Fee: $395
Exam format: 150 questions
Certification duration: Continuous

Prior to applying for certification the candidate must have met the following requirements:

• A minimum of two years of experience in a hospital setting or outpatient facility as a Hyperbaric Technician with cross training as a Wound Care Assistant or equivalent clinical position
• A minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience per year for the prior 2 years, with time shared between hyperbaric chamber operations and actual participation in wound related patient care and management (at least 25% of time must be dedicated to wound care)
• Completion of a 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine course or 40-hour primary training program approved by either the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, or the US Department of Defense
• Completion of Core Competencies in Hyperbaric Therapy and Wound Care, verified and endorsed by your employer, Medical Director or Program Manager validating your clinical experience detailed in the Core Competency Checklists

Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:

• Hyperbaric Technician
• Diver Medical Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Respiratory Therapist
• Certified Nurse Aide
• EMT Paramedic
• Life Support Technician
• Physician Assistant
• Registered Nurse or LPN
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician
• Veterinarian
• Podiatrist

The Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist (CHWS) examination will confer dual competency as a hyperbaric and a wound care technologist.

The following areas are included in the knowledge and skill domains that are evaluated during the certification process:

Hyperbaric:

• Basic Hyperbaric Knowledge
• Chamber Operations, Equipment & Environment
• Safety, Emergency Protocols & Patient Management

Wound Care:

• Basic Wound Knowledge
• Patient Assessment & Care Skills
• Wound Care Procedures
• Wound Care Regulations

Each candidate will be required to have all competency checklists signed (by the Program Manager or Medical Director) to document knowledge and clinical skill competence in the required areas. These checklists must be submitted with the CHWS Application.

You will need to take the examination within one year’s timeframe of receiving your approval letter.  Failing to test within one year will result in the loss of your examination fee.  You will be required to submit MOC documents and payment every 2 years to maintain certification.

The ABWH Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist Examination is endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and the American Professional Wound Care Association. Successful completion of the examination process allows the special recognition and distinction as a Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist, and use of the designation CHWS.