Wound Care Certification: Find the Right ABWH Credential
The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) offers professional certification pathways in wound care and hyperbaric medicine for physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals.
The right credential depends on your professional role, clinical focus, experience, and training. Use the pathways below to identify the certification that best aligns with your background, then review the credential-specific requirements before applying.
Which ABWH Certification Is Right for You?
ABWH offers five distinct certification pathways. Start with your professional role and area of clinical focus rather than the credential acronym.
- Advancement. Boost your career growth and demonstrate your expertise by learning how to become wound care certified.
- Credibility. Gain trust by showing you provide safe, effective, and up-to-date care.
- Recognition. Showcase your skills in treating complex skin wound cases and expand your patient reach.
Physician + Hyperbaric Medicine
Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine (PCHM)
Physician + Wound Care
Physician Certification in Wound Care (PCWC)
Hyperbaric + Wound Care
Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS)
Hyperbaric Care
Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)
CHS is a professional certification pathway for eligible healthcare professionals working in hyperbaric medicine.
It is separate from ABWH’s physician-specific PCHM credential and has its own eligibility and examination requirements.
Skin + Wound Care
Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS)
Compare ABWH Certification Pathways
Not every wound care or hyperbaric credential serves the same professional role. This overview can help you determine which certification to explore first.
| Certification | Professional Path | Primary Focus | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Certification in Wound Care (PCWC) | Physician | Wound care | View PCWC Requirements |
| Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine (PCHM) | Physician | Hyperbaric medicine | View PCHM Requirements |
| Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS) | Qualified healthcare professional | Skin & wound care | Explore CSWS |
| Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) | Qualified hyperbaric professional | Hyperbaric care | Explore CHS |
| Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS) | Qualified healthcare professional | Hyperbaric + wound | Explore CHWS |
Good to Know: This comparison is intended to help you identify the appropriate pathway. Complete eligibility requirements are maintained on the individual credential pages and should be reviewed before applying.
How ABWH Certification Works
Although requirements differ by credential, the certification journey follows a clear overall process.
ONE
Choose Your Credential
Identify the certification that best aligns with your professional role and clinical focus. Physicians have dedicated wound care and hyperbaric medicine pathways, while other qualified healthcare professionals can explore wound-focused, hyperbaric-focused, or combined credentials.
TWO
Review Credential-Specific Eligibility
Each certification has its own professional, clinical, education, training, continuing education, and/or competency requirements. The individual credential page is the source for current eligibility information.
THREE
Submit Your Application
Gather the required documentation and submit your application to ABWH for review. Reviewing the complete credential requirements before applying can help prevent missing documentation and delays.
FOUR
Prepare for Your Examination
ABWH provides credential-specific study recommendations and exam-preparation resources to help candidates focus on the appropriate material. Explore Exam Preparation --->
FIVE
Complete Your Exam
ABWH certification examinations are currently offered online and are available year-round. Approved candidates receive the instructions needed to access and complete the examination for their credential.
SIX
Maintain Your Credential
After certification, follow the maintenance requirements associated with your credential.
Certification Pathways Built Around Professional Roles
Wound care and hyperbaric medicine involve professionals with different licenses, training backgrounds, clinical responsibilities, and areas of practice. ABWH maintains distinct certification pathways so eligibility, examination requirements, and professional relationships can remain specific to the credential and the professionals it serves.
Credential-Specific Standards
Each certification has defined eligibility and examination requirements.
Professional Focus
Physician, wound care, hyperbaric, and combined pathways remain distinct.
Professional Relationships
Credential-specific endorsements and organizational relationships are identified on the applicable certification page.
Support Throughout the Certification Lifecycle
ABWH provides resources for professionals at several stages of the credentialing process.
Preparing for an Exam?
Find credential-specific study recommendations, study guides, and preparation resources.
Already ABWH Certified?
Review the maintenance and recertification pathway associated with your credential.
Need to Verify a Credential?
Use ABWH credential verification resources to confirm certification information.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABWH Certification
Frequently Asked Questions About ABWH Certification
ABWH offers two physician-specific certification pathways:
Physician Certification in Wound Care (PCWC) for eligible physicians whose clinical focus includes wound care, and Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine (PCHM) for eligible physicians practicing or supervising hyperbaric medicine.
Each credential has its own eligibility requirements.
What is the difference between PCWC and CSWS?
What is the difference between PCHM and CHS?
Does ABWH offer a certification for professionals working in both wound care and hyperbaric medicine?
Yes. The Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS) credential is designed for eligible professionals whose clinical responsibilities include both areas.
Are ABWH certification exams available online?
Yes. ABWH certification examinations are currently offered online and are available year-round.
Candidates should review the individual credential page for any requirements that must be completed before taking the examination.
How do I know if I meet the eligibility requirements?
Eligibility varies by credential.
Each certification page lists the current professional, clinical, education, training, continuing education, and/or competency requirements for that certification.
Where can I find answers to additional certification questions?
The ABWH FAQ covers additional questions about eligibility, applications, examinations, preparation, scoring, and certification administration.
Looking for more answers?
Visit our complete FAQ page for additional information about ABWH certifications