Certification Questions

---

Question:
I have been approved to take the National Alliance of Wound Care WCC examination at a PSI testing center. How do I schedule that exam?

Answer:
The number you need to call for PSI central scheduling is on your examination authorization letter.  You will need that letter to schedule your exam and to get into the testing center.

 
Question:
I would like to know more about the Preceptor program.  Will you help me find someone to Precept me?

Answer:
At this time, we are building a database of approved preceptors. We are also building a database of candidates looking for an approved preceptor. While it is your ultimate responsibility to find a preceptor, we will do our best to assist you by matching you up with someone from our database that is convenient to your location. After we match you up, it will be your responsibility to communicate and finalize all details of the preceptorship.

 
Question:
I failed the NAWC exam.  Can I take it again?

Answer:
Any exam candidate can take the exam a total of 4 times in a 2 year period beginning with the date of the original exam. The fee for taking the exam is $300 + a $30 application fee. After either 2 years or 4 attempts, a candidate must wait one year before attempting the exam again. At that time, the candidate must meet all eligibility requirements again to be approved for the exam. This may or may not include taking the approved course again.

Question:
I am interested in taking the exam to become wound care certified.  What do I need to do??

Answer:
First you need to determine your eligibility pathway. Once you determine that, you would need to complete the examination application paperwork that corresponds with the pathway you choose and submit it with the required fees. If the pathway you are eligible for includes taking an approved course, you would contact the Wound Care Education Institute to apply for one of their classes. Their application process and fees include the NAWC exam application and fees. In approximately 2-3 weeks, you will be notified if your application has been approved and if so, it will include an authorization letter with further instructions.

Question:
I am a Surgical Assistant working with wound care patients. Am I eligible to become certified as a WCC?

Answer:
At the present time, only those professions listed under #1 of the Eligibility section under the Certification Tab on our website are eligible:
Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Physician or Physician’s Assistant.
 
Question:
How can you certify different types of professionals with the same examination and credential, since they all practice at different levels?

Answer:
Certificants must practice within the scope of their professional license. This is true regardless of the type of specialty certification, or the organization awarding it. So being wound care certified does not supersede the scope of practice of your basic professional license.
 
Question:
May I submit college credits in wound care in lieu of continuing education contact hours under the Experiential Option?

Answer:
Yes, we do accept college credits in wound care related courses in lieu of continuing education contact hours. Please consult the conversion chart below.

1 semester hour of college credit	15 continuing education credits
1 quarter hour of college credit	10 continuing education credits
1 CEU credit	10 contact hours
1 contact hour	50 minutes of education

 
Question:
I am certified as a CWCA. Why do you not accept my credential under the Certification Option?

Answer:
The CWCA is not an accredited program. Since the WCC is accredited by the NCCA, we accept only credentials from accredited programs under our Certification Option.

Question:
I would like to know if wound care certification is included in the ANCC certifications?

Answer:
The ANCC offers their own certifications in various nursing specialties, but they do not offer one in the specialty of wound care. The NAWC certification in wound care is nationally accredited by the NCCA, and is equivalent to any certification the ANCC offers.