About the Professional Growth Program (PGP)

To recertify in the WOC specialty, certificants may either take the WOC exam OR submit a Professional Growth Program (PGP) portfolio. The WOCNCB established the PGP to recognize activities which go beyond routine WOC practice or which represent progression of practice along the novice-to-expert continuum. The PGP recertification alternative allows certificants to demonstrate their knowledge of wound, ostomy and continence nursing by tracking and recording evidence of their continual learning and professional growth. It is based on accumulating PGP points for activities related to professional growth. The applicant is encouraged to use evidence-based practice in the activities used to recertify.

PGP certificants may fulfill the point requirements by choosing from nine categories. These categories include activities that demonstrate the practitioner's achievement of a mature level of practice and the ability to apply this experience to practice. Some activities may be performed due to initiatives of the employer of the WOC nurse, some will result from independent practice, and some will reflect the personal interests of the practitioner.

The Professional Growth Program is to be used for recertification only after basic WOC nursing practice knowledge has been demonstrated by examination. The tri-specialty CWOCN credential is only earned upon passing three examinations within the same quarterly testing cycle. If you've missed the exam application deadline, your credentials are considered lapsed for the next exam testing cycle. In order to certify again, you must meet the Eligibility Requirements outlined in the WOCNCB Examination Handbook (which includes a Baccalaureate degree.) Certificants may recertify via a combination of the PGP and exam methods for one, two, or three specialty credentials.

PGP Quick Tips

Have you always wanted to submit a portfolio for recertification, but didn't know how? Click here to download PGP Quick Tips