Previously Asked Questions

Question:
Do I need to enter any proof of activities entered in my portfolio such as hours worked, education attended or presented? (I had to upload copies of everything for a different nursing certification). I didn't see any placed to do that on the website. Thank you!

Answered October 20, 2026
No, the documentation would only be requested if the submitted portfolio is flagged for Audit, within 5 days after submission. You will not upload documents on the PGP online application when sending it in.

Question:
Is the cwocn called clinical nurse specialist?

Answered November 17, 2017
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are registered nurses who typically hold a master's degree, at minimum, along with national certification denoting advanced knowledge and clinical skills specific to a particular patient population or specialized area of nursing. Therefore, this designation (CNS) is not issued by our credentialing body, WOCNCB, but rather by a state board of nursing or perhaps given by the university while earning the MSN. In some states, it is a practice-based designation to use CNS.

Question:
Does the APN WOCN certification meet the requirements for CMS for an APN, and thus the Medicare provider #?

Answered May 30, 2009
The WOCNCB AP credentials would not meet the CMS requirements for an APN. The ability to obtain a Medicare provider number is based upon your advance practice credential, CNS or NP. Certifications of any type, including the WOCNCB credentials, enhance your scope of practice.