WCC Candidate Examination Handbook - March 2022
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WCC®
Candidate Examination
Handbook
March 2022
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® (NAWCO®) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated
to the advancement and promotion of excellence in wound care through the certification of wound care
practitioners in the United States. The Certification Committee of the NAWCO® is the governing body of the
WCC® credential. The aspiration of the NAWCO® is to unify wound care providers & practitioners from
different educational backgrounds along the health care continuum in an effort to streamline the delivery of
quality wound care.
The NAWCO® offers the "Wound Care Certification Examination" to measure the academic and technical
competence of eligible candidates in the area of Skin and Wound Care Management above their basic
licensure. The WCC® acts in accordance with legislation code and practice guidelines as determined by each
respective professional state regulatory/licensing board. Therefore, WCC® certification alone does not
determine a practitioner’s scope of practice.
NAWCO® does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national
origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge
status, source of income or any other reason prohibited by law. Individuals applying for the examination will
be judged solely on the published eligibility requirements.
This handbook contains information regarding the Wound Care Certification examination process of the
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy®.
The information contained in this Candidate Handbook is the property of National Alliance of Wound Care
and Ostomy® and is provided to candidates who will be taking the certification examination. Copies of this
handbook may be downloaded for single personal use, but no part of this handbook may be copied for
preparing new works, distribution or for commercial use. NAWCO® does not provide permission for use of
any part of the handbook.
To avoid problems in processing your application, it is important that you follow the guidelines outlined in
this handbook and comply with our required deadlines. If you have any questions about the policies,
procedures, or processing of your application after reading this handbook, please contact the National
Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy®. Additional copies of the handbook may be obtained from our website:
www.nawccb.org.
WE RECOMMEND YOU KEEP THIS CANDIDATE HANDBOOK FOR REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE APPLICATION AND
EXAMINATION PROCESS. 12/2021
Checklist
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy®
11817 Crestview Blvd
Kokomo, IN 46901 or fax to: 1-800-352-8339 or email: sr.admin@nawccb.org
Table of Contents
Objectives of Certification.......................................................................................5
1
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022Scope of Practice ..................................................................................................5
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) .........................................................................5
Registered Nurse (RN) .....................................................................................................6
Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) .................................................6
Physical Therapist (PT)/Occupational Therapist (OT)...............................................................6
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) ........................................................................................7
Occupational Therapy Assistant/Licensed (OTA) .....................................................................7
Physician .....................................................................................................................8
Physician Assistant (PA) ...................................................................................................8
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) ....................................................................................9
Eligibility Requirements ..........................................................................................9
Fees .................................................................................................................10
Code of Ethics ....................................................................................................10
Skin and Wound Management Certification Training Courses ...........................................11
Application Process ..............................................................................................12
Education Pathway .......................................................................................................12
Preceptor Pathway .......................................................................................................12
Application Key Points ...................................................................................................12
Revocation of Certification ....................................................................................12
Appeals .............................................................................................................13
Complaints & Discipline .........................................................................................13
Recertification ....................................................................................................13
Reinstatement of Lapsed Credentials ........................................................................13
Final Ruling on Lapsed Credentials ...................................................................................14
Examination Administration....................................................................................14
Scoring the Examination ................................................................................................14
Content of Examination.........................................................................................15
Rules for the Examination ......................................................................................15
Accommodation Procedures............................................................................................16
Examination Results .....................................................................................................17
Review of Examinations .................................................................................................17
Retesting Policy ...........................................................................................................17
Reexamination ............................................................................................................18
Examination Disclosure .................................................................................................18
Confidentiality ............................................................................................................18
Computer Based Testing Test Procedures ...................................................................18
Scheduling Your Examination Appointment .........................................................................18
Reschedule of Examination Appointments ..........................................................................19
Security.....................................................................................................................19
Exam Tutorial..............................................................................................................19
Timed Examination .......................................................................................................19
Examination Results .....................................................................................................19
Live Remote Proctored Procedures ..........................................................................19
Scheduling Your Examination Appointment .........................................................................19
Reschedule of Examination Appointments ..........................................................................20
Security.....................................................................................................................20
2
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022Exam Tutorial..............................................................................................................20
Timed Examination .......................................................................................................21
Examination Results .....................................................................................................21
Paper & Pencil Test Procedures ...............................................................................21
Admission ..................................................................................................................21
Reporting Time ............................................................................................................21
Answer Sheets ............................................................................................................21
Examination Cancelation ...............................................................................................21
Examination Results .....................................................................................................21
Preparation for the Examination..............................................................................22
References for Study ....................................................................................................22
