Board certification as a Certified Wound Specialist Physician® (CWSP)® demonstrates distinct, specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for persons with wounds. There are a few exciting changes beginning October 3rd that you should be aware of! Here are some frequently asked questions:

Who's eligible to take the CWSP®?

MD's, DO's and DPM's with at least three years of clinical wound care experience and direct patient care.

Why should I take the CWSP® as opposed to other physician wound care exams?

The CWSP® is given by the American Board of Wound Management, one of the original and most respected wound certification boards. ABWM is a multidisciplinary organization that believes in certification across the continuum of wound management. The ABWM is a full voting member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.

Do you need to be a CWS® first before you can become a CWSP®?

Beginning October 3rd, ABWM is offering a combined CWS/CWSP exam, eliminating the need for MD's, DO's and DPM's to take two exams in order to achieve their CWSP® credential. Anyone applying for the CWSP® will now take the combined exam.

Can I take the new CWSP® exam if I am an MD, DO or DPM and already have my CWS®?

Yes, the new CWSP® exam incorporates all aspects of the CWS® and the CWSP® exam. You can sit for the CWSP® exam at any time. You do not need to wait for the 10-year anniversary of your CWS® to sit for the CWSP® exam.

I'm an MD, DO, or DPM due for my CWS® 10 year re-certification soon. What should I do?

You can choose to sit for either the CWS® or the CWSP®. If you decide to certify as a CWSP®, you will not need to re-certify or renew your CWS®. You will need to re-certify your CWSP® in another 10 years.

Will there be a price difference between the exams?

The cost of the combined CWS/CWSP exam is $995. Since you only have to take one exam, you'll save $355, and avoid having to sit for two exams.

Is there an annual renewal fee?

Yes, the annual renewal fee for the CWSP® is $150, plus 6 hours of continuing education in wound care.

When can I sit for the exam?

ABWM now offers year-round testing, so you may apply at any time by completing the Application in our Candidate Handbook. Then, after October 3rd, you may schedule your testing date, time and location at one of our 170 testing centers throughout the country any time during the ensuing six months.

Will the exam content change?

The combined CWS/CWSP exam will incorporate elements from both previous exams to give a well-rounded assessment of the CWS® and CWSP® content. You can now view the brand new Content Outline on pages 31-32 of the Candidate Handbook, and on our website in the How to Prepare section.

What are 'pretest' items in the exam?

The examination consists of 180 questions, only 150 of which are used to compute your score. The 30 'pretest' items are not scored and allow for evaluation of the items prior to using them for scoring. Performance on the 'pretest' items does not affect your score.

Will wound management ever become a specialty in the ABMS?

There are currently 24 Boards recognized by the ABMS. The last medical specialty recognized was in 1991. The application and approval process is extensive, with many stipulations. To find out more about Board certification, you may visit http://www.abms.org.  As a multidisciplinary organization, ABWM is not eligible to apply as a specialty.