Previously Asked Questions

Question:
Hello, I am not sure who to contact. I completed all coursework and clinical requirements for the CWCN. Unfortunately I did not pass the exam. My eligibility to retest has now expired. What is required for me to be eligible to retest for the CWCN exam? Do I need to retake the courses? I have contact the testing facility and they did not provide a solution. Thank you.

Answered July 19, 2026
Please send an email to info@wocncb.org with your question.

Question:
My application for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence certification examinations was approved on June 25, 2025. Under that application, I successfully passed the Wound certification examination in September 2025 and the Ostomy certification examination in March 2026. I took my first Continence examination on June 19, 2026, but unfortunately did not pass. When I attempted to schedule a retake of ny continence exam through PSI, I was informed that I was not eligible because: My application was limited to four attempts since I submitted one application for all three specialty examinations, and My 12-month eligibility period expired on June 25, 2026, requiring me to submit a new application. I understand that my 12-month eligibility period may have expired. However, I am seeking clarification regarding the statement about the four-attempt limit. Based on my records, I have taken: Wound examination – Passed (September 2025) Ostomy examination – Passed (March 2026) Continence examination – First attempt, unsuccessful (June 19, 2026)

Answered July 17, 2026
Please send your question to info@wocncb.org or call to discuss your concerns. From your description, it sounds like it may only be attributed to the eligibility period from the date of application, and when the 30-day retake waiting period is expiring. Thanks.

Question:
I did case studies utilizing a product within my facility. Is it possible for me to use these 11 case studies for a QI project, equaling 20 points out of the 80 required?

Answered July 17, 2026
Thank you for your question. Please refer to the handbook, page 12 and review the QI Project criteria. It must include a Problem, Identification and implementation and an evaluation with measurable data. In Appendix C, page 17 is an example of a QI Project. I do not believe case studies would be considered a QI project.

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.