Your certification reflects your expertise. Your recertification demonstrates your commitment to maintaining it.

Earning a credential from the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) is an important professional achievement. Maintaining that credential is just as important. As wound care and hyperbaric medicine continue to evolve, staying current with clinical research, treatment techniques, and professional standards helps you provide safe, effective, evidence-based patient care.

Whether you hold a Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS), Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS), Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS), or physician certification, understanding your recertification requirements can help you maintain your professional credentials without unnecessary stress.

If your expiration date is approaching, here’s what you need to know.

When Do You Need to Recertify?

ABWH’s current recertification program requires renewal every two years. While ABWH recommends beginning the process several months before your expiration date, completed recertification applications and supporting documentation should be submitted at least five business days before your certification expires.

ABWH also indicates that certificants receive an email reminder approximately 30 days before expiration. Don’t rely on that reminder alone. Keeping track of your expiration date and continuing education credits throughout your certification period makes renewal much easier.

Understand Your Recertification Requirements

All five ABWH certification pathways require 20 continuing medical education (CME) credits earned during the previous two years. However, the subject-specific requirements and renewal fees vary by credential.

What Counts Toward Continuing Education?

Depending on your credential, qualifying educational activities may include:
– Professional wound care or hyperbaric medicine conferences
– Approved continuing education courses and workshops
– Clinical in-service training
– Peer-to-peer training or professional mentorship
– Presentations and educational activities
– Teaching, research, or professional publications
– Other qualifying professional development activities

ABWH recognizes certain Category 1 and Category 2 educational activities. Documentation must support the credits claimed and satisfy the requirements for your specific credential.

Remember: Not all continuing education credits necessarily satisfy the required wound care or hyperbaric medicine minimums. Review the subject-specific requirements before submitting your application.

Your Step-by-Step ABWH Recertification Guide

Step 1: Confirm Your Expiration Date
Start by identifying when your current certification expires. ABWH recommends beginning your preparations several months in advance so you have adequate time to complete any remaining requirements.

Step 2: Review Your Credential Requirements
Visit the ABWH recertification page for your specific credential. Confirm your required CME credits, subject-specific education requirements, supporting documentation, and applicable renewal fee.

View ABWH Recertification Requirements

Step 3: Gather Your Continuing Education Records
Collect documentation for qualifying educational activities completed during your two-year certification period. Make sure your records clearly identify the activity, completion date, and credits earned.

Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documentation
ABWH requires supporting materials that may include:
– Completed recertification form
– Documentation of 20 qualifying CME credits
– Verification of applicable Category 1 or Category 2 credits
– Letter of good standing and active status on official workplace letterhead
– Proof of recertification payment

Review your credential-specific instructions to ensure your submission is complete. ABWH also states that professionals who are no longer in active practice may remain eligible for recertification if they meet the applicable CME requirements.

Step 5: Submit Your Recertification Application
Complete the applicable ABWH recertification form and submit the required documentation according to your credential’s instructions.
Several ABWH recertification pathways direct applicants to submit materials to applications@abwh.net, while others provide an online submission process. All required materials should be submitted at least five business days before expiration.

Step 6: Watch for Communication From ABWH
After submitting your application, monitor your email for correspondence from ABWH. If additional information or documentation is needed, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Once your recertification has been approved, confirm your updated certification information and save your records for future reference.

What Happens If Your Certification Expires?

ABWH currently provides a six-month grace period for late recertification applications. However, late renewals are subject to an additional fee.
– CHS, CHWS, CSWS, and PCHM: $50 late penalty.
– PCWC: $100 late penalty.

If you do not complete recertification within the six-month grace period, you lose your certification designation. To regain certification, you must reapply and successfully complete the applicable ABWH certification examination. The grace period should not be treated as an extension of active certification status without confirmation from ABWH.

Common Reasons Recertification Is Delayed

Many recertification delays can be avoided with advance preparation. Common issues include:
– Missing or incomplete CME documentation
– Insufficient wound care or hyperbaric-specific education credits
– Missing letters of good standing.Incomplete application forms
– Missing payment documentation
– Submitting materials too close to the expiration date
Reviewing your application carefully before submission can help prevent unnecessary follow-up requests

Frequently Asked Questions About ABWH Recertification

How often do I need to recertify?
ABWH’s current recertification program requires renewal every two years.

How many continuing education credits do I need?
All five ABWH recertification pathways require 20 CME credits earned during the previous two years. Depending on your credential, at least five credits must relate to wound care, hyperbaric medicine, or both.

How early should I begin the recertification process?
We recommend beginning several months before expiration. Your completed application and supporting materials should be submitted at least five business days before your certification expires.

Will ABWH remind me when my certification is expiring?
Yes. We will send an email reminder approximately 30 days before expiration. Certificants should also maintain their own expiration reminders.

Can I recertify if I am no longer actively practicing?
Professionals who are not currently in active practice may remain eligible if they meet the applicable CME requirements and other current recertification criteria.

What happens if I miss my recertification deadline?
We provide a six-month grace period for late applications, subject to an additional fee. Failure to renew within that period results in loss of the certification designation and requires reapplication and examination.

Do I need to retake the certification exam?
The published recertification requirements focus on continuing education and documentation rather than routine examination. However, individuals who fail to renew within the six-month grace period must reapply and pass the applicable certification examination.

How much does recertification cost?
Current fees range from $128 to $244, depending on your certification. Late penalties may apply.

Who should I contact with recertification questions?
For assistance with your credential, application, or continuing education requirements, contact the ABWH team:
Email: applications@abwh.net
Phone: (414) 315-3258

Stay Ready, Not Rushed

Recertification is more than a renewal requirement. It’s an opportunity to reinforce your clinical knowledge, remain current with evolving practices, and demonstrate your continued commitment to professional excellence. By tracking your continuing education credits, maintaining accurate documentation, and preparing ahead of your expiration date, you can approach the recertification process with confidence.

Your commitment to professional excellence doesn’t end when you earn your certification. It continues with every patient you serve. Ready to maintain your ABWH credential? Explore ABWH Recertification Requirements