ABWM’s certifications demonstrate distinct and specialized knowledge in wound management, thereby promoting quality of care for persons with wounds. Our certifications demonstrate dedication to the highest standards in wound care, essential in the development of a comprehensive wound management program.
As a healthcare professional, the CWCA®, CWS®, and CWSP® credentials will allow recipients to enhance wound care for patients and enhance collaboration with disciplines and organizations involved in wound care. These certifications may also allow recipients to obtain promotions, pay raises, greater job opportunities, and personal pride.
The CWS® and CWSP® certifications allow recipients to achieve board certification, a formal recognition of master level knowledge and specialty practice in wound management. They also allow recipients to market wound management services as a benefit of their practice while reducing the cost of providing wound care and serving as on-site resources for training and educating colleagues in wound management.
The CWCA® certification allows recipients to gain higher recognition and status in the area of wound care. This will help to advance the recipient’s career while also serving as a source of professional pride.
Identifies a standard of knowledge essential for developing a comprehensive wound management program.
Advances cooperation and resource exchange among the various disciplines and organizations involved in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds.
Encourages continued professional growth and development of individuals and the field of wound management.
Establishes a code of ethics, responsibility, and high professional standards by all certified individuals.
The ABWM shall grant Associate status to those individuals who successfully pass the National Board Certification Examination for Wound Management Professionals or Associates. Such Associates shall be referred to as “Certified Wound Care Associate™ of the ABWM,” and shall be entitled to use the designation CWCA® after their name.
The ABWM shall grant Diplomate status to those individuals who successfully pass the National Board Certification Examination for Wound Management Professionals. Such Diplomates shall be referred to as “Certified Wound Specialists® of the ABWM” and shall be entitled to use the designation CWS® after their name.
The ABWM shall grant Diplomate status to those individuals who successfully pass the National Board Certification Examination for Certified Wound Specialist Physicians. Such Physicians shall be referred to as “Certified Wound Specialists Physicians® of the ABWM” and shall be entitled to use the designation CWSP® after their name.
Any healthcare professional with at least three years of experience in wound care is eligible to take one of our examinations.
If you have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, you are eligible to apply for the CWCA® exam.
If you have at least a Bachelor’s degree, or are an RN, and you have a valid, clinical license, you are eligible to apply for the CWS® exam.
MDs, DOs, and DPMs are eligible to apply for the CWSP® exam.