Examination Content Blueprint ...............................................................................22
Domains and Objectives.................................................................................................22
Domain 1 - Patient and Wound Information .........................................................................22
Domain 2 - Plan of Care .................................................................................................22
Domain 3 - Legal ..........................................................................................................22
Domain 4 - Skin ...........................................................................................................22
Sample Examination Questions ................................................................................22
Disciplinary & Complaints Policy .............................................................................24
Introduction ...............................................................................................................24
Grounds for Sanctions ...................................................................................................24
Complaints .................................................................................................................24
Complaint Submission ..................................................................................................24
Preliminary Review .....................................................................................................24
Complaint Review .......................................................................................................25
Review Committee Appointment and Responsibilities ............................................................25
Determination of Violation .............................................................................................25
Review Committee Recommendation ................................................................................25
Certification Committee Determination .............................................................................25
Complaint Dismissal ....................................................................................................25
Determination of Violation ............................................................................................26
Sanctions ...................................................................................................................26
Appeal ......................................................................................................................26
Request for Appeal ......................................................................................................26
Appeal Committee ......................................................................................................26
Basis for Appeal .........................................................................................................27
Appeal Procedure .......................................................................................................27
Resignation ...............................................................................................................27
Reconsideration of Adverse Eligibility & Recertification Decisions ....................................27
Submitting a Request for Reconsideration ..........................................................................27
Examination Results Appeal ...........................................................................................28
Review Process ...................................................................................................28
Initial Review ............................................................................................................28
Review by the Certification Committee .............................................................................28
WCC® Certification Options at a Glance.....................................................................29
WCC® Lapsed Credentials Options at a Glance ............................................................30
WCC® Certification Program-Candidate Agreement / Statement of Understanding ................31
Purpose .....................................................................................................................31
Definitions .................................................................................................................31
3
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022Nondisclosure .............................................................................................................31
Certification ...............................................................................................................31
Grant and Consideration ................................................................................................32
Term and Termination ...................................................................................................32
Effect of Termination ....................................................................................................32
Conduct of Business ......................................................................................................32
Indemnification by Applicant ..........................................................................................32
Disclaimer of Warranties; Limitation of Liabilities ................................................................33
General Provisions .......................................................................................................33
WCC® Certification Application ..............................................................................34
Request for Special Examination Accommodations .......................................................37
Documentation of Disability-Related Needs ................................................................38
Continuing Education Verification Record ..................................................................39
NAWCO® Reexamination Application ........................................................................40
4
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022Objectives of Certification
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
The objective of the certification is to promote (APRN)
consumer protection and confer peer and public Role: The APRN works independently or in
recognition to those individuals who prove collaboration with a physician (according to state
proficient in their practice. practice acts and facility/agency policies) to lead
the interdisciplinary wound care team to plan and
The objective of WCC certification is to provide provide care for the patient at risk of or with
assurance to the public by promoting the delivery
wound care needs. Responsibilities include but are
of safe and effective skin and wound
not limited to:
management by:
1. Recognizing formally those individuals who a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and
demonstrate proficiency and mastery of laws established within the state/states of
essential knowledge, expertise, and skills in licensure, and facility or agency-based
skin and wound management above basic credentialing and privileging requirements to
licensure. prescribe medications, order tests and
2. Providing a standard of knowledge treatments, and make necessary referrals.
required for certification based upon
clinical practice recommendations and b. Independently or in collaboration with the
other evidence based practice and physician comprehensively assesses and
research in the field of skin and wound establishes wound diagnosis, prognosis, and
management. wound care treatment.
3. Establishing and measuring the level of
knowledge required for certification in skin c. As a leader, provides oversight, assistance and
and wound management. guidance to other members of the
4. Promoting continued professional growth in interdisciplinary wound care team to establish
skin and wound management. and provide a comprehensive approach to
wound management that includes all
disciplines and promotes optimum outcomes.
Scope of Practice
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® d. Provides bedside treatments to include
provides certification to various disciplines in conservative sharp debridement, when
healthcare. The scope of practice for the Wound indicated and permitted by state practice acts
Care Certified (WCC®) health care professional is and facility policy.
performed in accordance with legislation code and
scope of practice as determined by each e. Independently, or in collaboration with other
respective professional state regulatory board interdisciplinary wound care team members,
along with prospective employer mandated develops and implements wound prevention,
guidelines. skin management, and wound treatment
programs and provides corresponding
The scope of practice established by the National education to patients, family members/
Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® provides caregivers, and facility/agency staff.
each certified health care provider with an
understanding of their role and responsibilities as f. Collaborates with other wound care
a member of the interdisciplinary wound care professionals to promote research and assess
team. The WCC® provides direct hands-on and/or findings to establish updated, relevant
consultative skin and wound management in all approaches to improve wound prevention and
health care settings. As with any specialty, wound care practices.
certification does not supersede state practice g. Collaborates with other wound care team
acts nor does it permit a clinician to practice members to promote the facility or agency
beyond their individual knowledge or expertise. quality improvement program.
