CWS Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) credential is designed for licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in wound care, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other medical practitioners. CWS certification demonstrates expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, management of acute and chronic wounds, and a commitment to excellence in this specialized field.
Want to take your wound care career to the next level? This comprehensive guide breaks down the certification process, covering eligibility, application steps, and exam details.
CWS Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: Hold a professional healthcare license (e.g., MD, PA, PT, RN) and gain 3 years of wound care experience.
- Preparation: Read the exam handbook, take a review course, review the study guide, and take practice exams to assess your readiness to test.
- Application process: Complete an online application, upload all the supporting documents, and submit the payment.
- Exam: Your exam will have 150 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $595.
- Renewal: Annual renewal is required, with recertification every 10 years.
What Is a CWS Certificate?
CWS stands for Certified Wound Specialist. It’s a specialized credential awarded to experienced wound care professionals. Offered by the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), it’s earned by meeting eligibility requirements and passing a comprehensive exam.
Wondering who qualifies to sit for the exam? It’s available for many licensed healthcare professionals, including the following:
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Physician assistants (PAs)
- Physical therapists (PTs)
- Occupational therapists (OTs)
- Registered dietitians (RDs)
- Registered nurses (RNs)
Wondering where CWS-certified professionals typically practice? They may work in these wound care settings and more:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory care centers
- Geriatric facilities
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Long-term care facilities
- Post-acute care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Wound care centers
What Is a CWS Certification Exam?
To receive this prestigious credential you’ll need to pass the exam administered by ABWM. The exam outline covers five content domains, all tailored to the specialized knowledge applicable in wound care settings.
| Content domains | Examples of topics |
|---|---|
| Wound healing environment |
|
| Assessment and diagnosis |
|
| Professional role |
|
| Etiological consideration |
|
| Professional issues |
|
In addition to classifying by topics, the exam questions are classified by tasks, including the following:
- History and physical examination
- Evaluation and diagnostic tasks
- Treatment
- Continuum of care
- Professional practice
CWS Certification Requirements
Ready to get started on your certification journey? Discover the essential steps required to earn this specialized credential.
1. Meet Eligibility Criteria
Your first step is to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements set by the certifying organization. Here’s the list of all the things you need to get ready before applying:
- You must be a licensed healthcare professional with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (RNs with associate’s degrees can also apply).
- You must acquire at least 3 years of clinical experience in wound care settings.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Next, familiarize yourself with the CWS exam content. The ABWM provides a variety of resources to help you prepare for your exam. Here are some of the options:
You can also use additional study tools like free practice tests and informational videos, but be cautious with resources that aren’t endorsed by your certifying organization.
3. Apply for the Exam
You can apply for your CWS certification online. Create an account on the ABWM website and fill out the application form. Be sure to upload all supporting documents, including proof of experience and professional licensure. After your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll be instructed on scheduling your exam via Pearson VUE.
4. Pay the CWS Certification Cost
As a part of your application process, you must submit a $575 exam fee. If you’re unsuccessful on the first attempt, you’ll be able to retake it for $275.
5. Pass the Certification Exam
Next, it’s time to take the exam. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect on exam day:.
- You’ll answer 150 questions (125 scored and 25 unscored).
- You’ll have 3 hours to answer the test questions.
- You’ll receive your score upon completion of the exam.
6. Maintain the Certification
Your credentials need to be renewed every year. To stay certified, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Complete 6 hours of continuing education.
- Complete a renewal application.
- Pay a $175 renewal fee.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to recertify every 10 years by sitting for the exam again.
Frequently Asked Questions: CWS Certification
What is the CWS salary?
The typical salary for a wound care specialist varies based on your education and experience. If you’re a wound care RN, you can expect to earn about $102,000 a year. However, this number will vary depending on your location and care setting.
How hard is the CWS exam?
Your perception of the exam’s difficulty can vary based on your level of preparation. The pass rate for the exam is 60%, showing that while the exam is challenging, the majority of candidates successfully pass it.
What are my options if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you’re eligible to retake it 30 days after the last attempt. If you are unsuccessful after three attempts, you’ll need to complete 20 hours of relevant continuing education units before scheduling the fourth retake.
What other accredited wound care certification programs does ABWM offer?
Besides CWS, the ABWM offers two other accredited wound care certification programs:
- Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) — designed for entry-level clinicians and non-licensed healthcare providers involved in wound care.
- Certified Wound Specialist-Physician (CWS-P) — tailored specifically for licensed physicians who specialize in wound care.
How do I verify my credentials?
You can verify your credentials by checking the ABWM directory or using the certification verification tool. If you cannot find your credentials online, you can email ABWM to request verification.
How can professional certification benefit my career?
Earning a CWS certificate can significantly benefit your career in the following ways:
- It can give your nursing resume a boost.
- It can enhance your professional reputation.
- It can help you earn a higher salary.
- It can help you get promoted to leadership roles
- It can help you provide better care to your patients.
Related Certifications
Interested in exploring more certifications? Check out these additional credentials:
- Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
- Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN)
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
- Wound Care Certified (WCC)
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