ABWH CERTIFICATION EXAMS

Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine

Exam format: 160 questions
Certification duration: 10 years
Certification cost: $1,220

This exam is available to all MD & DO physicians. All candidates must:

• Have an active valid US physician medical license
• Have attained a primary board certification in an ABMS approved specialty
• Provide verification of supervision of a minimum of 300 hyperbaric patient treatments within the prior 2 years
• Have attended a primary training program approved by either the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, the US Department of Defense, or completed an approved hyperbaric fellowship
• Provide a letter of Verification from program Medical Director or hospital administrator documenting good standing and active status of professional credentialing
• Have an active membership in good standing with the ACHM

Recertification: After the initial certification period of 10 years, clinicians wishing to maintain active status of their certification in clinical hyperbaric medicine must take the recertification exam as well as confirm continued active practice in hyperbaric medicine. Recertification candidates must submit verification of supervision of a minimum of 100 hyperbaric patient treatments during the period of the prior 12 months. Successful completion of the recertification process will provide a 10 year renewal of the certificate of added qualification.

Exam Preparation: To prepare for the exam, you are encouraged to study HYPERBARIC MEDICINE PRACTICE 2nd and 3rd Editions by Eric P. Kindwall MD and Harry T. Whelan MD.

What is the difference between ABMS Board Certification vs ABWH Certification?

The ABWH does not administer a "board exam", as relevant legal opinion and case law indicates that the terms "Board Examination" and "Board Certified" can be used ethically only by one of the 28 boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). While the ABWH anticipates eventual recognition by the ABMS, until this recognition occurs the ABWH can only confer on the successful applicant a Certificate of Added Qualification and Specialty Certification in the field of Clinical Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine.

For physicians who do not qualify for the ABPM or ABEM Hyperbaric Board Exam, the ABWH examination process is an excellent and recommended pathway for certification. The prerequisites for sitting for the ABWH Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine are nearly identical to the prerequisites now demanded by the ABPM and the ABEM during the "grandfathered" practice track period. Applicants must be an ethical hyperbaric practitioner and a member of the ACHM, provide documentation of several criteria including completion of a 40-hour course in Clinical Hyperbaric Medicine approved as a core curriculum by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, the US Department of Defense, or the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, or have completed a one year approved fellowship in Clinical Hyperbaric Medicine. He or she must also submit documentation of supervision of at least 300 hyperbaric treatments.

The ABWH Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine will require and attest to the same basic skills and knowledge now required by the ABPM and the ABEM. It will recognize and certify hyperbaric competence for mid-career physicians who cannot divorce themselves of their practices for a full year's hyperbaric fellowship or for those physicians who do not meet the criteria to sit for the ABPM/ABEM. It will continue provide a pathway for certification once the ABPM/ABEM closes the practice track. It will provide nationally recognized credible evidence of competence to credentials committees, UHMS Hyperbaric Accreditation Survey Teams, and the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation.

The ABWH Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine is endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. Successful completion of the ABWH examination process by members of the ACHM allows application for the special recognition and distinction as Fellows of the ACHM and use of the designation FACHM.

Physician Certification in Wound Care

Exam format: 165 questions 
Certification duration: 10 years
Certification cost: $1,020

This exam is available to all physicians (MD, DO, DPM). The physician must:

• Have a current State Medical License
• Provide verification of a minimum of two years clinical experience in wound care
• Provide verification of completion of at least 20 hours of wound care based continuing medical education credit
• Provide documentation of membership in a professional wound care society (Optional- Members of the APWCA can qualify for fellow status)

The exam will focus on the principles involved in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of complex acute and chronic wounds. 

Subject Matter Domains:

• Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Ulcers, Venous and Arterial Insufficiency Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers, Surgical and Traumatic Wounds, and Atypical Wounds
• Physiology of Wound Healing
• The Diagnosis and Management of Wound Infection
• Appropriate Utilization of Advanced Modalities
• Medical-Legal Aspects of Wound Care, Documentation

Recertification: After the initial certification period of 10 years, clinicians wishing to maintain active status of their certification in wound care must take the recertification exam as well as confirm continued active practice in the field of wound care. Recertification candidates must submit verification of continued active wound care practice during the period of the prior 12 months. Successful completion of the recertification process will provide a 10 year renewal of the certificate of added qualification. 
Exam Preparation: To prepare for the exam, you are encouraged to study:

• WOUND CARE ESSENTIALS Practice Principles 3rd Edition. Sharon Baranoski, MSN, RN and Elizabeth A. Ayello, PhD, RN.
• WOUND CARE PRACTICE 2nd Edition. Sheffield PJ, Fife CE, eds.. Flagstaff, AZ, Best Publishing, 2007.

The Benefit of ABWH Physician Certification in Wound Care versus other exams: 

The ABWH Physician Certification in Wound Care is the only certification process endorsed by several professional societies. The American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA) only endorses the ABWH exam. Successful completion of the ABWH examination process by members of the APWCA allows the special recognition and distinction as Fellows of the APWCA, or use of the designation FAPWCA. The APWCA is the largest professional wound care society with an active membership of nearly 3,000 which includes more physicians and podiatrists than any other professional society. Additionally, The American College of Hyperbaric Medicine recognizes and endorses the ABWH as providing the exam for physician certification in wound care. The exam was written and validated by physicians, and created in response to requests from hospital credentialing committees for a certification process resulting in verification of clinical competency in wound care. Certification in the specialty of wound care is the clinician's professional mark of achievement, and more importantly a seal of quality care for the public and patients. As a physician specific examination, the ABWH believes this exam will serve as the foundation for specialty recognition.

Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist (CHWS)

Exam format: 150 questions 
Certification duration: 5 years
Certification cost: $395

Prior to applying for certification the candidate must have met the following requirements:

• A minimum of two years of experience in a hospital setting or outpatient facility as a Hyperbaric Technician with cross training as a Wound Care Assistant or equivalent clinical position
• A minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience per year for the prior 2 years, with time shared between hyperbaric chamber operations and actual participation in wound related patient care and management (at least 25% of time must be dedicated to wound care)
• Completion of a 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine course or 40-hour primary training program approved by either the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, or the US Department of Defense
• Completion of Core Competencies in Hyperbaric Therapy and Wound Care, verified and endorsed by your employer, Medical Director or Program Manager validating your clinical experience detailed in the Core Competency Checklists

Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:

• Hyperbaric Technician
• Diver Medical Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Respiratory Therapist
• Certified Nurse Aide
• EMT Paramedic
• Life Support Technician
• Physician Assistant
• Registered Nurse or LPN
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician
• Veterinarian
• Podiatrist
• Physical Therapist

*If you do not see your position in the eligible list above but you meet the requirements of the application, please contact the abwh at applications@abwh.net

The Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist (CHWS) examination will confer dual competency as a hyperbaric and a wound care technologist. The following areas are included in the knowledge and skill domains that are evaluated during the certification process:

Hyperbaric:

• Basic Hyperbaric Knowledge
• Chamber Operations, Equipment & Environment
• Safety, Emergency Protocols & Patient Management

Wound Care:

• Basic Wound Knowledge
• Patient Assessment & Care Skills
• Wound Care Procedures
• Wound Care Regulations

Each candidate will be required to have all competency checklists signed (by the Program Manager or Medical Director) to document knowledge and clinical skill competence in the required areas. These checklists must be submitted with the CHWS Application.

The ABWH Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist Examination is endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and the American Professional Wound Care Association. Successful completion of the examination process allows the special recognition and distinction as a Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist, and use of the designation CHWS.

Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)

Exam format: 125 questions 
Certification duration: 5 years
Certification cost: $320

Prior to applying for certification the candidate must have met the following requirements:

• A minimum of 500 hours of clinical hyperbaric training and active practice experience per year for the prior 2 years, successfully completing a Hyperbaric Technician Preceptorship in a hospital setting or outpatient facility.
• Completion of a 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine course or 40-hour primary training program approved by either the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, or the US Department of Defense
• Completion of Core Competencies in Hyperbaric Therapy, verified and endorsed by your employer, Medical Director or Program Manager validating your clinical experience detailed in the Core Competency Checklists

Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:

• Hyperbaric Technician
  
• Diver Medical Technician
  
• Medical Assistant
  
• Respiratory Therapist
  
• Certified Nurse Aide
  
• EMT Paramedic
  
• Life Support Technician
  
• Physician Assistant
  
• Registered Nurse or LPN
  
• Nurse Practitioner
  
• Physician
  
• Veterinarian
  
• Podiatrist
  

The Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) examination will confer competency as a hyperbaric specialist. The following areas are included in the knowledge and skill domains that are evaluated during the certification process:

Hyperbaric:

• Basic Hyperbaric Knowledge
• Chamber Operations, Equipment & Environment
• Safety, Emergency Protocols & Patient Management

Each candidate will be required to have all competency checklists signed (by the Program Manager or Medical Director) to document knowledge and clinical skill competence in the required areas. These checklists must be submitted with the CHS Application.

Reciprocity

Any individual who is currently a Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT via the NBDHMT) is eligible to apply for CHS Certification. The applicant must submit the entire CHS application, satisfy all of the above requirements, and submit documentation of CHT Certification. Once approved, CHS designation will be granted via the reciprocity pathway to the applicant. This recognition will be valid for one year. Prior to the expiration of the reciprocity certification period (1 years), the CHS must successfully pass the CHS certification examination to maintain CHS status. Upon successful accomplishment of the examination the CHS certification will be extended to the full 5 year certification period. The examination fee is included in the initial CHS application fee.

The ABWH Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Examination is endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and the American Professional Wound Care Association. Successful completion of the examination process allows the special recognition and distinction as a Certified Hyperbaric Specialist, and use of the designation CHS.

Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS)

Exam format: 125 questions 
Certification duration: 5 years
Certification cost: $120

Prior to applying for certification the candidate must have met the following requirements:

• A minimum of 500 hours of clinical wound care training and active practice experience per year for the prior 2 years (this experience can include hours earned in a training role or position).
• Copy of education certificate demonstrating completion of at least 10 hours of wound care training and education (CME/CEU certificate) during each of the prior 2 years.
• Completion of Core Competencies in wound care, verified and endorsed by your employer, Medical Director or Program Manager, validating your clinical experience detailed in the Core Competencies Checklists.

Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:

• Hyperbaric Technician
• Diver Medical Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Respiratory Therapist
• Certified Nurse Aide
• EMT Paramedic
• Life Support Technician
• Physician Assistant
• Registered Nurse or LPN
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician
• Veterinarian
• Podiatrist
• Physical Therapist

*If you do not see your position in the eligible list above but you meet the requirements of the application, please contact the abwh at applications@abwh.net

The Certified Skin & Wound Specialist (CSWS) examination will confer competency as a skin and wound specialist. The following areas are included in the knowledge and skill domains that are evaluated during the certification process: 

Wound Care:

• Basic Wound Knowledge
• Patient Assessment & Care Skills
• Wound Care Procedures
• Wound Care Regulations

Each candidate will be required to have all competency checklists signed (by the Program Manager or Medical Director) to document knowledge and clinical skill competence in the required areas. These checklists must be submitted with the CSWS application.

The ABWH Certified Skin & Wound Specialist examination is endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and the American Professional Wound Care Association. Successful Completion of the examination process allows the special recognition and distinction as a Certified Skin & Wound Specialist, and use of the designation CSWS.