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 Re-Certification and Continuing Medical Education Guidelines

Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) Re-Certification & CME Requirements

Recertification

Re-Certification Requirements

Submit re-certification form and supporting documents online at least 5 business days before expiration
Include proof of payment, CME 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 CHS 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 be related to hyperbaric medicine
Credits may include:
- Peer-to-peer hyperbaric training or mentorship
- Presentation of safety or educational materials
- Attendance at approved professional conferences or in-service sessions
CME activities must support the maintenance of your Certified Hyperbaric 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 CHS designation and the need to re-take the certification examination

Recertification Requirements

Stay up to date as a Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) through ABWH’s structured re-certification requirements. This process ensures professionals maintain their competency in hyperbaric medicine and meet the latest continuing medical education (CME) requirements set by the board. Through verified CME credits, active clinical involvement, and a letter of good standing, practitioners demonstrate their ongoing commitment to patient safety and professional excellence.

Key Points to Remember About Re-Certification

Submit your re-certification form at least 5 business days before expiration.
Include proof of 20 CME credits, with 5 directly related to hyperbaric medicine.
Attach a letter of good standing on official workplace letterhead.

Applicants not in active practice but meeting CME requirements remain eligible.
Late submissions will incur a $50 penalty but may still qualify within a 6-month grace period.
Failure to re-certify within the grace period results in loss of CHS designation and the need to retake the examination.

Features

Continuing Medical Education Focus

Strengthens clinical knowledge through verified CME credits and professional learning.

Online Application Process

Complete all re-certification requirements conveniently through ABWH’s secure online system

Flexible CME Options

Meet your CME requirement through conferences, mentorship, or in-service training.

Professional Recognition

Maintain your Certified Hyperbaric Specialist status and uphold professional credibility.

Six-Month Grace Period

Enjoy added flexibility with a 6-month grace period for late submissions.

Commitment to Excellence

Reinforces your dedication to patient safety and continuing medical education in hyperbaric medicine.

Learning Outcome

By completing the Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) re-certification requirements, participants will strengthen their clinical expertise through structured continuing medical education and meet ABWH’s CME requirements for maintaining professional competency. This process reinforces a practitioner’s ability to apply updated hyperbaric medicine principles in daily practice, ensuring safe and effective patient care. Graduates of the re-certification program maintain their active Certified Hyperbaric Specialist status while demonstrating continued dedication to lifelong learning and clinical excellence.

Reviews

Dr. Melissa Grant says:

September 18, 2025 at 9:14 am

Smooth and Professional Renewal Process
“The CHS re-certification process was straightforward and well-organized. Uploading my CME credits and letter of good standing online was quick and easy. The program’s continuing medical education focus ensures we stay current in hyperbaric medicine.”

Michael Rodriguez, CHT says:

October 2, 2025 at 3:47 pm

Practical and Easy to Follow
“The re-certification steps were clearly explained and flexible enough for working professionals. Meeting the CME requirements was simple, and the process helped reinforce key principles of safe hyperbaric practice.”