Nursing / Healthcare Credential
How to Verify a Wound Care Certification
Verify wound care certifications including CWON, CWOCN, WCC, CWCN, and CWS credentials from WOCNCB and ABWM. Understand credential tiers, state nursing license requirements, and a hiring checklist for wound care roles.
Quick answer
The two primary wound care certification bodies are WOCNCB (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board) and ABWM (American Board of Wound Management). Verify WOCNCB credentials at wocncb.org and ABWM credentials at abwm.org. Also verify the candidate's underlying RN license through the state nursing board or NURSYS.
WOCNCB credential types
WOCNCB (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board) offers the most widely recognized specialty credentials in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing:
| Credential | Full Name | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| CWON | Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse | Combined wound and ostomy (no continence component) |
| CWOCN | Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse | Full spectrum — wound, ostomy, and continence; the most comprehensive WOCNCB credential |
| CWCN | Certified Wound Care Nurse | Wound care only (no ostomy or continence) |
| COCN | Certified Ostomy Care Nurse | Ostomy care only |
| CCCN | Certified Continence Care Nurse | Continence care only |
Verify WOCNCB credentials at: wocncb.org → Verify Certification. The portal confirms credential type, Active or Expired status, and expiration date.
ABWM credentials
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) certifies a broader range of wound care clinicians — not limited to RNs — including physicians, PAs, NPs, physical therapists, and other allied health professionals.
ABWM credentials include:
- CWS (Certified Wound Specialist): For clinicians with advanced wound management expertise across disciplines
- CWSP (Certified Wound Specialist Physician): Physician-specific advanced wound care credential
Verify ABWM credentials at: abwm.org → Verify a Credential. Confirm Active status and expiration date. ABWM credentials require continuing education for renewal.
Underlying nursing license verification
WOCNCB credentials require the holder to maintain an active RN license. A lapsed or suspended nursing license invalidates the ability to practice — even if the wound care certification itself is current.
Verify RN license at: NURSYS (nursys.com) for states participating in the national registry, or through the individual state nursing board. Confirm Active RN license status and check for any disciplinary actions.
Verification checklist
- 1. Confirm the specific credential — CWOCN, CWON, CWCN, CWS — and match it to the role's scope requirements
- 2. Verify WOCNCB credentials at wocncb.org — confirm Active status and expiration date
- 3. Verify ABWM credentials at abwm.org if candidate holds CWS or CWSP
- 4. Verify underlying RN license at NURSYS or the applicable state nursing board — confirm Active status
- 5. Confirm CE requirements for the current renewal cycle are satisfied
Verify nursing program accreditation
Nursing programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's nursing school was properly accredited before accepting their educational credentials.
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