Previously Asked Questions

Question:
Can I include pharmacology credit in specialty point? e.g. wocnext 2024 conference; STAT Derm Consult: 1.00ANCC, 0.50 Pharm

Question:
I'm on the path to becoming a WTA-C. I will take the SWA exam. My coworker is an RN for 6 years, worked full time in wound care for 3 years, and has had her CWCN for less than a year. Can she be the expert I do my 16 clinical hours with?

Answered September 28, 2026
Yes, your CWCN colleague can be your clinical preceptor.

Question:
I am writing a policy on conservative sharp debridement by WOCN certified nurses. What is the current curriculum resources being used for education on conservative sharp debridement and wound debridement for accredited institutions?

Question:
In Category 3 teaching for PGP points: I have precepted both WOCN students and Other Medical/professional students. The instructions say to consolidate all hours into 1 entry. But one has to pick either WOCN student or Other medical professional. Do I make 2 entries, one for WOCN hrs and 1 for Other hrs? Or if I combine all hours as instructed, which box do I select? Thank you

Question:
I am wanting to clarify that the Category 3 - Facility Organizations PP category. I have placed an activity for being head of/leading the Skin Team Committee at my hospital. Is this the correct location?

Question:
Hello, my name is Thomas J Lekovish and my certification number is 50620. I was planning to retire, but have decided to remain active as a wound and ostomy nurse. What do I need to do to reactivate those two credentials? Thank you

Answered September 22, 2026
If credentials have lapsed more than 6 months, you may certify again by taking the exam, and to show you are eligible on the exam application, would need to meet the requirements through an "Experiential Pathway". This is to have 1500 practice hours in wound and 1500 practice hours in ostomy - all occurring in the past five years - as long as 375 of these hours are current from the past one year. In addition to the experience hours, you must have 50 CE course credits per specialty (50 in wound and 50 in ostomy). Please find Lapsed Eligibility information on page 10 of the Exam Handbook. The online exam application is on this website under "Recertification / Exam". Feel free to contact our office directly if you have questions.

Question:
I have taken the CWCN exam 3 times and am not able to pass. My score has been the same each time. I have used multiple resources for studying. What else can I do?

Answered September 21, 2026
You may want to compare your exam score report to the "Exam Content Outline" document, since the score report shows how you did in each area (or "domain") and could help identify topics for more study. Then, the "Exam Content Outline" shows topics you may want to focus on for any particular areas you may not practice in your day to day role. Otherwise, there is an Exam Test Taking Tips presentation on our website, that discusses common pitfalls for testing -- such as, when an experienced nurse reads a question they might think about a scenario that is not actually mentioned in the question -- or that you may not want to change your responses in the exam, since your gut instinct is typically correct. This presentation is on the website, under "Certification / Exam Preparation / Exam Tips". Additionally, all study resources are on the Exam Preparation page -- such as our study packs, lists of textbooks, etc. Sometimes, the only issue might be test anxiety.

Question:
I am currently at CFCN. I am considering certification for wound using the Experiential Pathway. Can I 'double dip' my foot care ceu's to count towards my total ceu's for wound care?

Answered September 21, 2026
The CE's used must relate specifically to wound care, and if any of those were used towards the CFCN eligibility in the past 5 years, this would be considered duplication.

Question:
Hello, As an RN/ BSN who is beginning to look into this field I have many questions. Can you please answer this one in particular. As an independent mobile RN CFCN foot care nurse in Massachusetts is it allowed to apply OTC liquid styptic - such as aluminum chloride styptic intended to stop nail bleeding due to a routine nail trimming skin nick or is this considered an OTC medication requiring a prescriber’s order? I understand MA law ultimately determines the RN’s scope of practice. However, I am specifically looking for the CFCN professional practice standards.

Answered September 16, 2026
WOCNCB certification credentials are a demonstration of additional knowledge in the specialty. However, your scope of practice falls within your nurse licensure, and WOCNCB does not govern what you can or cannot practice in your state. We recommend contacting your State Board of Nursing for specific scope of practice questions, since they govern what you can practice in your state, according to nurse licensure, which varies by state. For example, someone holding the CFCN credential could also hold an NP and another might hold RN, so each with the same credential may practice differently.

Question:
How do I get a copy of my payment for the testings x4.

Answered September 14, 2026
Please email us at: info@wocncb.org