5
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022Registered Nurse (RN)
specialized complex needs of the wound care
Role: The RN plays a key role in oversight of the patient.
patient at-risk of or with wound care needs.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed
Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and Role: Under the supervision, delegation, and
laws established within the state/states of guidance of the registered nurse or prescribing
licensure. provider (e.g. physician, APRN, or physician’s
b. Develops and implements wound prevention, assistant), the LPN/LVN provides the prescribed
skin management, and wound treatment care to the patient at-risk of or with wound care
programs and provides corresponding needs. Responsibilities include but are not limited
education to patients, family members/ to:
caregivers, and facility/agency staff. a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and
c. In conjunction with prescribing providers laws established within the state/states of
orders (physician, APRN, physician assistant), licensure.
provides consultation and/or hands-on care for b. As an interdisciplinary wound care team
wound prevention or management. Performs member, provides input for care plan
comprehensive assessments and reassessments consideration that promotes wound prevention
to determine the most appropriate and cost- and healing.
effective use of wound management products
and resources. Hands-on care may include c. Implements preventative care, monitors skin
conservative sharp debridement/chemical status, and performs wound treatments per
cauterization with a provider order, per orders in the individualized patient’s
facility guidelines and if allowed according to treatment plan.
individual state practice act.
d. Provides and reinforces education to patients,
d. Delegates appropriate wound prevention and family members/caregivers, and facility/
wound care actions to LPN/LVNs and agency staff that is consistent with the
unlicensed assistive personnel (e.g. health established care plan for preventative
technicians, nursing assistants). measures, interventions, and individualized
patient treatments.
e. As an interdisciplinary wound care team
member, collaborates to establish e. Observes patient’s response and wound status,
individualized, comprehensive care plans that reporting any changes to the registered nurse
promote wound prevention and healing. or supervising clinician, according to facility or
agency guidelines.
f. Establishes, reevaluates and revises facility
policies, procedures, and guidelines governing f. Contributes to the facility or agency quality
wound care, based on needs, evidenced-based improvement program, as assigned.
trends, and industry changes.
Physical Therapist (PT)/Occupational
g. Observes patient’s response and wound status,
reporting any changes to the provider or
Therapist (OT)
supervising clinician, according to facility or Role: The PT and OT plays a key role in oversight
agency guidelines. of the patient at-risk of or with wound care needs
while working under the guidance of a prescribing
h. Provides and reinforces education to patients, provider (e.g. physician, APR, Physician Assistant).
family members/caregivers, and facility/ Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
agency staff regarding preventative measures,
interventions, and individualized patient a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and
treatment plans. laws established within the state/states of
licensure.
i. As a patient advocate, promotes facility/
agency-based quality improvement that b. As part of the interdisciplinary wound care
addresses wound prevention and the team, contributes to the establishment and
revision of the individualized, comprehensive
care plan to promote wound prevention and
6
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022healing, provides input for care plan consultation and/or hands-on care for wound
consideration and implementation per prevention or management.
established protocols.
d. Initiates appropriate actions for adjunctive
c. In conjunction with prescribing providers modalities specific to therapy administration,
orders (physician, APRN, physician assistant), as part of an established individualized plan of
provides consultation and/or hands-on care for care, and as directed by the PT.
wound prevention or management.
e. Assesses, recommends, and provides
d. Delegates appropriate actions for adjunctive adjunctive modalities specific to therapy
modalities specific to therapy administration, administration within the state’s scope of
as part of an established individualized plan of practice for PTAs.
care, to PT assistants and OT assistants.
f. Assesses and makes recommendations for
e. Assesses, recommends, and provides support surface selection.
adjunctive modalities specific to therapy
administration within the state’s scope of g. Provides and reinforces education, consistent
practice for therapy clinicians. with therapy-related aspects of the
individualized care plan (e.g. proper
f. Assesses and makes recommendations for positioning, mobility), to patients, family
support surface selection. members/caregivers, and facility/agency
staff.
g. Provides and reinforces education, consistent
with therapy-related aspects of the h. Observes patient’s response and wound status,
individualized care plan (e.g. proper reporting any changes to the supervising
positioning, mobility), to patients, family clinician, according to facility or agency
members/caregivers, and facility/agency guidelines.
staff.
i. Contributes to the facility or agency quality
h. Observes patient’s response and wound status, improvement program, as assigned.
reporting any changes to the supervising
clinician, according to facility or agency Occupational Therapy Assistant/
guidelines. Licensed (OTA)
i. Contributes to the facility or agency quality Role: The OTA plays a key role in oversight of the
improvement program, as assigned. patient at-risk of or with wound care needs while
working under the supervision of an Occupational
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Therapist (OT). Responsibilities include but are
Role: The PTA plays a key role in oversight of the not limited to:
patient at-risk of or with wound care needs while a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and
working under the supervision of a Physical laws established within the state/states of
Therapist (PT). Responsibilities include but are not licensure.
