COCN - Certified Ostomy Care Nurse

The Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) is offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board.

Ostomy care nurses work within the entire spectrum of healthcare, including hospitals, home health, and long-term care. These specialized nurses are consulted for their knowledge, and expertise in the best treatment protocols to ensure long-term support and follow-up care for clients.  

The Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) certification is relevant for nurses with knowledge and skills in caring for clients across the lifespan with fecal or urinary diversions, fistulas, or percutaneous tubes/drains, and need post-surgical ostomy care.

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 COCN 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 COCN certification exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Current licensure as an RN.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Completion of one of the following requirements:

• Traditional Method: Graduate from an accredited Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOCN) Nursing Education Program within the last five years.

• Experiential: Completion of 1500 direct patient care hours (375 must be completed in last year) and 50 CE hours within the last five years.

For verification of accredited nursing education programs the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) provides a list on its website.

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 CWCN 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).

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 certification candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Practice Exam

• Content Outline

• Exam Tips

• Flashcard Mobile App ($19.95/6months or $39.95/12 months)

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

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.