This month, the ABWM announced two major changes to their CWS Certified Wound Specialist eligibility. The first major change is the expansion of professional licenses accepted for Certified Wound Specialists- Diploma RNs and Associate RNs can now become CWS certified!
This is a positive change made by the ABWM to help healthcare professionals who are passionate about wound care. This change allows RNs with diplomas or associate degrees to qualify for the same wound care certification that BSNs can take- the CWS Certified Wound Specialist. Formerly, accredited wound certification options for Associate and Diploma RNs were limited. Many had to pursue the CWCA Certified Wound Care Associate due to lack of options they qualify for. (The CWCA is the same certification that LPNs, LVNs, CNAs, and MAs often choose.)
The second change to the CWS Certified Wound Care Specialist certification opened up more options for the minimum experience requirements. Formerly, the CWS certification required three years of cumulative wound care experience. Now, the requirements have been adjusted to include a one-year minimum fellowship in lieu of the three-year experience minimum.
While the fellowship may seem like a great option, there are still monitored requirements that you should be aware of. For the fellowship to be accepted, it must be certified by a credentialing organization. In addition to the fellowship certification proof, the CWS applicant must obtain and supply a letter of recommendation from the fellowship program director. The former requirements for the CWS application required three letters of professional recommendations. For healthcare professionals using the fellowship pathway, two of the three required letters need to come from specific professionals involved in the fellowship. The first letter needs to be from the fellowship director. The second letter needs to be from a CWS that was involved in the applicant’s wound care training. The third can be from another professional resource.
In addition to offering more wound care certification options for RNs, the fellowship option allows those without previous career experience to become wound care certified earlier.
While the CWS eligibility requirements have changed, the majority of the application requirements remain. Anyone pursuing the CWS Certified Wound Specialist must have an active, unrestricted professional license in at least one state, and in all states in which they currently practice. Current licenses accepted for the CWS certification include the RN, BSN, PA, PT, RD, DO, DPM, DVM, MD, NP licenses.
The full CWS wound care certification application includes:
- Completed application form
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Personal statement, including a full description of three years of clinical wound care experience or one-year minimum certified fellowship.
- Copies of professional licenses and board certifications.
- Your three letters from professional references, sealed in original envelopes. Letters should discuss wound care knowledge, skills, and expertise, and must document the required years of experience.
- Signed ABWM Code of Ethics statement
- Payment for the required application fee
- Complete the checklist form by initialing next to each application item.
It is now easier than ever to gain the CWS certified wound specialist certification. The CWS is a highly acclaimed and most importantly, accredited wound certification. To prepare for the CWS wound care certification, consider taking one of our online wound care certification prep courses. Every Wound Educators course comes with our Until-You-Pass guarantee to help you feel confident you will pass the certification board test.
Current CWCA RNs – Get CWS Certified!
UPDATE: any current CWCA that tested within the last three years can sit for the CWS exam for a reduced fee of $200. Simply fill out a Re-Test Form (ticking the CWS box) and include a note highlighting the CWCA certification date.
CWCAs who certified more than three years ago must fill out a Re-Certification Form (ticking the CWS box) and pay the standard $575 CWS wound care recertification fee.
I am an Associates RN with a current CWCA. Can I change over to CWS or do I have to retake the exam?
Lindsey, we are still waiting on ABWM clarification for current CWCA RNs. As soon as we find out specifics, we will let you know. You can also contact them directly at info@abwmcertified.org to ask about your particular situation. The CWS is a separate exam with 30 more questions than the CWCA so it is likely you will still have to take the CWS exam to upgrade.
I am a CWCA RN and am going to have to pay the highest late fee ifor my recertification by the end of March. would I be better to test for the CWS.
Amy, I would suggest re-testing for the CWS, but I would also double-check with the ABWM.
I am an associates RN over 30 years.. I have my CWCA #10282, 6/23/2015.
I sent all my letters of recommendation prior to this and approved to test. So working full time as a wound specialist has been my job with certification ever since. So what do I need to do different to be able to take the CWS test with my current certification CWCA.
It is not clear and I just paid my dues now going on 4 years $150.
Toni, congrats on the CWCA certification! We are still waiting on ABWM clarification for current CWCA RNs. As soon as we find out specifics for current CWCAs wishing to transfer, we will let everyone know. You can also contact them directly at info@abwmcertified.org to ask about your particular situation. However, we do know that the CWS is a separate exam with 30 more questions than the CWCA so it is likely you will still have to take the CWS exam to upgrade.
UPDATE: any current CWCA that tested within the last three years can sit for the CWS exam for a reduced fee of $200. Simply fill out a Re-Test Form (ticking the CWS box) and include a note highlighting the CWCA certification date.
CWCAs who certified more than three years ago are still welcome to sit for the CWS, but must fill out a Re-Certification Form (ticking the CWS box) and pay the standard $575 CWS recertification fee.
I have over 30 years experience working in the burn center and wound care center, I also was a patient care Tech , And ortho Tech and I also worked on the rescue squad . I would like to take the wound care certification? . Do this qualified me for that I have the experience I would like to have a certification
Carlo, you can likely pursue the CWCA or the WCC certification. We recommend pursuing the CWCA as it is accredited, whereas the WCC is not. You will need to submit your full application to the ABWM to be approved to take the exam. We recommend starting with our 6-month basic wound care certification course to help you make sure you have all information covered to pass the exam. https://woundeducators.com/wound-care-certification-courses/b/
I want to became CWS but I don’t know the process.
First, I was working in Qatar as Mobile Nurse we visited patient at home for antibiotic IV administration and majority we do wound dressing and assessment ( wound management ).
My question are:
1. Is that licensed ( CWS ) will be honor here in Qatar ?
2. My manager was not CWS where I can get reference or recommendation letter?
3. we just have 1 month training in wound care department here in Qatar.
Melma, Anyone pursuing the CWS Certified Wound Specialist must have an active, unrestricted professional license in at least one state, and in all states in which they currently practice. Current licenses accepted for the CWS certification include the RN, BSN, PA, PT, RD, DO, DPM, DVM, MD, NP licenses. You must also have an approved one-year fellowship or three years of cumulative wound care experience to apply. You must submit your complete application packet to the ABWM in order to be approved to take the test. Once approved, you can see if there are any PSI testing centers in your area to take your exam.
If an applicant is an Associates RN can all three letter be completed by professional references?
Trekela, Where the letters come from depends on your experience. If you are using the fellowship option, 2/3 letters must be provided by a CWS who was involved in wound training and by the program director. If you have three years or more of experience, all 3 letters can come from professional references of your choice.
I am not understanding this process completely. I am CWCA and AD RN, how exactly do I become CWS? 6 years experience, passed test in 2017. Thank you.
Kelley, Congrats on your CWCA Certification! At this time, we are still waiting on ABWM clarification for current CWCA RNs. As soon as we find out specifics, we will let you know. The CWS is a separate exam with 30 more questions than the CWCA so it is likely you will still have to take the CWS exam to upgrade. If you need to inquire about your particular situation, you can also contact them directly at info@abwmcertified.org.
UPDATE: any current CWCA that tested within the last three years can sit for the CWS exam for a reduced fee of $200. Simply fill out a Re-Test Form (ticking the CWS box) and include a note highlighting the CWCA certification date.
CWCAs who certified more than three years ago are still welcome to sit for the CWS, but must fill out a Re-Certification Form (ticking the CWS box) and pay the standard $575 CWS recertification fee.
What options are available for LPN’s who are currently CWCA’s and have been for at least 3 years
Vicky, We recommend keeping the CWCA as it is the only accredited wound care certifications available for LPNS.