HomePhysician Certification in Wound Care
Exam format: 160 questions
Certification duration: 7 years
This exam is available to all physicians (MD, DO, DPM). The physician must:
- Have a current State Medical License
- Provide verification of a minimum of two years clinical experience in wound care
- Provide verification of completion of at least 20 hours of wound care based continuing medical education credit
- Provide documentation of membership in a professional wound care society (Optional- Members of the APWCA can qualify for fellow status)
The
exam will focus on the
principles involved in
the diagnosis,
assessment, and
management of complex
acute and chronic
wounds.
Subject Matter Domains:
- Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Ulcers, Venous and Arterial Insufficiency Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers, Surgical and Traumatic Wounds, and Atypical Wounds
- Physiology of Wound Healing
- The Diagnosis and Management of Wound Infection
- Appropriate Utilization of Advanced Modalities
- Medical-Legal Aspects of Wound Care, Documentation
Recertification: After
the initial
certification period of
7 years, clinicians
wishing to maintain
active status of their
certification in wound
care must take the
recertification exam as
well as confirm
continued active
practice in the field of
wound care.
Recertification
candidates must submit
verification of
continued active wound
care practice during the
period of the prior 12
months. Successful
completion of the
recertification process
will provide a 7 year
renewal of the
certificate of added
qualification.
Exam Preparation: To
prepare for the exam,
you are encouraged to
study:
- “WOUND CARE ESSENTIALS – Practice Principles” 3rd Edition. Sharon Baranoski, MSN, RN and Elizabeth A. Ayello, PhD, RN.
- “WOUND CARE PRACTICE” 2nd Edition. Sheffield PJ, Fife CE, eds.. Flagstaff, AZ, Best Publishing, 2007.
The
Benefit of ABWH
Physician Certification
in Wound Care versus
other exams:
The ABWH Physician
Certification in Wound
Care is the only
certification process
endorsed by several
professional societies.
The American
Professional Wound Care
Association (APWCA) only
endorses the ABWH exam.
Successful completion of
the ABWH examination
process by members of
the APWCA allows the
special recognition and
distinction as Fellows
of the APWCA, or use of
the designation FAPWCA.
The APWCA is the largest
professional wound care
society with an active
membership of nearly
3,000 which includes
more physicians and
podiatrists than any
other professional
society. Additionally,
The American College of
Hyperbaric Medicine
recognizes and endorses
the ABWH as providing
the exam for physician
certification in wound
care. The exam was
written and validated by
physicians, and created
in response to requests
from hospital
credentialing committees
for a certification
process resulting in
verification of clinical
competency in wound
care. Certification in
the specialty of wound
care is the clinician’s
professional mark of
achievement, and more
importantly a seal of
quality care for the
public and patients. As
a physician specific
examination, the ABWH
believes this exam will
serve as the foundation
for specialty
recognition.
