Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Certification

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) began certifying nurses in 1978 as a way to recognize and differentiate the value of expert nurses from those at an entry level.

Becoming board certified is a voluntary process that requires consistent evaluations of a nurse’s professional knowledge and skills. While a nurse who is not board certified may possess basic entry-level skills, he or she may not have the specialized skills and experience to adequately provide expert care. Board certification ensures that a nurse is knowledgeable and well qualified to provide specialized care to meet patients' wound, ostomy, continence, and foot care needs.

Upon passing the wound, ostomy or continence exam(s) individuals receive their CWOCN^®, CWCN^®, COCN^®, CCCN^®, or CWON^® credential. Certification must be re-established every five (5) years.

The WOCNCB offers you the only independently certified credential that is solely dedicated to nurses.

Compare WOCNCB wound / ostomy certification with others.

Considering certification?  Be sure to Download Candidate Examination Handbook
The Candidate Handbook is a 56 page document.

The Candidate Exam Handbook details:

• eligibility requirements
• the application process
• exam content
• general WOCNCB policies.

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Review Eligibility and Exam information.

Why Certify as a CWCN (Certified Wound Care Nurse)?  A statement defining CWCN certification.

Why Certify as a COCN (Certified Ostomy Care Nurse)?  A statement defining COCN certification.

Why Certify as a CCCN (Certified Continence Care Nurse)?  A statement defining CCCN certification.

Why Certify as a CWON (Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse)?  A statement defining CWON certification.

Please see this website section "About Us / Entry Level WOC Practice Position Statement" which defines the tri-specialty role of a WOC Nurse.