CCCN - Certified Continence Care Nurse

The Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN) certification is a specialized credential for nurses who provide care to individuals with urinary and fecal continence care needs. Administered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), this certification demonstrates a nurse's expertise in assessing, managing and treating patients with incontinence and related wound and skin care issues. 

The WOCNCB’s CCCN certification is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). It’s designed for registered nurses (RNs) committed to improving the quality of life for patients with continence disorders through effective management, patient education and advocacy.

Eligibility

• Current RN license

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

• Complete education or practice requirements based on one pathway

  • Traditional Pathway: Graduate from a WOC Nursing Education Program accredited by the WOCN Society within the past 5 years from application date

  • Experiential Pathway: Earn 1,500 direct patient clinical hours and 50 continuing education credits related to continence care (post-bachelor’s degree) while practicing as an RN and within the past 5 years from application date

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: $395 for just the CCCN exam (made payable to Meazure Learning)

Additional cost details:

• 1 Specialty $395

• 2 Specialties $510 

• 3 Specialties $610 

• 4 Specialties $670

• Re-exam: $100 discount on first retake, full fee on subsequent attempts

Exam Format

Meazure Learning is the professional testing agency contracted by the WOCNCB to administer its exams. It also assists with scoring and analysis of exams, processing applications and reporting results to candidates.

The CCCN exam contains 110 questions with 10 unscored. WOCNCB uses a scaled scoring system, with results provided immediately after taking the exam. Unsuccessful candidates may retake the exam times within each 12-month period, with a minimum of 30 days between each attempt. If they remain unsuccessful, they must reapply to sit for the exam.

Applicants may apply for and schedule to take just the CCCN exam or combine it with related certifications from the WOCNCB that they might be eligible for. You can schedule each exam in separate testing sessions or take them all together in a single session.

Application Process

• Complete the online application

• Provide proof of nursing license

• Provide proof of applicable education

• Include examination fee

Once the application has been approved, Meazure Learning sneds a Notice to Schedule via email that allows the candidate to schedule exam sessions over the next 12 months.

Must renew the CCCN certification every 5 years. Plus:

• Currently hold WOCNCB CCCN certification

• Currently hold RN license

• Pass the CCCN exam or submit a professional portfolio via the WOCNCB’s Professional Growth Program

• Submit renewal application with fee

Candidates may submit their recertification application up to 18 months before their current certification expires. If recertifying through examination, applicants receive a Notice to Schedule that’s good for 365 days from the date of receipt. However, the candidate must pass the exam before their credential expires.

Renewal Fees

Renewing just the CCCN costs $395, made payable to Meazure Learning.

Additional cost details:

• 1 Specialty $395

• 2 Specialties $510 

• 3 Specialties $610 

• 4 Specialties $670

• Re-exam: $100 discount on first retake, full fee on subsequent attempts

Continuing education (CE) can be used to fulfill Professional Growth Program requirements, with a maximum of 40 points in this category. When using CE, at least 10 points must be directly related to continence care and a maximum of 10 points allowed for professional practice. However, professional practice CEs aren’t required.

The WOCNCB offers resources for CCCN exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Content Outline

• Flashcard Mobile App ($19.95 for 6 months)

• Self-Assessment Exam ($45)

• Exam Tips

• Meazure Learning sample test to demonstrate the testing environment.

The WOCNCB also offers the following:

• Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)

• Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN)

• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWOCN)

• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON)

• Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN)