Certification Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Pursuing certification is an investment in your professional growth and demonstrates your commitment to excellence in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. While the process involves several steps, it’s designed to ensure that every certificant meets rigorous professional standards.
This roadmap walks you through the certification journey, from creating your account and submitting your application to preparing for your exam and maintaining your certification. Use it alongside our ABWH Certification Checklist to stay organized and keep your application on track.
Step 1: Choose Your Certification Path
The first step is determining which certification best aligns with your education, licensure, and professional experience.
ABWH Certifications
- Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)
- Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS)
- Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS)
- Physician Certification in Wound Care
- Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine
Step 2: Create Your ABWH Account
Visit ABWH.net and select Register Now if you’re a first-time applicant.
Once your account is created, you’ll access your User Dashboard where you can:
- Select your certification pathway
- View eligibility requirements
- Upload required documentation
- Track your application status
- Receive important updates
Step 3: Gather Your Documentation
Different certifications require different documentation, but applicants should expect to gather items such as:
- Professional licenses
- Educational documentation
- Attestation statements (available for download at the ABWH website)
- Continuing education certificates
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Competency verification
- Case logs (for physicians)
Note: You will need to upload your documents at one time – have everything ready to go before you begin so that you can successfully submit everything at once.
The following chart outlines the documentation needed for each certification pathway:
Certified Hyperbaric Specialist | Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist | Certified Skin & Wound Specialist | Physician Certification in Wound Care | Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine |
Attestation Statement | Attestation Statement | Attestation Statement | Driver’s License | Driver’s License |
Completion of approved 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine course | Completion of approved 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine course | Completion of 20 wound care continuing education credits | Medical School Diploma | Medical School Diploma |
4 Verified Core Competencies Checklists | 8 Verified Core Competencies Checklists | 4 Verified Core Competencies Checklists | Board Certification | Board Certification |
State License (if applicable) | State License (if applicable) | State License (if applicable) | State Medical License | State Medical License |
Resume | Resume | Resume | Verification of at least 20 hours of wound care CME credits | Completion of Approved 40-hour HBO course |
CHT Certification (if applying for reciprocity) | Membership in a Professional Wound Care Society (optional) | ACHM Membership Certificate or Number | ||
Curriculum Vitae | Curriculum Vitae | |||
Letter of Verification | Letter of Verification | |||
Wound Care Treatments Case Log | Hyperbaric Treatments Case Log |
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once your documentation has been uploaded, click “Submit Documents” and your application has been submitted!
The ABWH Credentialing Committee carefully reviews every application to verify eligibility and ensure all requirements have been met.
What Happens Next?
Once we have reviewed all of your documents, we will let you know by email if a) your application is complete and you are ready for your exam, b) your application is missing information/documentation (we will provide you with instructions to send us what is missing) or c) you do not meet eligibility requirements for certification at this time. You will typically hear from us within five business days.
Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive instructions via email for scheduling and taking your certification examination.You will also be provided with a link for payment.
After your payment has been processed, you will receive your exam, which you can take at your convenience.
Step 5: Prepare for Success
While every candidate prepares differently, most successful applicants benefit from developing a structured study plan.
Official study guides are available on ABWH’s website. They are the best resource for study prep – covering all relevant topics and helping direct your study focus.
The ABWH website also provides links to relevant exam preparation resources. Go to our Exam Prep page and select your certification pathway for specific recommendations and links to study guides.
Don’t wait until your exam is scheduled to begin preparing. Starting early allows you to review unfamiliar topics without feeling rushed.
Step 6: Take Your Exam
You choose when you take your exam. Once you begin, you cannot pause your test or go back to it, as it is proctored, monitored and timed. All ABWH exams are offered online using a virtual proctoring and screen recording service. Your results will be displayed for you on the screen immediately upon finishing.
Step 7: Congratulations, You’re Certified!
After successfully passing your examination, you’ll receive your official certification via email. A copy will also be available on your user account at www.ABWH.net.
You’ll also enjoy the following benefits:
- Your name will be listed on the ABWH website
- You will be eligible to use your credential
- You’ll join a growing community of certified wound care professionals
Maintaining Your Certification
Certification is an ongoing commitment to professional excellence.
To maintain your credential, you’ll need to complete the recertification process every two years before your certification expires.
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Beginning the recertification process several months before your expiration date gives you time to:
- verify continuing education credits
- locate documentation
- complete your application
- resolve any questions before your deadline
Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed
The most common reasons applications are delayed include:
- Missing documentation
- Expired licenses
- Incomplete competency forms
- Missing signatures
- Incorrect continuing education documentation
You can ensure success by following the steps in this guide and by referencing our Certification Checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does certification last?
You will need to re-certify every two years.
How much does certification cost?
Cost of certification depends on the pathway you choose:
- Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) – $320
- Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS) – $395
- Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS) – $320
- Physician Certification in Wound Care – $1,020
- Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine – $1,220
Can I retake the exam if I don’t pass?
If you do not pass your exam the first time, you can retake the test any time once you feel adequately prepared. If you do not pass on your second attempt, you must wait six months to retake the exam. This period should be used for additional study and preparation.
How long does the application review take?
Typically five business days.
How will I receive my certificate?
Your certificate will be emailed to you and saved in your user account.
How will I know when it’s time to recertify?
Recertification takes place every two years. We advise you to pin the date on your calendar! We will also send you a reminder approximately 30 days out.
Helpful Resources
- Certification Checklist (download)
- Study Guides
- Exam Prep Resources
- Contact ABWH
Ready to Begin?
Planning ahead can make the process straightforward and stress-free. Use the ABWH Certification Checklist to stay organized, gather your documentation early, and follow each step with confidence.
click to download
