For physicians who specialize in wound care, earning a formal board certification is one of the most meaningful milestones of a medical career. The American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery (ABWMS) offers the only physician-exclusive certification dedicated entirely to wound medicine and surgery — and for good reason. The certification process is thorough, well-structured, and designed to recognize physicians who have truly mastered the art and science of wound care.
Whether you are just learning about the ABWMS certification or are ready to start your application, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery (ABWMS) is an independent, nonprofit organization with a singular mission: to promote and recognize excellence in the care of patients with wounds. ABWMS sets the standard for wound care medicine and surgery and is committed to improving wound care certification programs throughout the United States and Canada.
Unlike broader medical boards, ABWMS is entirely focused on wound care — which means their certification carries real weight in this specialized field. Physicians who earn the ABWMS credential demonstrate not only clinical competence but also a deep commitment to advancing wound care medicine for the benefit of patients everywhere.
The ABWMS is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the overall quality of healthcare by certifying physicians in wound medicine and surgery. ABWMS-certified physicians have demonstrated the necessary knowledge base, appropriate prerequisite qualifications, and a genuine commitment to wound care and management.
This certification is recognized across the United States and Canada and is a mark of distinction in a field that is growing rapidly as the prevalence of chronic wounds — including diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and venous leg ulcers — continues to rise.
Before applying, verify that you meet all eligibility requirements. ABWMS requires that candidates:
All supporting documentation must be submitted with your application before the deadline. Missing documents will disqualify your application for that testing cycle.
ABWMS strongly recommends that all candidates thoroughly review the official Candidate Handbook before applying. This comprehensive resource covers:
The handbook is available on the ABWMS website and is your single most important preparation resource. Read it carefully and refer back to it throughout your study process.
Applications are accepted twice per year — in May and November. Testing windows take place in June and December respectively. The non-refundable application fee is $850.
To apply, complete the online application through the ABWMS website and upload all required documentation. If you require test accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you must submit the official Request for Test Accommodations Form along with your application — no later than 8 weeks before your chosen testing window.
Important: No applications are accepted after 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date. The next upcoming deadline is June 7, 2026, for a testing window of June 15–29, 2026. If that deadline is missed, the next opportunity will be November 23, 2026.
Once your application is approved, ABWMS partners with Certification Management Systems, Inc. (CMS) to manage exam scheduling. You will receive an email from CMS with instructions on how to schedule your testing appointment at an approved testing center near you.
Testing centers are available across the U.S. and Canada. Be aware that no rescheduling or make-up dates are offered — if you miss your exam, you must wait until the next testing window and reapply.
The ABWMS Wound Care Certification Exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3.5 hours. No breaks are permitted during the exam.
The exam is weighted across six content areas:
Use the ABWMS Candidate Handbook and official practice tests (available through PTCNY.com) to guide your preparation. Focus your studies on the highest-weighted areas while building a solid foundation in wound science and risk factor assessment.
On exam day, arrive at your testing center prepared and confident. Bring any required identification and follow all testing center protocols.
After passing the exam, you will officially join an elite group of ABWMS-certified wound care physicians. Your certification will identify you as a specialist who has met the highest standards in wound medicine and surgery — and a physician committed to improving patient outcomes.
ABWMS also offers a recertification program to help physicians maintain their credentials and stay current with advances in wound care medicine. Details on the recertification process are available on the ABWMS website.
The path to ABWMS board certification begins with a single step: visiting www.abwms.org. Review the Candidate Handbook, confirm your eligibility, and submit your application before the next deadline.
Wound care is a field that is making a real difference in the lives of patients across North America — and ABWMS-certified physicians are leading that charge. Take the next step in your wound care career today.
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