CSWS Re-certification Requirements

Fee: $128/ 2 years

CME Requirements: 20 CME hours during prior two years.

Applicants must complete the ABWH re-certification form and submit required documentation online a minimum of 5 business days before their certification expiration date.

The re-certification application must contain receipt of re-certification payment, proof of CME, proof of category 1 or 2 credit and letter of good standing and active status on workplace letterhead.  Applicants who are not actively practicing but meet requirements are still eligible.

CME Requirements:
A minimum of 20 CME credits are required to re-certify. 5 credits must be directly related to the practice of wound care. Category 1 and 2 credits can be as follows; completion of peer to peer wound care training / mentorship, including onboarding of new employees.  Presentation of wound care related materials to staff, attendance at professional conference, attendance of inservice (attested by employer), Wound care specific training; dressing, casting, VAC placement (attested by employer).  Requirements can be a mix of the above listed, if you are unsure on required credits please email applications@abwh.net.

Failure to re-certify:
Applicants who fail to re-certify while holding an active ABWH designation will incur a $50.00 penalty fee, which will be added to their re-certification fee. ABWH will allow a 6 month grace period for applicants who fail to recertify within their 5 year certification duration. If the applicant does not re-certify within the 6 month grace period, they will lose the designation and will need to start the application process over. These applicants will need to re-take the ABWH examination.