limited to:
b. As part of the interdisciplinary wound care
a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and team, contributes to the establishment and
laws established within the state/states of revision of the individualized, comprehensive
licensure. care plan to promote wound prevention and
b. As part of the interdisciplinary wound care healing, provides input for care plan
team, contributes to the establishment and consideration and implementation per
revision of the individualized, comprehensive established protocols.
care plan to promote wound prevention and c. In conjunction with prescribing provider’s
healing, provides input for care plan orders (physician, APRN, physician assistant),
consideration and implementation per and supervision of the OT, provides
established protocols. consultation and/or hands-on care for wound
c. In conjunction with prescribing provider’s prevention or management.
orders (physician, APRN, physician assistant), d. Initiates appropriate actions for adjunctive
and supervision of the PT, provides modalities specific to therapy administration,
7
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022as part of an established individualized plan of f. Provides bedside treatments to include
care, and as directed by the OT. conservative sharp debridement when needed.
e. Assesses, recommends, and provides g. Works with the interdisciplinary team to
adjunctive modalities specific to therapy educate patients, family members/caregivers,
administration within the state’s scope of and facility/agency staff regarding
practice for OTAs. preventative measures, interventions, and
individualized patient treatment plans.
f. Assesses and makes recommendations for
support surface selection. h. Collaborates with other wound care
professionals to promote research and assess
g. Provides and reinforces education, consistent findings to establish updated, relevant
with therapy-related aspects of the approaches to improve wound prevention and
individualized care plan (e.g. proper wound care practices.
positioning, mobility), to patients, family
members/caregivers, and facility/agency i. Collaborates with other wound care team
staff. members to promote the facility or agency
quality improvement program.
h. Observes patient’s response and wound status,
reporting any changes to the supervising Physician Assistant (PA)
clinician, according to facility or agency Role: The PA works independently or in
guidelines. collaboration with a physician (according to state
i. Contributes to the facility or agency quality practice acts and facility/agency policies) to lead
improvement program, as assigned. the interdisciplinary wound care team to plan and
provide care for the patient at risk of or with
Physician
wound care needs. Responsibilities include but are
Role: The physician works independently or in not limited to:
collaboration with an APRN/PA to lead the a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and
interdisciplinary wound care team to plan and laws established within the state/states of
provide care for the patient at-risk of or with licensure, and facility or agency-based
wound care needs. Responsibilities include but not credentialing and privileging requirements to
limited to: prescribe medications, order tests and
a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and treatments, and make necessary referrals.
laws established within the state/states of b. Independently or in collaboration with the
licensure, and facility or agency-based physician comprehensively assesses and
credentialing and privileging requirements to establishes wound diagnosis, prognosis, and
provide patient care. wound care treatment.
b. Independently or in collaboration with the c. As a leader, provides oversight, assistance and
APRN or PA, the physician establishes wound guidance to other members of the
diagnosis, prognosis, and wound care interdisciplinary wound care team to establish
treatment. and provide a comprehensive approach to
c. Orders appropriate referrals and tests, when wound management that includes all
indicated. disciplines and promotes optimum outcomes.
d. As a leader, provides oversight, assistance and d. Provides bedside treatments to include
guidance to other members of the conservative sharp debridement, when
interdisciplinary wound care team to establish indicated and permitted by state practice acts
a comprehensive approach to wound and facility policy.
management that includes all disciplines and e. Independently, or in collaboration with other
promotes optimal outcomes. interdisciplinary wound care team members,
e. Collaborates with the APRN, PA, RN and other develops and implements wound prevention,
wound care team members to develop a skin management, and wound treatment
wound prevention plan. programs and provides corresponding
8
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022education to patients, family members/ g. Collaborates with other wound care team
caregivers, and facility/agency staff. members to promote the facility or agency
quality improvement program.
f. Collaborates with other wound care
professionals to promote research and assess
findings to establish updated, relevant Eligibility Requirements
approaches to improve wound prevention and Applicants for the NAWCO® WCC® certification
wound care practices. examination must meet all of the following
criteria:
g. Collaborates with other wound care team
members to promote the facility or agency 1. Hold an active unrestricted license as a
quality improvement program. Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/
Vocational Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physical
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant,
Role: The DPM works independently or in Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy
collaboration with other team members Assistant, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine,
(according to state practice acts and facility/ Physician or Physician Assistant.
agency policies) to lead the interdisciplinary
2. Must meet one education and one experience
wound care team to plan and provide care for the
requirement.
