Frequently Asked Questions

Pursuing certification in wound healing is an important step in advancing your clinical expertise and professional credentials. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about eligibility, application requirements, exam registration, preparation, scoring, and certification recognition. Whether you are a physician, nurse, or allied health professional, this section is designed to help you understand the process clearly and confidently as you move toward ABWH certification.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
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 Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine is open to MD 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.

Can students, residents, or fellows sit for the exam?

Yes

EXAM REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULING
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. If you do not take the examination within that time frame, you will need to submit a new application.

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 for you.

STUDY & PREPARATION
Do you offer an official prep course or study guide?

Please visit the corresponding certification page to see suggested study material.

Are practice exams available?

Yes – the practice exams can be purchased HERE

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.

How will I receive my results?

The results will be displayed for you on the screen immediately upon finishing. You will also receive an e-mail.

What happens if I fail?

RE-EXAMINATION POLICY

First attempt not passed: The applicant may retest at any time once they feel adequately prepared.

Second attempt not passed: The applicant must wait six (6) months before retaking the examination. This period should be used for additional study and preparation. The applicable re-examination fee must be submitted.

Third attempt not passed: The applicant must wait one (1) year before retesting. At that time, the applicant must submit:

-A new ABWH Examination Application

-Six (6) Continuing Education Credits

-The applicable re-examination fee

This third attempt represents the applicant’s final opportunity to pass the examination.

RE-EXAMINATION FEE

You are not alone in needing to repeat the examination, and many successful certificants have passed on a subsequent attempt. We sincerely hope you will not be discouraged and remain confident that certification is achievable with continued preparation.

SCOPE & RECOGNITION
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.

Still have questions?
Contact Form