What's New in Certification

[Advanced Practice Credential] [Certification Grant] [Employer Recognition Award]
[Self Assessment Examination] [Related Links] [Home]

Advanced Practice Credential

The WOCNCB^® now offers an advanced practice nursing (APN) certification in the wound, ostomy, and/or continence specialty. The CWOCN-AP credential is one way you can demonstrate your advanced specialty knowledge and your commitment to continued growth in the WOCN profession.

If you are pursuing this credential to meet regulatory requirements, it is advised that you contact your state board of nursing to determine if this will meet those regulatory requirements and to determine how this will benefit your advanced practice specialty role.

To find out more about the requirements necessary to obtain the CWOCN-AP credential, click here.

Historical Background
The CWOCN-AP certification was developed in response to many WOC nurses who voiced an interest in an advanced level credential. This certification demonstrates contributions to the art and science of WOC Nursing. The advanced practice credential validates personal achievement and recognition of advanced knowledge in the WOC specialty. It may be used in seeking advanced nursing licensure.

A significant variance in licensure requirements for Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) exists among the states; the WOCNCB cannot guarantee that the CWOCN-AP certification will meet licensure requirements in every state. The National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has drafted an Interstate APN Compact Agreement for consideration by states that accept the RN Compact requirements; the Interstate APN Compact Agreement can be accessed via the NCSBN website at www.ncsbn.org. Candidates for CWOCN-AP certification are encouraged to discuss APN licensure requirements with their state Boards of Nursing.

The WOCNCB is a leader in the utilization of the Professional Growth Program, for recertification of CWOCNs at the entry level. The use of a professional portfolio for demonstration of competency is psychometrically sound and legally defensible. The portfolio methodology of certification has gained credibility in both professional and consumer discussions on the issue of the protection of public safety.

The WOCNCB is proud to offer the new CWOCN-AP certification as a means of demonstrating competency in the advanced practice specialty role. Good luck in your pursuit of this credential! If you have additional questions, please contact the WOCN Certification Board office at 1-888-496-2622 or place questions on Ask the Board at www.wocncb.org.

Certification Grant

The WOCNCB is seeking certificants who are highly motivated, currently in clinical practice, and who are in a position which will enable them to disseminate knowledge acquired through certification to others in their practice setting.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board's Certification Grant Program supports the mission to:

Promote the highest standard of consumer care and safety by providing credentialing in the areas of wound, ostomy, continence and foot care nursing.

Candidates should consider the mission of the WOCNCB carefully before applying and expect to explain in an essay how being awarded a certification grant will support the mission.

If you are planning to become (re)certified OR just became (re)certified, we would encourage you to apply for a certification grant up to $450 as reimbursement toward your (re)certification fees. Three applicants each year will be awarded a certification grant.

Click here for complete information

Employer Recognition Award

The WOCNCB Employer Recognition Award is awarded annually to honor an organization that has demonstrated exemplary support of the certification process in WOC nursing.

The WOCNCB's Awards Program supports the mission to:

Promote the highest standard of consumer care and safety by providing credentialing in the areas of wound, ostomy, continence and foot care nursing.

The award includes the following:

• WOCNCB certification or recertification award in the amount of $1,000.00.
• Award plaque presented to a representative of the awarded organization at the WOCN Society Conference.
• Announcement of awarded organization in the Spring WOCNCB newsletter.
• Announcement of awarded organization on the WOCNCB website (www.wocncb.org).
• A press release sent to WOCNCB media contacts, and a press release to be used by the organization.

Click here for complete information

Self Assessment Examination

Now available for purchase - the WOCNCB^® Self Assessment Exam (SAE)! The SAE provides self assessment (or practice) to measure your professional knowledge and prepare you for the actual credentialing exam. This web-based SAE gives you instantaneous scoring and results, along with feedback on your answers.

Accessing the WOCNCB^® Self Assessment Examination:

• Click on the link to the SAE, http://store.lxr.com/product.aspx?id=326
  
  
• Purchase the WOCNCB^® SAE for $90
  
  
• Take the SAE
  
  
• Score the exam
  
  
• Review your score reports
  
  
• Schedule your computer based test through AMP, www.goamp.com
  
  
• Good luck on your exam!

Related Links

• WOCN Society (www.wocn.org)
• Applied Measurement Professionals (www.goamp.com)
• NOCA (www.noca.org) - Established in 1977, the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) is the leader in setting quality standards for credentialing organizations. Through its annual conference, regional seminars, and publications, NOCA serves its membership as a clearinghouse for information on the latest trends and issues of concern to practitioners and organizations focused on certification, licensure, and human resource development.