patient at risk of or with wound care needs.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: a. Education Requirement
a. Abides by state practice acts, regulations, and i. Option A: Successful graduate of skin and
laws established within the state/states of wound management training course. The
licensure, and facility or agency-based course must be relevant to the WCC
credentialing and privileging requirements to exam domains, a minimum of 20 hours of
prescribe medications, order tests and coursework, and may be delivered in
treatments, and make necessary referrals. person or online. NAWCO will require
proof of completion of training by way of
b. Independently or in collaboration with the
the Certificate of Completion awarded
team members comprehensively assesses and
upon completion of the course or other
establishes lower extremity wound diagnosis,
official confirmation of completion from
prognosis, and wound care treatment.
the education provider
c. As a leader, provides oversight, assistance and OR
guidance to other members of the ii. Option B: Current active certification
interdisciplinary wound care team to establish with Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing
and provide a comprehensive approach to Certification Board (WOCNCB®) as a
wound management that includes all "CWCN®", “CWON®” or "CWOCN®" or
disciplines and promotes optimum outcomes. current active certification with
American Board of Wound Management
d. Provides bedside treatments to include
(ABWM®) as a "CWS®" or
conservative sharp debridement, when
“CWSP®”. Experience Requirement
indicated.
AND
e. Independently, or in collaboration with other
interdisciplinary wound care team members, b. Experience Requirement
develops and implements wound prevention,
skin management, and wound treatment i. Option A: Have completed 120 hours of
programs and provides corresponding hands-on clinical training with approved
education to patients, family members/ preceptor. (Detailed program
caregivers, and facility/agency staff. information is located in the Preceptor
Manual, available at www.nawccb.org.)
f. Collaborates with other wound care
professionals to promote research and assess ii. Option B: Have completed two (2) years
findings to establish updated, relevant full-time or four (4) years part-time
approaches to improve wound prevention and experience in an approved profession
wound care practices. with ongoing, active involvement in the
9
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022care of wound care patients or in does not constitute ineligibility nor is it grounds
management, education or research for refund.
directly related to wound care (CDR®).
OR Code of Ethic
The Code of Ethics of the National Alliance of
c. Preceptor Pathway Wound Care and Ostomy® serves as a guide if
i. Successful graduate of NAWCO® conduct for all WCC®, DWC®, OMS, NWCC™,
approved Wound Management Training AWCC®, WPC™, and LLE® practitioners.
Course. Their fundamental objectives are to enhance
ii. Complete a minimum of 120 hours of overall quality of life, dignity, and well-being of
hands on clinical training with an every individual needing skin and wound
NAWCO® approved clinical preceptor management services, and the treatment of
after completion of Wound Management wounds based upon each individual assessment.
Training Course. (Detailed program WCC®, DWC®, OMS, NWCC™, AWCC®, WPC™ and
information is located in the Preceptor LLE® practitioners have an obligation to act in
Manual, available at www.nawccb.org.) ways that will merit the trust, confidence, and
3. Applicants must agree to adhere to the respect of healthcare professionals and the
NAWCO® Code of Ethics. general public. Therefore, WCC®, DWC®, OMS,
NWCC™, AWCC®, WPC™, and LLE® practitioners
4. Completion of application and required should embrace an exemplary system of
supporting documentation. professional values and ethics.
5. Payment of required fees. Ethical Responsibilities
6. Receive passing score on the NAWCO® WCC® “As a WCC®, DWC®, OMS, NWCC™, AWCC®,
Examination. WPC™ and LLE® , partitioner, I shall within the
scope of my authority”:
Fee • Hold the safety and welfare of patients as my
$30.00 non-refundable processing fee is required highest goal.
with all application submissions and examination
• Promote, advocate for and strive to protect
fees.
the health, safety and rights of the patients in
Initial Certification: $350.00 my care.
Recertification: $350.00
Re-examination: $350.00 • Perform my work with honesty, diligence and
Lapsed Credential Reinstatement: $350.00 responsibility.
Lapsed Credential Late Fee: $300.00 Execute my work according to scientific
•
standards of objectivity, accuracy and
Candidates can apply and pay online. If mailing
integrity.
payment, make check or money order payable to:
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy®. • Treat each patient in a caring and respectful
fashion, mindful of individual differences and
If for any reason you are deemed ineligible to sit
cultural and ethnic diversity.
for the exam, the $350 examination fee will be
refunded within two (2) weeks.Refunds will not • Protect the confidentiality of all information
be issued for any reason once you are deemed obtained in the course of professional service.
eligible to sit for the exam.
• Engage only in those services for which I have
Initial eligibility is determined when the necessary knowledge, skills and
applications are processed. The indicated intent experience.
to complete eligibility requirements on the
application is considered. The approval for • Refer patients to other professionals when
examination is only received once proof of the specialized knowledge or expertise is needed
intended requirements have been submitted. to serve patients fully or the patient is not
Failure to complete any intended requirements effecting reasonable progress with healing.
10
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022
s
s• Participate on an interdisciplinary care team involvement in the development or delivery of
and contribute to decisions that affect the such programs or products.”
well-being of patients by drawing on my NAWCO offers the Certification Examinations to
knowledge, values and experiences. measure the academic and technical competence
of eligible candidates in the area of wound,
• Advocate to the public and health care lymphedema, diabetic, ostomy, and nutritional
professionals, the importance of risk management beyond their basic knowledge
assessment and prevention of alterations in
The course must be relevant to the WCC Exam
skin integrity. domains, and can be delivered online or onsite.
• Continue to advance my knowledge and The course must be a minimum of 20 hours of
understanding of current and emerging wound course work.
care practices through education and training.
Credentials
• Treat colleagues with respect and represent After meeting all eligibility requirements and
their qualifications, views and obligations successful completion of the Certification
accurately and fairly. examination, candidates may use the initials
Respect patients’ rights to treatment with WCC® , Wound Care Certified, to designate their
•
informed and voluntary consent. status in all correspondence and professional
relations. Credentials are awarded for a five (5)
• Respect patients’ rights to refuse, modify or year period following obtaining a passing score on
terminate treatment regardless of prior the examination.
consent.
Proper Use of Credentials
• Avoid any interest, activity or influence that The credential is typically used after the
might be in conflict with my obligation to act certificant’s name following the highest academic
in the best interests of patients or the degrees and licensure (e.g., Mary Smith, Ph.D.,
profession. WCC or Mary Smith, WCC).
• Refuse any gifts or benefits that are intended
to influence a referral, decision or treatment The certification mark(s) may be used only as long
and are purely for personal gain and not for as certification is valid. Upon expiration of
the good of the patient. credentialing term, a WCC® is required to
recertify with the NAWCO® to maintain their
• Contribute time and professional expertise to credentials.
activities that promote skin, wound and/or
ostomy management education to other “WCC®” has been registered with the United
healthcare professionals and consumers. These States Patent and Trademark Office as the official
activities may include teaching, research, certification mark of the National Alliance of
consultation, service, legislative testimony, Wound Care and Ostomy®.
presentations to the community and
participation in professional organizations. Certificate of Certification
The NAWCO® will award an official numbered
• Collaborate with other health care certificate to all candidates upon passing the
professionals and the public in promoting NAWCO® certification examination, denoting
community, national and international efforts status as WCC®, Wound Care Certified. The
to meets needs of wound care and/or Ostomy Certificate will be electronically downloadable
patients. and printable on the Certificant’s Login section of
the NAWCO® website.
Skin and Wound Management Credential of Certification
Certi cation Training Course Verification
“The NAWCO Certification Committee does not To ensure public safety and ethical practices, the
accredit, approve, endorse, or recommend any National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy®
education or training programs and/or products
provides credential verification. Interested
designed or intended to prepare candidates for
WCC Certification. The Committee has no parties, including the general public, can verify
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National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022
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sWCC® using the credential verification search Kokomo, IN 46901
feature located at nawccb.org. Or fax to: 1-800-352-8339
Or email: sr.admin@nawccb.org
Application Process Application Key Point
• Application forms should be submitted at least
Education Pathwa one month prior to requested examination
1. Complete the NAWCO® WCC® examination date.
application found online at nawccb.org.
• Upon receipt of the completed application the
2. If you are attending a skin & wound certification office will review the information
management training course, you will incur and determine the applicant's eligibility to sit
additional fees payable to the education for the examination.
provider.
• An application is considered complete only if
3. Once you successfully complete the NAWCO® all information requested is complete, legible
approved course, you have two (2) years from and accurate. Sufficient wound care
the date of course completion or a total of experience must be provided with appropriate
four (4) examination attempts in which to pass signatures on the application form.
the examination, whichever comes first. For
further information on retesting, see our • Within approximately 1-2 weeks of receipt of
Retesting Policy on page 17. the application, a confirmation notice of
eligibility with a unique authorization number
4. If mailing information, submit all of the above will be sent to the candidate via email.
along with $380 to:
• Applicants who are determined to be ineligible
National Alliance of Wound Care and to sit for the exam may appeal the decision by
Ostomy® submitting a written letter of appeal to the
11817 Crestview Blvd Certification Committee within 30 days of the
Kokomo, IN 46901 eligibility decision. Applicants may request a
Or fax to: 1-800-352-8339 copy of the appeal policy from NAWCO®.
Or email: sr.admin@nawccb.org
Revocation of Certi cation
Preceptor Pathwa NAWCO® may revoke individual WCC®
1. Complete the NAWCO® WCC® certification Certification upon the occurrence of any one or
application online. more of the following events:
2. Successful graduate of a skin and wound • Any restrictions such as revocation.
management training course that meets suspension, probation to other sanctions of the
eligibility criteria established by the professional license held by certificant.
Certification Committee.
