WCC - Wound Care Certified

The Wound Care Certified (WCC) Certification is a specialized credential for healthcare professionals who focus on the treatment and management of wounds. This certification is administered by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO).

It’s designed for nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals involved in wound care. The WCC certification recognizes individuals who’ve demonstrated expertise in the field of wound management, including assessment, treatment and prevention of acute and chronic wounds.

Eligibility

Applicants must possess an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse, licensed practical/vocational nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, occasional therapist assistant or doctor.

Eligibility requirements include meeting one education requirement and one experience requirement, from the following options:

• Education: Graduated from an NAWCO-approved skin and wound management training course OR currently hold a CWCN, CWON, or CWOCN certification from the Wound, Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) or CWS certification from the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM).

• Experience: Completed 120 hours of hands-on training with an NAWCO-approved preceptor or have two years of full-time or four years of part-time experience in an approved profession with active wound care involvement or with management, research or education experience directly related to wound care.

Applicants must also agree to adhere to NAWCO’s Code of Ethics, complete the application, submit supporting documentation and pay the fee. Once all requirements have been met, they can apply to take the WCC Certification exam.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: $350 initial certification, plus a non-refundable $30 processing fee.

Exam Format

The certification exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, with 2 hours allowed for completion. Candidates are scored on 100 questions, with 10 questions unscored. Exam questions assess knowledge, comprehension, application and analysis of skin and wound management.

Candidates receive a pass/fail result based on the total number of questions answered correctly, called a raw score. Those who fail the exam receive a performance report and can take the exam again, with a $350 retest fee.

Application Process

• Registration involves completing a training program approved by NAWCO and then applying for the certification exam.

• The application process involves submitting proof of education, experience, and completion of an NAWCO-approved wound care program.

• WCC certification requires renewal every 5 years.

• Currently certified applicants may renew their credentials through:

  • Examination: Retaking the WCC exam

  • Continuing Education: Completing approved contact hours

  • Mentoring: Becoming an NAWCO-approved preceptor

  • Training: Graduating from an NAWCPO-approved skin and wound management course

Renewal Fees

• Recertification: $350, plus a non-refundable $30 processing fee

• Recertification by training requires an additional course fee

• Lapsed Credential Reinstatement: $350, plus nonrefundable $30 processing fee

• Lapsed Credential Late Fee: $300

• CE requirements include completing educational activities related to wound care.

• Complete 60 contact hours of NAWCO-approved CE in skin and wound care within the 5-year certification period.

• Documentation of these activities is necessary for the recertification process.

NAWCO offers study guides and reference materials to prepare for the WCC exam, including the Candidate Handbook. Additional resources may include online courses, workshops and educational seminars in wound care.

After obtaining the WCC certification, professionals can pursue advanced certifications in wound care or related specialties. The NAWCO also offers the following credentials:

• Diabetic Wound Certified (DWC)

• Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS)