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.

Advance Your Career Through ABWH Recertification

Stay Recertified with ABWH

Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist (CHWS)

Stay recertified through ABWH’s Maintenance of Certification program, designed to promote professional growth through verified continuing medical education and clinical excellence.

Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)

Maintain your expertise by completing the ABWH recertification process, which validates continued competency and dedication to high standards of patient care.

Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS)

Professionals can remain current by fulfilling ABWH’s renewal requirements, combining continuing medical education with hands-on wound care experience.

Physician Certification in Wound Care (PCWC)

Stay up to date with the latest wound management practices through ABWH’s structured recertification standards and educational development initiatives.

Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine (PCHM)

Continue advancing your clinical knowledge through ABWH’s maintenance of certification program, which emphasizes lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.

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