Eligibility for Wound Care Certifications

Here's an overview of the eligibility requirements for the WCC certification exam: 

1. Have one of the eligible licenses: 

RN, LPN/LVN, NP, PA, PT, PTA, OT, OTA, MD, DO, DPM, AP.

2. Eligibility Requirements:   

• Education:
  • Option 1: Graduation from a NAWCO-recognized Skin & Wound Management education course, like WCEI's Skin & Wound Management course
  • Option 2: Currently active CWCN, CWON, CWOCN, or CWS certification 

AND 

• Experience:
  • Option 1: 120 hours hands-on clinical training with a NAWCO approved preceptor
  • Option 2: Two years of full-time or four years of part-time experience in education, research, management, or active care of wound care patients

Note: All candidates must meet both education and experience requirements specified by the NAWCCB. 

3. Additional Requirements: 

• Agree to adhere to the NAWCO Code of Ethics
• Complete the application and documentation
• Payment of the NAWCO certification fee
• Passing score on the WCC Certification exam 

The DWC certification exam is administered by NAWCO for professionals completing the WCEI Diabetic Skin and Wound Management course. 

Here is an overview of the requirements: 

1. Have one of the following active eligible licenses: 

RN, LPN/LVN, NP, PA, PT, PTA, OT, OTA, MD, DO, DPM.

2. Experience: 

In the past five years, applicants must have been:

• Documented providing care for diabetic patients or
• Involved in diabetes-related management, research, or education.

These experience requirements must be met while applicants are actively licensed for at least two years full-time or four years part-time. 

3. Pathway Requirements: 

NAWCO requires candidates to meet one of the Experiential, Continuing Education, Training Course, or other certification requirements. See the full list of NAWCO Pathway Requirements here. 

4. DWC Additional Requirements: 

• Applicants must adhere to the NAWCO Code of Ethics
• Complete application and documentation
• Payment of NAWCO certification fee
• Passing score on the DWC Certification exam 

Here is an overview of the requirements: 

1. Eligible License: 

RN, LPN/LVN, NP, PA, PT, PTA, OT, OTA, MD, DO, DPM.

2. Experience: 

Actively involved in consultation/care of ostomy patients one year full-time as an RN, LPN/LVN, NP, PA, PT, OTA, OT, DO, DPM, or MD

4. Pathway Requirements: 

NAWCO requires candidates to meet one of the Experiential, Continuing Education, Training Course, or other certification requirements. See the full list of NAWCO Pathway Requirements here. 

5. Additional Requirements: 

• Applicants must adhere to the NAWCO Code of Ethics
• Complete application & supporting documentation
• Payment of fees
• Passing score on the OMS Certification exam 

To qualify for the Certified Wound Care Market Specialist (CWCMS) certification exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Industry Experience: Must have current or previous employment in a wound care industry organization. This includes—though is not limited to—companies, businesses, or individuals involved in providing wound care products, equipment, services, research, or adjunctive therapies aimed at skin and wound management.
   1. Wound Care Industry includes but not limited to: Companies/Business/Individuals that provide products, research, equipment, services, and adjunctive therapies to consumers or healthcare providers for the purpose of skin and/or wound management. If no experience or current employment in the wound care industry, applicant must provide a minimum of three references. (Professional, Academic, Colleagues, or Customer)
2. Application and Fees: Submit a completed CWCMS certification exam application through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) and pay all applicable fees.
3. Course Completion: Successfully complete the WCEI CWCMS self-paced online course.
   1. ***VERIFY****Attend the WCEI® Skin and Wound Management Course. (full attendance required)
4. Ethical Agreement: Agree to adhere to the CWCMS Code of Ethics.
5. Exam Performance: Achieve a minimum score of 85% on the NAWCO CWCMS certification exam.

Important Information! Please review the CWCMS certification handbook for detailed information on this course and the CWCMS® credential. 

To qualify for the Certified Wound Care Market Specialist (CWCMS) certification exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Industry Experience: Must have current or previous employment in a wound care industry organization. This includes—though is not limited to—companies, businesses, or individuals involved in providing wound care products, equipment, services, research, or adjunctive therapies aimed at skin and wound management.
   1. Wound Care Industry includes but not limited to: Companies/Business/Individuals that provide products, research, equipment, services, and adjunctive therapies to consumers or healthcare providers for the purpose of skin and/or wound management. If no experience or current employment in the wound care industry, applicant must provide a minimum of three references. (Professional, Academic, Colleagues, or Customer)
2. Application and Fees: Submit a completed CWCMS certification exam application through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) and pay all applicable fees.
3. Course Completion: Successfully complete the WCEI CWCMS self-paced online course.
   1. ***VERIFY****Attend the WCEI® Skin and Wound Management Course. (full attendance required)
4. Ethical Agreement: Agree to adhere to the CWCMS Code of Ethics.
5. Exam Performance: Achieve a minimum score of 85% on the NAWCO CWCMS certification exam.

Important Information! Please review the CWCMS certification handbook for detailed information on this course and the CWCMS® credential. 

To be eligible for the CWS® certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Professional Licensure: Hold a full and unrestricted license in at least one U.S. state and in all states where currently practicing.
2. Professional Background: Be a licensed healthcare professional, such as:
   • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
   • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
   • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
   • Nurse Practitioner (NP)
   • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
   • Physician Assistant (PA)
   • Physical Therapist (PT)
   • Occupational Therapist (OT)
   • Pharmacist (PharmD)
   • Registered Dietitian (RD)
   • Registered Nurse (RN)
3. Wound Care Experience: Possess a minimum of three years of cumulative clinical wound care experience. This experience does not need to be consecutive and can be part of broader professional responsibilities.

To be eligible for the CWCA® certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Professional Experience: Possess a minimum of three years of cumulative experience in wound care. This experience does not need to be consecutive and can be part of broader professional responsibilities.
2. Professional Background: Be a healthcare or industry professional involved in wound care, such as:
   • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
   • Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
   • Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
   • Certified Healthcare Assistants
   • Healthcare Administrators
   • Dietitians
   • Sales and Marketing Professionals in the wound care industry
   • Academic Researchers
3. Licensure: If applicable, hold a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one U.S. state and in all states where currently practicing.

If you have less than three years of wound care experience but meet the professional background requirements, you may be eligible for the CWCA® Candidate program. This pathway allows you to:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge in wound management.
• Begin the process toward full CWCA® certification.
• Maintain Candidate status for up to three years while gaining the necessary experience.

For more detailed information and to begin the application process, please visit the ABWM CWCA® Certification Page.