CWCA - Certified Wound Care Associate
- Cost $375
- Renews yearly
- Recertifies every 10 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) offers the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) credential, which displays a healthcare provider’s specialized knowledge and experience in wound care. The certification targets healthcare professionals in roles such as, LPN, LVN, CNA, RN, MA, PTA, healthcare administrators, dietitians, sales and marketing professionals and academic researchers.
Costs
Application fee: $375
Retest/Reschedule fee: $150
Course Format
Exam Format
The CWCA exam is a 2.5 hours computer-based test with 120 multiple-choice questions. The exam consists of 100 scored questions, and the remaining 20 gather statistical data.
Wound Healing Environment (26%)
Assessment and Diagnosis (24%)
Patient Management (20%)
Etiological Considerations (19%)
Professional Issues (11%)
Tasks
Patient Preparation
Patient Assessment
Treatment
Education
Professional Issues
After the Exam
Candidates receive preliminary scores immediately after the exam and can log into their Pearson VUE account and download a copy of their testing report.
A certificate, patch and lapel pin arrive in the mail in approximately 2 to 4 weeks. Copies of the CWCA certification are available within the ABWM account.
How to Schedule the CWCA Exam
Pearson VUE sends an email with information on exam scheduling within 15 business days once ABWM approves completed applications
Candidates can schedule the exam online or by telephone
Online scheduling: Follow the on-screen instructions
Select preferred test center, exam date and appointment time
Candidates receive an appointment confirmation email after scheduling the exam
Telephone scheduling: Candidates call Pearson VUE at 1-833-918-2566 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (CT) Monday through Thursday to schedule their exam
The Pearson VUE testing centers offer the CWCA exam. Candidates can log in to their account and click “Find a test center” on the right sidebar.
Rescheduling or Canceling an Exam
Candidates may reschedule or cancel their exam at no charge through their Pearson VUE account or call at least 48 hours before the scheduled exam.
Candidates forfeit fees and may need to apply for a new exam with ABWM authorization if they fail to make exam changes at least 48 hours before their exam.
Candidates forfeit fees if they fail to appear or are more than 30 minutes late to the testing center.
Before the Exam
Report with testing center check-in personnel
Present two forms of identification to gain admission to the testing center
Primary forms of identification must be government-issued, current and include the candidate’s name, signature and photograph
Examples include driver’s license, state identification or military identification
Secondary forms of identification must display the candidate’s name and signature, such as a credit card, social security card, employment or student ID
Store all personal items in a secured area or a locker or return it to a secured vehicle
Prohibited items include mobile phones, handheld computers, electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, firearms, pens/pencil, books and notes
Complete practice exam to become familiar with the testing software
Practice test time isn’t counted toward the allotted exam time
During the Exam
Use whiteboard and marker for scrap paper
Questions about the content during the exam aren’t allowed
No eating, drinking or smoking
Breaks allowed but candidates won’t receive additional test time
Click the exclamation point to the left of the Time button to enter comments into a dialogue box
After the Exam
Complete an evaluation about the exam experience
Notify the administer of test completion by raising hand and get escorted from testing area
Receive score reports through Pearson VUE account
Exam Retesting
Applicants who don’t pass the exam may retest after a 30-day waiting period.
Complete a retest application
Applicants have two years from the original exam date to attempt to pass the exam
Submit documentation of completing 20 CEUs after each exam if more than three attempts
Certification
Eligibility
Healthcare professionals, such as LPNs, LVNs, PTAs, certified healthcare assistants, administrators, sales and marketing and academic researchers with at least three years of wound care experience
Required three years of experience not required to be consecutive
Unrestricted professional license, if applicable
Application Process
Submit an online application with all required documentation and forms
Submit three professional letters of recommendation discussing wound care knowledge, skills, expertise and years of experience in wound care
Submit professional resume or curriculum vitae and a personal statement with a detailed description of three years experience in wound care
Read the ABWM Code of Ethics and sign the statement to affirm adherence
Pay the exam application fee
Schedule the exam at an approved testing center in the following 90 days
Submit application when ready to schedule the exam within the 90-day window
Scholarships
ABWM Foundation Scholarship
The American Board of Wound Management awards up to 10 certification scholarships each year to cover the cost of initial certification exam fees. Applications are reviewed during ABWM Foundation Board of Trustees board meetings.
Eligibility
First-time candidates
Meet the eligibility certification criteria
Doesn’t cover retesting, rescheduling or recertifying fees
Applications
Submit the following documents in accordance with the scholarship application:
Submit an approximately one page candidate statement describing commitment to wound care, long-term career goals and aspirations in wound care
Provide documentation of financial need with a copy of the latest tax return
Harold L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship
The Save A Leg, Save A Life Foundation sponsors the Harold L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship to healthcare providers in need of financial support to earn a certification from ABWM. Candidates must show the highest honor of character through a history of volunteering service.
