ABWH Certification Conferment Offer to AAWC Members
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee?
No. The ABWH does not charge an annual renewal fee, just one fee when the certification is due for renewal. This is a significant advantage to AAWC members whose certification programs may require an annual certification renewal fee.
Members must show evidence of current AAWC membership by sharing a copy of the membership certificate or ID card, including the membership expiration date. Certification extends as long as annual AAWC membership is maintained.
Application for recertification including required fees may be found on the ABMS site at ABWH.net/recertification.
What are the renewal requirements for ABWH certification?
Visit the ABWH website at ABWH.net/recertification/ to learn more about annual certification requirements. Application requirements, including supporting documents are outlined there.
Is there an annual renewal fee for ABWH certification?
No. This is a significant advantage to AAWC members whose certification programs may require an annual certification renewal fee.
Application for recertification will require a fee. Recertification information may be found on the ABWH site at ABWH.net/recertification/.
Do I have to take the ABWH certification examination?
No. AAWC members seeking comparable certification from the ABWH do not have to sit for the ABWH exam. However, applications must include documents to support the current certification, evidence of current term of certification, and proof of current AAWC membership.
What certifications are eligible?
ABWH’s Certified Skin and Wound Specialist (CSWS) and Physician Certification in Wound Care (PCWC) are the certifications most commonly applicable to other wound care certifications. Other ABWH certifications involve hyperbaric medicine components. Check the ABWH website to confirm the certification that best fits individual professional needs.
An interested AAWC member should be able to find a comparable certification. There are more categories in the ABWH than in other certifying bodies.
How long is my ABWH Certification good?
The ABWH certification will be good for as long as the certification being substituted or the duration of the ABWH certification, whichever is closest. Consult the ABWH website for certification duration and recertification requirements. ABWH.net/recertification/certified-hyperbaric-wound-specialist/.
Do I need to maintain certification with my previous certifying body?
This is a decision left to the individual professional and largely depends upon whether the individual wants to pay a fee for the certification. The ABWH certification does not require an annual certification renewal fee, a potentially large savings to certificants who choose to seek an ABWH equivalent certification.
Do I need to maintain membership in the AAWC for my ABWH Certification to remain valid?
Yes, continued and uninterrupted membership with the AAWC is required for ABWH certification to remain valid for the duration of the certification period.
Where can I find additional information about the ABWH certification program?
On the ABWH website at ABWH.net.
What designation may I use once I my application for reciprocation is approved?
Members who convert to the Certified Skin and Wound Specialist will use the acronym CSWS.
Physicians converting to the Physician Certification in Wound Care should use the acronym PCWC.
I am a physical therapist. Do any of the ABWH certifications apply to me?
Yes. A physical therapist with a certification in wound care should consider converting to the Certified Skin and Wound Specialist and use the acronym, CSWS.
I am a nurse (Nurse Practitioner, RN). Do any of the ABWH certifications apply to me?
Yes. A nurse with a certification in wound care should consider converting to the Certified Skin and Wound Specialist and use the acronym CSWS.
Most of the ABWH application requirements state I must have completed a certain amount of training in hyperbaric medicine. Does this requirement apply to wound care certified AAWC members seeking an equivalent ABWH certification?
Hyperbaric Medicine certification applies to those involved with the delivery of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The Certified Skin and Wound Specialist CSWS would be the appropriate certification for someone holding a wound care certification. Questions regarding hyperbaric medicine certifications should be emailed to ABWH ([email protected]).
Who may I contact for additional information?
Brittany Ellenz, Executive Director
American Board of Wound Healing
6737 W Washington Street, Suite 3265
West Allis, WI 53214
[email protected]
www.abwh.net
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