Why Certification?
Recognizes those who have met the eligibility requirements for board certification.
Identifies a standard of knowledge essential for developing a comprehensive wound management program.
Advances cooperation and resource exchange among the various disciplines and organizations involved in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds.
Encourages continued professional growth and development of individuals and the field of wound management.
Establishes a code of ethics, responsibility and high professional standards by all certified individuals.
Advocacy Letters
- Use to give to your Employer
- Use to share with general public
- Why you should choose certification
Certification Status
The AAWM shall grant Diplomate status to those individuals who successfully pass the National Board Certification Examination for Wound Management Professionals. Such Diplomates shall be referred to as “Certified Wound Specialists® of the AAWM” and shall be entitled to use the title of Certified Wound Specialist and the designation CWS® after their name.
Candidates with a Doctorate Degree: Must have a degree from an accredited university and have two years of documented clinical or research experience in wound care.
Candidates with a Masters Degree: Must have a masters level degree in related health care disciplines with two years of documented clinical or research experience in wound care.
Candidates with a Bachelors Degree: Must have a baccalaureate degree and five years of documented clinical or research experience in the field of wound care.
Candidates that are Licensed Healthcare Providers: Must have five years of documented clinical or research experience in the field of wound care.
Non-Clinical Candidates: Must have a baccalaureate (or higher) degree and documented research experience in wound care or wound care related fields.
AAWM Board Certification by Examination
The National Examination for Board Certification in Wound Management from the American Academy of Wound Management is held every April and October at selected testing centers nationwide. Testing locations within these cities are generally at a college or university. Exact locations are disclosed to individuals registered for the examination approximately two-to-four weeks prior to the examination date.
Testing centers include these locations:
- Atlanta, GA
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Cleveland, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Eugene, OR
- Houston, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Kansas City, MO
- Las Vegas, NV
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA area
- Louisville, KY
- Memphis, TN
- Miami, FL area
- Milwaukee, WI
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Omaha, NE
- Orlando, FL
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Raleigh, NC
- Richmond, VA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- San Antonio, TX
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington, DC area
Applicants for certification must achieve a passing score of 140 out of 200 on the examination to earn the designation Certified Wound Specialist® (CWS®).
Multidisiciplinary questions cover: General Knowledge, Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Physiology, Therapeutics and Psychosocial topics.
learn more about The College of Certified Wound Specialists!
