CFCN - Certified Foot Care Nurse

Foot care nurses are working within the entire spectrum of healthcare including hospitals, home health, and long-term care. These specialized nurses are consulted for their knowledge and their expertise in the assessment, care interventions, and ongoing education for clients regarding foot issues.

The Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN) certification is offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB). The CFCN is relevant for nurses with knowledge and skills in caring for clients across the lifespan.

Cost to certify

• Exam fee is reduced when application is submitted for several specialty exams:

  • $395 for one specialty

  • $510 for two specialties

  • $610 for three specialties

  • $670 for four specialties

• Re-examination: $100 discount, can be used only once

Applicants for the CFCN exam must register online. The exam format is a computer-based test (CBT) with 120 multiple-choice items that allow for up to two hours to complete. 

To be eligible for the CFCN certification exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Current licensure as an RN.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Completion of 24 CE hours specific to foot care. 8 of 24 CE hours may be in basic skin and wound care.

• Completion of 40 clinical hours under the direct supervision of an expert in foot care. 12 of the 40 clinical hours may be in basic skin and wound care under the direct supervision of a wound care expert. The wound care expert may include a CWCN, CWCN-AP, DPM, or an MD specializing in wound care (a WTA-C does not qualify).

• CE and clinical hours must be completed within the last 5 years from the application for certification while the applicant is a licensed RN.

Candidates who are seeking multiple certifications through the WOCNCB may schedule their exams in one testing period for a surcharge of $75.

The WOCNCB recommends that candidates review the examination handbook before applying. Evidence of nursing license, education transcripts, CE certificates, and supervisor verification will be required when applying online.

The CFCN certification is valid for five years. 

To renew the certification, the nurse must fulfill the following items:

• Current certification through the WOCNCB.

• Current RN licensure.

• Completion of certification exam or completion of the requirements within the Professionals Growth Program (PGP) or a passing score on the CFCN® exam.

The PGP is an online portfolio that allows the nurse to record CE hours, professional memberships, publications, and other specialty-related activities to recertify in place of the examination. A total of eighty PGP points is required to meet the requirements for recertification with ten CEs in the clinical specialty.

Renewal Fees

• $395 for one specialty

• $510 for two specialties

• $610 for three specialties

• $670 for four specialties

The WOCNCB offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Content Outline

• Flashcard Mobile App Cost: $19.95 for 6 months or $

• Self-Assessment Exam Cost $45

• Exam Tips

Meazure Learning offers a sample test to demonstrate the testing environment.

Review courses are not endorsed by the WOCNCB.

The nurse seeking additional verification of skills in the wound, ostomy, and continence category may also observe the following certifications offered by the WOCNCB:

• Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN): Relevant for nurses caring for clients with fecal or urinary incontinence caused by neurological diseases, surgeries, or injuries.

• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON): These nurses work with clients in both wound care and ostomy specialties. This certification requires completion of both the CWOCN and COCN certification exams.