Eligibility
First-time candidates
Meet the eligibility certification criteria
Preference for Armed Forces personnel
Doesn’t cover retesting, rescheduling or recertifying fees
Application
Submit the following documents in accordance with the memorial scholarship application.
Submit an approximately one page candidate statement describing commitment to wound care, details of volunteer work and aspirations in wound care
Provide documentation of financial need with a copy of the latest tax return
Renewal
CWCA certification is valid for one year, with renewal due by the end of January.
Certification renewal requires at least six contact hours of wound management continuing education. Submit documentation before the annual renewal deadline.
CWCA certification requires recertification by retaking the exam before every 10th anniversary of certification.
Cost: $150 annual renewal fee
Recertification Process
Submit an online application at least 15 business days before the desired exam date
90-day testing window becomes available with application approval
Submit the application when ready to schedule the exam within the 90-day window
Cost: $375 for 10-year recertification fee
Continuing Education
A minimum of six hours of continuing education in wound management is required each year to maintain certification. Candidates must provide documentation in their ABWM account before the annual renewal deadline.
ABWM Foundation developed educational videos for upcoming exams or fulfilling annual certification renewal. Watching each 45-minute video and completing the post-quiz equals one hour of continuing education credit toward the ABWM renewal.
Other Resources
Review the CWCA Candidate Handbook for complete detailed information regarding the CWCA exam.
ABWM doesn’t provide specific review materials due to compliance with national accreditation standards. However, it offers course outlines and practice exams composed of past exam questions. The ABVM Foundation also offers resources and materials for exam preparation, including:
CWCA Home Study Preparation Guide: $121.95
CWCA Flashcards: $44.95
The Wound Care Learning Network provides access to industry journal articles, news, wound care meeting highlights, and CME.
The Kestrel Wound Product Sourcebook provides an expanded product directory, industry leader blogs, additional education resources, wound condition reference centers, and more.
WoundCon allows free standard access to licensed healthcare professionals to receive 14 days of on-demand accredited access to wound care resources including opportunities to earn up to 15.5 CME/CE credits.
Extended packages include access to the previous package plus additional products:
30-day access for $19.99 and the guide, Chronic Wound Care: What’s in Your Toolbox?
6-month access for $49.99, The WoundSource Glossary of Key Wound Care Terms and Types of Dressings: Features, Indications, and Contraindications eBook.
12-month access for $119.99, WoundSource Assessment & Documentation: Practical Guidance for Health Care Professionals eBook and WoundSource Study Companion eGuide
Related Certifications
The Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) recognizes a master level of knowledge and specialty wound management practice for licensed healthcare professionals, such as DO, DPM, MD, DVM, PA, PT, OT, PharmD, RD or RN.
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) offers three wound-related certifications:
Wound Care Certified (WCC) certification is for eligible LPN/LVN, RN, NP, PA, PT, PTA, OT, OTA, MD, DO, DPM and sales professionals with 2 to 4 years of experience or previous ABWM or WOCNCB certification.
The Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) certification allows eligible healthcare providers to demonstrate proficiency, knowledge and skill mastery in ostomy management focusing on pre-surgery and post-surgery for patients who require a fecal or urinary diversion.
Advanced Wound Care Certified (AWCC) certification is available for eligible physicians, therapists, and nurses to provide advanced wound care to patients.
The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) provides several wound-related certifications for eligible nurses who want to advance their career from general nursing to ostomy specialized practice, including:
BSN nurses are eligible for the Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) certification.
Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN)
Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN)
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON)
In addition, WOCNCB has targeted wound certifications, including the Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN).
Advanced Practice (AP) designations are available for credentials of CWOCN-AP, CWON-AP, CWCN-AP, COCN-AP, and CCCN-AP.
LPN/LVNs are eligible for the credential, Wound Treatment Associate-Certified (WTA-C)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) certification exam hard?
In 2024, the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) certification exam was passed by 61% of examinees. The more you prepare the more likely it is that you'll pass the exam.
Where is the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) exam administered?
Pearson VUE testing centers administer the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) exam. You may find a testing center through their ABWM account.
Can I retest if I don’t pass the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) exam on my first attempt?
Yes, you may submit a retest application online after 30 days from the original exam date if you don’t pass the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) exam. A new 90-day eligibility window generates 30 days after your previous exam. You must provide documentation of 20 wound care CEUs for each attempt if you wish to retest more than three times.
When do I renew my Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) certification?
Your Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) certification must be renewed every year by the end of January and include a renewal fee of $150.
Can I receive a copy of my Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) exam score report?
Yes, you may log in to your Pearson VUE account and download your score report after taking the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) exam.
Can I earn a Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) online?
No, you can't earn a Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) online.
What other certifications does the ABWM offer besides the CWCA?
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) also offers the Certified Wound Specialist (CWS).
What organization offers the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA)?
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) offers the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA).