COCN Certification: Overview and FAQ
Approximately 725,000 to 1 million people are living with an ostomy or continent diversion in the U.S., which can be a significant challenge due to the associated discomfort, lifestyle changes, and social stigma. The Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) credential is designed for nurses who specialize in caring for patients with ostomies — from ileostomies to colostomies — and is a mark of excellence, distinguishing certified nurses as top specialists in the field.
Ready to become a certified ostomy care professional? This guide walks you through what this certification is, outlines the steps to earn it, and answers common questions you may have on your certification journey.
COCN Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You need an active RN license, a BSN degree or higher, and to complete either a specified education program or acquire experience in ostomy care.
- Preparation: Review the certification handbook, study the topics in the content outline, take practice tests, check recommended references, and consider enrolling in a review course.
- Application process: Fill out the online form, provide proof of your license and education/experience, and pay the fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 120 questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $395.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew it every 5 years.
COCN Meaning
COCN stands for Certified Ostomy Care Nurse. This certification is a specialized credential given to registered nurses (RNs) who have completed advanced study, acquired hands-on clinical experience, and passed a certification exam, demonstrating their expertise in ostomy care. This certification is issued by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), an international organization focused on advancing care in wound, ostomy, continence, and foot care.
Wondering what you’ll need to know for the exam? The outline consists of three key domains, each addressing important tasks and topics to study:
| Content domains | Examples of specific topics |
|---|---|
| Assessment and care planning |
|
| Intervention and treatment |
|
| Education and referral |
|
Wondering where these specialists work? Since ostomy surgeries can be performed on patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric care, you’ll have a wide range of job opportunities available to you:
- Acute care hospitals
- Assisted living facilities
- Gastrointestinal units
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Long-term care facilities
- Neurology units
- Nursing homes
- Oncology centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Palliative care centers
- Post-acute care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
COCN Certification Requirements
Ready to get certified? Let’s break down the key steps you’ll take on your certification journey.
1. Become a Nurse
To be eligible for this credential, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school. If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), think about enrolling in an RN to BSN bridge program.
2. Obtain Licensure
If you’ve just graduated from nursing school, passing the NCLEX-RN, a national certification exam that assesses your readiness to practice nursing, is the next step. Then, file your paperwork with your state board of nursing. If you’re already an RN, just confirm that your license is unexpired and unrestricted.
3. Meet Certification Eligibility Requirements
Now it’s time to check off the eligibility requirements for the exam. Besides having a current RN license and holding a BSN degree or higher, you’ll need to fulfill one of the two pathways of education or practice:
| Traditional pathway | Experience pathway |
|---|---|
| Complete a program accredited by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) or the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET) within the past five years.
Keep in mind that some programs require one year of clinical nursing experience. |
Earn 50 continuing education hours related to your specialty.
Complete 1,500 practice hours in your specialty over the past five years. You can gain this experience in various settings:
Both your practice hours and continuing education credits must be obtained after earning your bachelor’s degree while working as an RN. |
4. Prepare for the Exam
After meeting the eligibility requirements, it’s time to start studying. Here are some study strategies recommended by the WOCNCB to help you prepare for the exam:
- Read the certification handbook.
- Study the content outline for your exam.
- Use WOCNCB flashcards.
- Explore resources listed in textbook references.
- Use COCN practice tests.
- Take review courses.
- Read exam tips.
- Answer sample COCN exam questions.
- Explore Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing articles.
5. Apply for the Exam
Create an online application, fill out all the necessary details, and provide proof of your nursing license and education. If you’re taking the traditional route, upload your certificate of completion of the chosen education program. For the experiential pathway, submit documentation of your continuing education and practice hours.
6. Pay the Exam Fee
Before you can hit submit on your application, you’ll need to pay the exam fee of $395.
7. Pass the COCN Exam
Wondering what the exam will be like? Here’s a preview of what you can expect:
- You’ll need to answer 120 questions.
- You’ll have 2 hours to answer the questions.
- You’ll need a score of at least 500 to pass, with scores ranging from 200 to 800.
8. Maintain the Certification
Once you’re certified, your credential is valid for five years. To keep it active, make sure to submit a renewal application before your certification expires. You’ll have two renewal options:
- Reexamination
- Professional growth program
The renewal fees are identical for both options. You’ll pay $395 to renew your credential in each specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions: COCN Certification
What is a COCN-AP certification?
The Certified Ostomy Care Nurse – Advanced Practice (COCN-AP) credential is for advanced practice nurses specializing in ostomy care. In some states, these nurses may practice independently, while in others, they work under a physician’s supervision.
What is the typical salary for ostomy care nurses?
According to the WOCNCB, the typical salary for a certified wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurse in the U.S. is $83,805 per year. However, this can differ based on factors such as your education, experience, and where you work. If relocation is an option for you, here are five states with especially high pay for RNs:
How do I verify my certification?
Verifying your credential is simple — just fill out the online form with the necessary information, including the certification holder’s name, credential number, and state. Then, click the “Verify” button.
How hard do people find the exam?
Everyone’s experience with the exam is different, but the 78% pass rate shows that most nurses are able to pass the test on their first try with thorough preparation.
What are my options if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass the exam, don’t worry — you can retake it. Plus, you’ll receive a $100 discount on your first retake. Take some time to target your weak areas and refine your study approach to increase your chances of success next time.
Related Certifications
If you’re looking to expand your expertise, there are several certifications that can complement your skills. Here’s a list of related certifications that might be of interest:
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
- Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
- Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
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