Am I eligible to take this certification?

As long as you meet all the requirements listed on the application, you are eligible to take the certification.

What licenses or degrees qualify? RN, NP, PA, MD, DO, PT, etc.

The Physician Certification in Wound Care (PCWC) is open to MD, DO and DPM. The CHWS, CHS, CSWS are open to all clinical degrees as long as you meet the criteria listed on the applications.

Do I need a certain number of clinical wound care hours?

Please refer to the certification application which clearly lists the required clinical wound and hyperbaric hours. If you have worked in a clinical setting for 1 year vs 2 years, but have accumulated the required number of hours, you can move forward with applying for certification.

How do I register for the exam?

Once your application has been approved you will receive a link to your e-mail (please check your spam if you do not see the link in your inbox). You will proceed with scheduling by clicking that link.

Is there an application approval process before scheduling?

Once you have submitted your application the board will review and approve your application within 3 business days. If anything is missing, you will be contacted by a member of our team.

How far in advance should I apply?

You have one year from the date of your approval to take the examination.

Where is the exam offered? Testing center vs online proctoring?

All ABWH exams are offered online using a virtual proctoring and screen recording service. If the exams are offered at an upcoming clinical conference, they will be announced.

Can I reschedule if something comes up?

You can decide when and where to take your examination. If something comes up, you can proceed to test when the time is right.

Do you offer an official prep course or study guide?

Please visit the corresponding certification page to see suggested study material. Practice exams are available.

What is the passing score?

You must pass with a 60% or greater.

Is the exam graded immediately or later?

You will receive your examination score immediately upon submitting your exam. You will also receive an e-mail.

What happens if I fail?

First attempt not passed: You may retest at any time once you feel adequately prepared. Second attempt not passed: You must wait six (6) months before retesting. Third attempt not passed: You must wait one (1) year and submit continuing education credits.

Is this certification nationally recognized?

The ABWH certifications are endorsed by several professional societies including The American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and The American Professional Wound Care Association.

Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)

Certification

Eligibility & Requirements

Minimum 500 hours of clinical hyperbaric training and active practice per year for the past two years
Completion of a Hyperbaric Technician Preceptorship in a hospital or outpatient facility
Completion of a 40-hour approved hyperbaric medicine course (ACHM, UHMS, or U.S. Department of Defense)
Completion of Core Competencies in Hyperbaric Therapy, verified by the employer, Medical Director, or Program Manager
Eligible positions: Hyperbaric Technician, Diver Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, Certified Nurse Aide, EMT/Paramedic, Life Support Technician, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse or LPN, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Veterinarian, Podiatrist

Exam Overview

125 multiple-choice questions
Certification duration: Continuous
Candidates must take the examination within one year of receiving the approval letter. Failure to test within the timeframe will result in forfeiture of the fee.

Knowledge and Skill Domains:

Basic Hyperbaric Knowledge
Chamber Operations, Equipment & Environment
Safety, Emergency Protocols & Patient Management

Recommended Study Materials

Suggested study topics include hyperbaric medicine principles, chamber operations, emergency management, and current safety standards in clinical hyperbaric settings.

Reciprocity

Current CHT holders (via NBDHMT) may apply for CHS certification through reciprocity.
Requirements: Submit a full CHS application, meet eligibility criteria, and provide proof of active CHT certification.
Validity: Reciprocity grants CHS status for one year; candidates must pass the CHS exam within that period to extend certification to five years.

Endorsements

American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM)
American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA)
American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH)

Benefits

Recognized hyperbaric certification validating your clinical expertise
Enhances credibility as a hyperbaric specialist, hyperbaric nurse, or hyperbaric technician
Strengthens hospital credentialing and leadership opportunities in wound healing and hyperbaric programs
Supports ongoing professional development through accredited hyperbaric training

About the Certification

The Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) credential, administered by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH), sets the benchmark for excellence in hyperbaric medicine. It recognizes healthcare professionals who demonstrate competence in hyperbaric therapy, chamber operations, patient safety, and emergency management.

Endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM) and the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA), this certification affirms mastery of hyperbaric protocols and ensures adherence to evidence-based practice standards.

Program Highlights

Developed and administered by ABWH with endorsement from ACHM and APWCA
Focused on both theoretical and hands-on hyperbaric training

Evaluates practical competency through clinical checklists and examination
Ideal for healthcare professionals pursuing advanced hyperbaric technician training or specialization in hyperbaric medicine

Features

Nationally Accredited Certification

Recognized by ACHM and APWCA for excellence in hyperbaric therapy and patient care.

Evidence-Based Curriculum

Covers chamber operations, emergency response, and oxygen therapy protocols.

Comprehensive Assessment

Tests both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.

Career Advancement

Ideal for hyperbaric nurses, technicians, and allied health professionals seeking specialization.

Learning Outcome

Graduates of the Certified Hyperbaric Specialist program demonstrate advanced capability in hyperbaric medicine, ensuring safe, effective, and evidence-based delivery of care. Certified professionals contribute to improved patient outcomes, operational safety, and leadership in hyperbaric departments.

Reviews

Mark Stevens, RRT

April 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM

“Essential for Advancing My Hyperbaric Career”
This certification strengthened my foundation in chamber operations and emergency protocols. It’s a must for anyone looking to advance in hyperbaric medicine.

Dr. Alicia Wong, DPM

February 28, 2025 at 4:45 pM

“Comprehensive and Professionally Recognized”
The CHS program provided deep insight into hyperbaric patient management and safety standards. The credential added real credibility to my practice.