If you have been researching online wound care certification options, you may have stopped after being bombarded with a host of acronyms. Fear not- we’ve listed the various wound care certification options to help you easily compare.
Wound Care Certification Comparison Chart
We break down the most common wound certifications in this easy-to-read comparison chart, saving you hours of research.
| Certification | Organization | Who is Eligible | Experience / Requirements Needed | Alternative Experience Options | # of Exam Questions | Minimum Passing Score | Passing Rate | Test Cost | Certification Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWCA | ABWM | LPN, LVN, CNA, MA, RN, BSN, NP, PA, PT, OT, COTA, MD, DO, DPM, PharmD, PTA, RD, LD, Sales Professions | 3 years of combined experience min. Active clinical license | 120 | 72/100 | 64% | $375 | 10 Years | |
| CWS | ABWM | RN, BSN, NP, PA, PT, RD, MD, DO, DPM, PharmD | 3 years of combined experience min. Active clinical license | 150 | 87/125 | 60% | $575 | 10 Years | |
| CWSP | ABWM | MD, DO, DPM | 3 years of combined experience min. Active clinical license | 180 | 116/150 | 80% | $995 | 10 Years | |
| WCC | NAWCO | LPN, LVN, RN, BSN, NP, PA, PT, PTA, OT, COTA, MD, DO, DPM | 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (at least 20 hours per week) OR previous/current ABWM or WOCNCB certification Graduate of a prior wound training course (like WoundEducators) Active clinical license | 120-hour hands-on clinical training with an approved NAWCO preceptor. | 110 | weighted equation | 85% | $380 | 5 Years |
| CWCN | WOCNCB | RN, NP, PA (Bachelors Degree or Higher Nurses) | 50 CE contact hours plus 1500 clinical hours in the past 5 years Active clinical license | WOC Education Program Preceptor | 120 | 500 | 71% | $395 | 5 Years |
| AWCC | NAWCO | RN, BSN, NP, PA, MD, DO, DPM, PT, PTA, OT, COTA, RD | Requires WCC or other prior advanced wound certification as a prerequisite Graduate of a prior wound training course (like WoundEducators) 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time experience min. Active clinical license | 120 | 84/120 (unverified) | unknown | 5 | 5 Years |
Bolded eligibility = preferred. Some healthcare professionals may qualify for wound certifications, but the same organization may offer a more advanced certification that better fits your credential, ex: CWCA vs CWS. If you have additional questions about your specific experience and skill level, don’t hesitate to message us.
Accredited Wound Certification Options
What many people do not know is that in order to achieve accreditation, a wound certification board must offer multiple levels of entry to sit for the wound certification exam. This was done so that wound certification would measure knowledge and NOT force practitioners to take a specific course.
Unfortunately, not all wound care certification bodies and programs make these options clear. Regardless of your educational background, there is a wound care certification that is right for you.
Accredited ABWM® Wound Care Certifications
The CWCA® Certified Wound Care Associate
The CWS® Certified Wound Specialist
The CWSP® Certified Wound Specialist Physician
Accredited NAWCO® Wound Care Certifications
The WCC® Wound Care Certification
The AWCC® Advanced Wound Care Certification
Accredited WOCNCB® Wound Care Certifications
The CWCN® Certified Wound Care Nurse
Compare Wound Care Certification Cost
The current cost of accredited wound care exams ranges from $380-$995. Some wound care certification boards also require you to pay an application fee in addition to the exam cost, which could range from $30-$95. Like all wound care certification prep courses, the cost of the exam is not included in the WoundEducators’ course price.
When comparing wound care certifications, it is also necessary to keep track of important certification renewals and dates. The ABWM certifications are valid for ten years with a $150 annual renewal fee. The WOCNCB and NAWCO certifications are valid for five years.
Shop Wound Certification Courses
Certification Course Checklist – What is the Best Wound Care Certification Course?
First of all, you need to acquire the necessary knowledge. You can do this by taking a comprehensive wound care certification course. Before enrolling in a wound care course, consider the following:
Background and Discipline
– What is your educational background? Are you a nurse, physician, physical therapist, or other licensed professional? Is the wound care certification course that you are considering tailored to your unique educational background? Be sure that the wound course you choose is appropriate for your educational background and degree, versus a “one size fits all” program. Our wound care courses are designed to educate based on your specific degree and current knowledge.
Wound Care Course Cost
Cost may be a factor for you if you are planning on paying to become certified on your own. If your employer is footing the bill or bearing a portion of the cost, they may have a preference as to which certification program you pursue. Our wound certification courses start at $897, which is almost one-third the cost of some of the traditional seminar courses being offered.
- Compare the Cost of Each Wound Care Certification Available
- Compare the Cost of Wound Care Certification Course Options
Continuing Education (CE) Credit
How many CE/CME hours does the course offer? What is the cost/hour? The price of our online wound certification courses are $897- $997 and provides up to 60 CME hours, which equates to less than $15/CME hour. Included in this fee is 6 months of access to the course and all course materials. How does this compare to some of the programs you may have already considered?
Length of Course Access
How long do you have access to the course? Typically seminar courses are only offered for a few days, whereas online courses provide longer access. WoundEducators.com provides six months of unlimited access with the option to renew for a small administrative fee.
Mode of Study
Are you looking for a program that can be completed online? Most professionals these days are comfortable with online learning. At WoundEducators.com, we’ve created a highly effective set of unique, interactive teaching tools for optimum learning and retention. In addition, our courses allow you to proceed at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.
Until-You-Pass Guarantee
Does the course offer a guarantee if you do not pass the wound care certification exam? All of our courses offer an “until you pass” risk-free guarantee allowing you additional course access if you do not pass the wound certification exam.
Study Guides and E-Textbooks
Does the course you’re considering offer any takeaways so that you can continue your education? We provide a wound care, e-textbook, study guides, and comprehensive wound course outline that are all included in the course fee.
Certification Criteria: Which Wound Care Certification Is Best?
Certification Options & Accreditation
Once you have completed your wound care training course, you can take the exam to become wound care certified. There are a variety of wound certifications available depending on your level of education. The comparison chart above is your best guide.
Wound Care Boards vs Certifications
Wound care certification boards are the ones that offer and regulate wound care certifications. The following are some of the most well-known wound care certification boards:
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM)
The Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Board (WOCNCB)
The National Alliance Wound Care Ostomy (NAWCO)
Unbiased Wound Certification Guidance + Support
At WoundEducators.com, we have tailored our online wound care programs to specific groups of professionals- regardless of your educational background, one of our online wound certification courses is sure to meet (and surpass) your needs. Not sure about the necessary requirements to sit for the wound certification exam of your choice?
Importance of an accredited wound care certification (downloadable guide)