Electrical stimulation
2. Ultrasound
H. Compression therapy
I. Negative pressure wound therapy
J. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
K. Pressure redistribution (i.e., offloading)
L. Surgical closure or tissue transfer
M. Case review (e.g., analyzing labs/imaging, outliers, prognosis, synthesis of data)
N. Ostomy
A. Neuropathy
B. Diabetes
C. Venous insufficiency
D. Ischemia
E. Pressure related wounds
F. Lymphedema
G. Trauma
H. Surgical/surgical procedure
I. Atypical etiologies (e.g., malignancy, medication-induced)
J. Dermatological
K. Infectious
L. Burns
M. Edema (i.e., systemic vs. local)
N. Pediatric Issues
O. Inflammatory
A. Documentation/legal concepts
B. Patient adherence (e.g., socioeconomic factors, ability to comply)
C. Reimbursement and medical economics
D. Medical ethics (e.g., palliative care, reasonable expectation of outcomes)
E. Multidisciplinary teams
F. Epidemiology
G. Evidence-based practice and research
In addition to classifying by topic (above) items will be classified by task. Tasks that are eligible for assessment include:
S1 Obtain history of present illness (e.g., wound duration, etiology, previous treatments, medication reconciliation, and comorbidities)
S2 Interpret vital signs
S3 Assess circulatory system
S4 Assess integumentary system
S5 Assess musculoskeletal system
S6 Assess neurological system
S7 Assess cardiopulmonary system
S8 Assess limb volume
S9 Assess pain level
S10 Assess tissue oxygenation
S11 Assess wound healing status
S12 Assess factors related to delayed wound healing
S13 Assess barriers to the plan of care and expected outcomes (e.g., psychosocial, financial, religious/cultural)
S14 Assess wound characteristics
S15 Evaluate wounds using the following standardized grading systems: Wagner scale
S16 Evaluate wounds using the following standardized grading systems: University of Texas wound classification system
S17 Evaluate wounds using the following standardized grading systems: NPIAP (e.g., stages, unstageable, deep tissue injuries)
S18 Evaluate wounds using the following standardized grading systems: Rule of Nines
S19 Evaluate wounds using the following standardized grading systems: CEAP classification
S20 Perform risk assessment
S21 Review or interpret laboratory, imaging, and test results S22 Determine the etiology of the wound
S23 Establish realistic goals
S24 Perform techniques to cleanse the wound and reduce bioburden
S25 Debride the wound
S26 Apply dressings to the wound
S27 Manage at-risk skin and periwound
S28 Apply compression therapy
S29 Use advanced therapeutic adjunctive treatments (e.g., negative pressure wound therapy, ultrasound, hyperbaric oxygen)
S30 Apply offloading device for the lower extremity
S31 Use support surface for pressure relief/reduction
S32 Address the nutritional needs of the patient
S33 Assist with or apply cellular and/or tissue products
S34 Assist with or apply tissue grafts and flaps
S35 Manage cellular and/or tissue products
S36 Manage tissue grafts and flaps
S37 Use advanced topical therapeutic agents (e.g., becaplermin, collagenase)
S38 Discuss and review the plan of care
S39 Educate patient/family/caregiver on disease management and prevention
S40 Monitor laboratory values
S41 Refer patients to consultants/specialist
S42 Educate on wound healing environment
S43 Interpret research methodology and strength of evidence
S44 Follow confidentiality and security requirements
S45 Adhere to guidelines and regulations (e.g., professional, governmental, reimbursement, credentials)
S46 Perform complete wound care documentation
Find the answers you need in our list of frequently asked questions for the CWCA®, CWS® and CWSP®.
View FAQ's