Certified Skin and Wound Specialist Re-certification & CME Requirements
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Certified Skin and Wound Specialist Re-certification & CME Requirements
Recertification
Re-Certification Requirements
- Fee: $128 (every 2 years)
- CME Requirement: 20 CME hours during the prior two years
- Submit the ABWH re-certification form and supporting documents online at least 5 business days before certification expiration
- Include proof of payment, CME documentation, verification of Category 1 or 2 credits, and a letter of good standing and active status on workplace letterhead
- Professionals not in active practice but who meet the CME requirement remain eligible
- All applicants must meet ABWH’s current Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS) 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 directly to wound care
- Category 1 and 2 credits may include:
- Peer-to-peer wound care training or mentorship (including onboarding of new staff)
- Presentation of wound care-related materials to colleagues
- Attendance at professional wound care conferences
- Participation in wound care in-service sessions (attested by employer)
- Completion of wound care-specific training such as dressing, casting, or VAC placement (attested by employer)
- CME activities must support the maintenance of your skin and wound care certification
Failure to Re-Certify
- A $50 penalty fee applies if renewal is not completed before expiration
- A 6-month grace period is allowed for late re-certification
- Failure to re-certify within the grace period results in loss of the Certified Skin and Wound Specialist designation
- Applicants who lose their credential must reapply and pass the ABWH certification examination to regain active status
Recertification Requirements
Key Points to Remember About Re-Certification
- Submit your re-certification form and all supporting documents online at least 5 business days before your certification expires
- Include proof of payment, 20 CME credits, verification of Category 1 or 2 CME activities, and a letter of good standing on official workplace letterhead
- Ensure at least 5 CME credits directly relate to wound care practice
- Acceptable CME activities include peer-to-peer mentorship, staff training, conference attendance, or verified wound care workshops
- Professionals who are not actively practicing but meet CME requirements remain eligible for renewal
- A $50 penalty fee applies for late submissions made within the 6-month grace period
- Failure to re-certify within this grace period results in loss of the CSWS designation, requiring re-application and successful completion of the ABWH certification examination
Features
Continuing Medical Education Focus
Advance your expertise in skin and wound care through verified continuing medical education (CME) credits designed to support ongoing clinical competency.
Streamlined Online Submission
Submit your re-certification form and required documents online to applications@abwh.net at least 5 business days before expiration.
Comprehensive CME Options
Meet your CME requirements through flexible activities such as mentorship, staff training, conferences, or verified wound care workshops.
Professional Recognition
Maintain your Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS) status and demonstrate your dedication to professional excellence.
Six-Month Grace Period
Enjoy a 6-month grace period for late submissions to maintain certification continuity
Commitment to Excellence
Show your ongoing commitment to continuing medical education and the advancement of skin and wound care certification standards.
Learning Outcome
Reviews
Dr. Melissa Grant, RN, CSWS says:
September 18, 2025 at 9:14 aM
Smooth and Professional Renewal Experience
“The CSWS re-certification process was simple and well-organized. Uploading my CME documentation and proof of good standing was quick, and the ABWH team made every step clear. The continuing medical education requirement ensures we remain current in wound care practices and continue delivering safe, high-quality patient care.”
Michael Rodriguez, LPN, CSWS says:
October 2, 2025 at 3:47 pM
Practical and Flexible for Working Clinicians
“The re-certification requirements were clearly outlined and manageable within my work schedule. Completing my CME activities helped refresh key wound care skills and reinforced best practices. ABWH’s process supports professional growth and continuous learning in clinical wound management.”
Re-Certification Requirements
- Fee: $128 (every 2 years)
- CME Requirement: 20 CME hours during the prior two years
- Submit the ABWH re-certification form and supporting documents online at least 5 business days before certification expiration
- Include proof of payment, CME documentation, verification of Category 1 or 2 credits, and a letter of good standing and active status on workplace letterhead
- Professionals not in active practice but who meet the CME requirement remain eligible
- All applicants must meet ABWH’s current Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS) 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 directly to wound care
- Category 1 and 2 credits may include:
- Peer-to-peer wound care training or mentorship (including onboarding of new staff)
- Presentation of wound care-related materials to colleagues
- Attendance at professional wound care conferences
- Participation in wound care in-service sessions (attested by employer)
- Completion of wound care-specific training such as dressing, casting, or VAC placement (attested by employer)
- CME activities must support the maintenance of your skin and wound care certification
Failure to Re-Certify
- A $50 penalty fee applies if renewal is not completed before expiration
- A 6-month grace period is allowed for late re-certification
- Failure to re-certify within the grace period results in loss of the Certified Skin and Wound Specialist designation
- Applicants who lose their credential must reapply and pass the ABWH certification examination to regain active status
Stay current as a Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS) through ABWH’s structured re-certification program. This process reinforces your professional commitment to patient care and ensures ongoing compliance with ABWH’s continuing medical education (CME) requirements. By maintaining verified CME credits, demonstrating clinical engagement, and submitting proof of good standing, practitioners uphold the highest standards of excellence in skin and wound care.
Key Points to Remember About Re-Certification
- Submit your re-certification form and all supporting documents online at least 5 business days before your certification expires
- Include proof of payment, 20 CME credits, verification of Category 1 or 2 CME activities, and a letter of good standing on official workplace letterhead
- Ensure at least 5 CME credits directly relate to wound care practice
- Acceptable CME activities include peer-to-peer mentorship, staff training, conference attendance, or verified wound care workshops
- Professionals who are not actively practicing but meet CME requirements remain eligible for renewal
- A $50 penalty fee applies for late submissions made within the 6-month grace period
- Failure to re-certify within this grace period results in loss of the CSWS designation, requiring re-application and successful completion of the ABWH certification examination
Continuing Medical Education Focus
Advance your expertise in skin and wound care through verified continuing medical education (CME) credits designed to support ongoing clinical competency.
Streamlined Online Submission
Submit your re-certification form and required documents online to applications@abwh.net at least 5 business days before expiration.
Comprehensive CME Options
Meet your CME requirements through flexible activities such as mentorship, staff training, conferences, or verified wound care workshops.
Professional Recognition
Maintain your Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS) status and demonstrate your dedication to professional excellence.
Six-Month Grace Period
Enjoy a 6-month grace period for late submissions to maintain certification continuity
Commitment to Excellence
Show your ongoing commitment to continuing medical education and the advancement of skin and wound care certification standards.
Dr. Melissa Grant, RN, CSWS says:
September 18, 2025 at 9:14 aM
Smooth and Professional Renewal Experience
“The CSWS re-certification process was simple and well-organized. Uploading my CME documentation and proof of good standing was quick, and the ABWH team made every step clear. The continuing medical education requirement ensures we remain current in wound care practices and continue delivering safe, high-quality patient care.”
Michael Rodriguez, LPN, CSWS says:
October 2, 2025 at 3:47 pM
Practical and Flexible for Working Clinicians
“The re-certification requirements were clearly outlined and manageable within my work schedule. Completing my CME activities helped refresh key wound care skills and reinforced best practices. ABWH’s process supports professional growth and continuous learning in clinical wound management.”
For Physicians and Surgeons
