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 and Wound Specialist Re-certification & CME Requirements

Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist (CHWS) Re-certification & CME Requirements

Recertification

Re-Certification Requirements

Fee: $158 (every 2 years)
CME Requirement: 20 CME credits during the prior two years
Submit re-certification form and supporting documents to applications@abwh.net at least 5 business days before expiration
Include proof of payment, CME credits, documentation of Category 1 or 2 credits, and a letter of good standing on workplace letterhead
Professionals not in active practice but who meet the CME requirement remain eligible
All applicants must meet ABWH’s current CHWS re-certification requirements to maintain active status

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements

Minimum of 20 CME credits in the prior two years
At least 5 CME credits must relate to hyperbaric medicine
At least 5 CME credits must focus on wound care practice
Credits may include:
- Completion of an approved Hyperbaric Safety Director Course
- Peer-to-peer HBOT training or mentorship (including onboarding of new employees)
- Presentation of safety bulletins or educational materials
- Attendance at wound care or HBOT professional conferences
- Participation in wound care/HBOT in-service sessions (attested by employer)
CME activities must support the maintenance of your Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist credential

Failure to Re-Certify

A $50 penalty applies if renewal is not completed before expiration
A 6-month grace period is allowed for late applications
Failure to re-certify within the grace period results in loss of CHWS designation and requires re-application and successful completion of the ABWH certification examination

Recertification Requirements

Stay current as a Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist (CHWS) through ABWH’s structured re-certification requirements. This process ensures practitioners maintain clinical competency in wound care and hyperbaric medicine while meeting the board’s continuing medical education (CME) requirements. Through verified CME credits, active clinical engagement, and proof of good standing, professionals demonstrate their ongoing dedication to patient safety and excellence in hyperbaric and wound management.

Key Points to Remember About Re-Certification

Submit your re-certification form and all supporting documents to applications@abwh.net at least 5 business days before expiration
Include proof of payment, 20 CME credits, and verification of Category 1 or 2 CME activities
Ensure 5 CME credits relate to hyperbaric medicine and 5 to wound care practice
Attach a letter of good standing and active status on official workplace letterhead

Professionals not in active practice but who meet the CME requirements remain eligible to renew
A $50 penalty applies for late submissions within the 6-month grace period
Failure to re-certify within this grace period results in loss of CHWS designation and requires re-application and successful completion of the ABWH certification examination

Features

Continuing Medical Education Focus

Enhances professional expertise in wound care and hyperbaric medicine through verified CME credits and ongoing learning.

Streamlined Online Submission

Easily complete all re-certification requirements by submitting your application and documents securely to applications@abwh.net.

Comprehensive CME Options

Fulfill your CME requirements through a variety of activities, including conferences, peer mentorship, in-service sessions, or approved training courses.

Professional Recognition

Maintain your Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist (CHWS) status and demonstrate your commitment to clinical excellence.

Six-Month Grace Period

Benefit from a 6-month grace period for late submissions, allowing flexibility while maintaining certification continuity.

Commitment to Excellence

Reinforces your dedication to patient safety, continuing medical education, and the advancement of wound and hyperbaric practice.

Learning Outcome

By completing the Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist (CHWS) re-certification requirements, professionals will strengthen their clinical expertise through structured continuing medical education (CME) and meet ABWH’s CME requirements for maintaining active certification. This process reinforces the practitioner’s ability to integrate updated principles of wound care and hyperbaric medicine into daily practice, ensuring safe, evidence-based, and effective patient care. Graduates of the re-certification program maintain their active CHWS designation while demonstrating a continued commitment to professional growth, lifelong learning, and clinical excellence.

Reviews

Dr. Karen Phillips, DPM, CWS says:

September 20, 2025 at 10:32 aM

Comprehensive and Seamless Renewal Process
“The CHWS re-certification process was efficient and well-structured. Submitting my CME documentation and proof of active status was simple, and the ABWH team provided clear guidance throughout. The continuing medical education requirement keeps us updated in both wound care and hyperbaric practice, ensuring high standards of patient safety.”

Thomas Rivera, RRT, CHWS says:

October 5, 2025 at 4:25 pM

Relevant and Professionally Beneficial
“The re-certification steps were straightforward and very practical for clinicians balancing busy schedules. Completing my CME requirements strengthened my skills in wound management and hyperbaric therapy. It’s a great way to stay aligned with ABWH’s professional standards.”