• Violation of established Certification
3. Complete a minimum of 120 hours of hands- Committee rules, requirements, and/or
on clinical training with an NAWCO approved policies.
clinical preceptor after completion of the
Wound Management Training Course. • Violation of NAWCO Code of Ethics
4. Completion of application and required • Conviction of a felony or other crime of moral
supporting documentation. Detailed program turpitude under federal or state law in a
information is located in the Preceptor matter related to the practice of, or
manual, available on our website. at qualifications for, wound care.
www.nawccb.org. • Gross negligence, willful misconduct, or other
5. Submit all the above along with $380 to: unethical conduct in the performance of
services for which the individual has achieved
National Alliance of Wound Care and a NAWCO certification.
Ostomy®
11817 Crestview Blvd
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fi• Fraud, falsification, or misrepresentation in an a detailed description of factual allegations
initial application or renewal application for supporting the charges, and any relevant
certification. supporting documentation. Information submitted
during the complaint and investigation process is
• Falsification of any material information considered confidential and will be handled in
requested by the Certification Committee. accordance with the Certification Committee’s
• Misrepresentation of NAWCO certificant Confidentiality policy. Inquiries or submissions
status. other than complaints may be reviewed and
handled by the Certification Committee or its
• Cheating on any certification examination. staff members at its discretion. The Disciplinary
and Complaints Policy can be found at the end of
• Actual or potential adverse publicity, false
this handbook.
advertising or other information, emanating
from a third party or parties, about Applicant,
the services provided by Applicant, or the use Recerti cation
of the Marks by Applicant causes NAWCO®, in Certification is awarded for a five (5) year period
its sole judgment, to believe that the following successful passing of the examination.
reputation of the NAWCO® will be adversely Upon expiration of the credentialing term, a
affected. WCC® is required to recertify with the NAWCO® to
maintain their credentials. A WCC® may recertify
All certificates include a statement that the by examination, training, mentoring, or by
certificate is the sole property of the Committee continuing education. Details of the options will
and must be returned upon request. When be emailed to candidates within one year of
disciplinary actions result in the revocation of an expiration of credential. They may also be
individual’s certification the Committee will accessed at the NAWCO® website: nawccb.org.
require the return of any certificates issued.
Please keep your email address updated with
Appeal NAWCO® at all times.
A candidate whose eligibility for initial
certification or recertification has been denied Reinstatement of Lapsed
may request reconsideration of the decision.
Credential
Within thirty (30) days from receipt of notice of a Reinstatement of a lapsed credential is not the
determination by the Certification Committee same process as recertification. Requirements for
that a certificant violated the certification reinstatement of lapsed WCC® credentials include
program policies and/or rules, the affected all of the following criteria:
certificant may submit to the Certification
Committee in writing a request for an appeal. 1. Active unrestricted license as a Registered
Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse,
The appeal should include the decision that is Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, Physical
being appealed, the basis for the appeal (including Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapist,
the reasons the candidate feels he or she is Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physician
eligible for certification/recertification and how Assistant, or Physician.
he or she complies with the published eligibility
requirements), and any relevant and supporting 2. Previous WCC® certification.
documentation. 3. Active involvement in the care of wound care
patients, or in management, education or
Complaints & Disciplin research directly related to wound care for at
Complaints against a WCC® may be submitted by least two (2) years full-time or four (4) years
any individual or entity. Complaints should be part-time within the past five (5) years.
reported to the Certification Committee in writing 4. Completion of application.
to either the NAWCO® office, or email to
certmanager@nawccb.org, and should include the 5. Payment of required fee. $380.00 for
name of the person submitting the complaint, the reinstatement of certification and $300.00 for
name of the person the complaint is regarding late fee. (Total $680.00)
along with other relevant identifying information,
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e6. Choice of one of the following pathways: a. A credential that has lapsed beyond 2 years
will not be reinstated.
a. Successful graduate of skin and wound
management training course that meets b. If you fail to apply to reinstate your
criteria established by Certification credential within two years of the
Committee. credential expiration, you can apply
immediately and must meet all eligibility
b. Receive passing score on examination requirements again for certification under
within two (2) years or four (4) one of the existing certification options.
attempts (whichever comes first) of
credential lapse*. c. A new certification number will be issued
to successful candidates.
c. Complete the continuing education
verification form. (A minimum of 60 3. If you can demonstrate that you were falsely
contact hours per requirements must imprisoned, held hostage or otherwise held
be documented). This form can be against your will, on active duty out of the US
found at nawccb.org. in the military, or in a coma, and as a result,
unable to complete your recertification prior
i. Copies of original “certificates of to credential lapse, then you may reinstate
completion” forms from each your credential via any of the recertification
continuing education program options available.
entered on your continuing
education verification form may be
requested. Examination Administration
The Wound Care Certification Examination is
ii. Certificate of completion forms sponsored by the National Alliance of Wound Care
must include your name, date, and Ostomy®. The independent NAWCO®
program title, provider, approved Certification Committee has been established to
accrediting organization, and the develop and maintain the WCC® certification
number of contact hours awarded. program and all its essential activities.
7. A WCC® that successfully meets the
requirements of the chosen and accepted
Scoring the Examination
pathway, within 2 years of the credential The The performance standard, meaning the skills
lapsing, will maintain their original and abilities required to pass the WCC exam is the
certification number. same. However, candidates may be administered
different forms, or groups of items, of the WCC
8. A WCC® that does not successfully meet the exam. Because items may differ in how hard or
requirements within 2 years of the credential easy they are, the passing score, or the score
lapsing, will receive a new certification required to pass the exam, may differ slightly
number when all eligibility criteria have been from one form to the next.
met.
Standard setting is the process by which the
Final Ruling on Lapsed Credential passing performance, or passing score, is
1. Reinstatement attempt WITHIN 2 YEARS determined on an exam. Standard setting for the
through Examination Pathway: WCC exam was completed by a group of subject
matter experts (SMEs) selected to represent the
a. Unsuccessful: If examination pathway is field of wound care professionals. This group was
chosen, after two years or four attempts, guided through a formal process that included
you will no longer be able to reinstate your discussing the meaning of passing the exam in
lapsed credential. regard to the minimum knowledge skills and
abilities required of a candidate and then
b. You will be required to wait one year and translating that information into performance on
meet all of the eligibility requirements the WCC exam.
again for certification under one of the
existing initial certification options. As is common practice, the standard setting
included one form of the WCC exam. To apply the
2. Reinstatement attempt AFTER 2 YEARS: passing score to subsequent forms of the exam, a
statistical process called equating is employed.
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National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022
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Equating accounts for the differences in items and care practitioners. Each question is subjected to
item difficulties on forms and makes adjustments editing for grammar, bias, and technical adequacy
such that the passing score on each form reflects by experts from the testing agency.
equivalent performance on the exam. This process
of equating is essential to the fairness of the WCC The passing point is determined by the
exam program as it provides equivalent Certification Committee relying on
expectations of “passing” performance over time recommendations from standard setting
and across forms of the exam. procedures conducted by NAWCO®’s psychometric
vendor, Alpine Testing Solutions. As stated above,
Computerized versions of the examination are the standard setting method applied by NAWCO®
administered at computer-based testing facilities is a criterion-referenced process that involves a
managed by Prometric, which has testing sites in committee of subject matter experts making
the United States and other countries. judgments about the difficulty of each exam
Live remote proctoring (LRP) administrations are a question relative to a defined level of
mode of test administration that allows approved performance for the minimally qualified
candidates the ability to take the certification candidate.
exam at a location and time of their choosing
using the candidate’s own computer. The The examination is weighted in approximately the
administration is monitored in real time by a following breakdown:
remote proctor who observes the candidate and Patient and Wound Information 27%
enforces the exam administration rules throughout Plan of Care 40%
the exam. LRP administrations are available to Legal 14%
candidates who are able to meet technical/ Skin 19%
software and administration set up requirements.
Technology requirements and a link to perform a Rules for the Examination
system check are available on the NAWCO web site 1. A candidate who informs a Test Site
and should be reviewed closely prior to scheduling Administrator that he or she does not wish to
an exam appointment. continue taking the examination being
Proctored paper and pencil examinations are administered may not complete the
available in various scheduled locations around examination later that day. If the candidate
the US for those attending live classes. re-takes the examination at a later date, he or
she must submit the reexamination fee.
Content of Examination 2. Candidates who arrive late for the examination
fThe certification exam is an objective, multiple- may not take the examination.
choice test consisting of up to 110 questions and is 3. Disruptive behavior is cause for dismissal from
available in a computerized format or paper & the test site by the Test Site Administrator. No
pencil format with a total testing time of two (2) refunds will be given to candidates expelled
hours. Candidates are only scored on 100 for disruptive behavior.
questions for exams that consist of 110 questions,
as 10 questions are not scored. Those 10 questions 4. No visitors are permitted in testing rooms
are used to create future exams. (including children).
The questions for the certification examination 5. Candidates may not bring coats, book bags,
are prepared by the NAWCO® Certification luggage, etc. to their examination desks.
Committee and teams of Subject Matter Experts 6. Only the individual named on the registration
(SMEs). The examination questions are written to roster will be permitted to take the
assess cognitive levels of knowledge, examination. No substitutions are allowed for
comprehension, application and analysis related registered candidates.
to skin and wound management.
7. Candidates must present valid US Gov. issued
The content for examination questions is based picture identification that matches the name
upon job practice analyses conducted to ensure on the authorization at check-in. The name
the content is current, job-related and and photo on the identification must match
representative of the responsibilities of wound the candidate and the authorization provided
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National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® WCC® Candidate Examination Handbook © 2022You can also read
