{"id":46902,"date":"2018-12-13T17:26:49","date_gmt":"2018-12-13T17:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=46902"},"modified":"2026-03-14T17:03:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T22:03:02","slug":"cws-exam","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/cws-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"CWS<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Practice Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Certified Wound Specialist<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (CWS<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>) exam is designed to assess your specialized knowledge of wound management. The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) sponsors the certification, and successful completion of the exam entitles you as a Certified Wound Specialist.<\/p>\n<p>Click \u201cStart Test\u201d above to take a free CWS practice test!<\/p>\n<div class=\"buttonlinks\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/university\/cws\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Course Button', 'Course Click', CWS Course Click']);\">CWS Online Course<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/cws\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Guide Button', 'Guide Click', 'CWS Guide Click']);\">CWS Study Guide<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/cws\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Flashcard Button', 'Flashcard Button Click', 'CWS Flashcard Click']);\">CWS Flashcards<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"CWS_Exam_Eligibility\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>CWS Exam Eligibility<\/h2>\n<p>To be eligible for the exam, you must hold a current and unencumbered professional license and have at least three years of clinical wound experience. Acceptable licenses are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>DO<\/li>\n<li>DPM<\/li>\n<li>MD<\/li>\n<li>NP<\/li>\n<li>DVM<\/li>\n<li>PA<\/li>\n<li>PT<\/li>\n<li>OT<\/li>\n<li>PharmD<\/li>\n<li>RD<\/li>\n<li>RN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"CWS_Exam_Outline\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>CWS Exam Outline<\/h2>\n<p>The CWS exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions, 25 of which are unscored, and you will be given a 3-hour time limit. The unscored questions are used to validate questions that may appear on future versions of the exam.<\/p>\n<p>The exam is split into five content domains:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"1_Wound_Healing_Environment_(23_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>1. Wound Healing Environment (23 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain cover the various aspects of wound healing and anatomy and physiology.<\/p>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-top: -1em;\">Wound healing<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0.5em;\">\n<li>Integumentary<\/li>\n<li>Neurological<\/li>\n<li>Musculoskeletal<\/li>\n<li>Vascular<\/li>\n<li>Endocrine<\/li>\n<li>Renal<\/li>\n<li>Lymphatic<\/li>\n<li>Respiratory<\/li>\n<li>Immunologic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\">Anatomy and physiology<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: -0.5em;\">\n<li>Phases<\/li>\n<li>Acute vs. chronic<\/li>\n<li>Cell functions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<h3><span id=\"2_Assessment_and_Diagnosis_(34_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>2. Assessment and Diagnosis (34 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain cover the various aspects of assessing and diagnosing a patient.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>History<\/li>\n<li>Wound assessment<\/li>\n<li>Skin assessment<\/li>\n<li>Physical exam<\/li>\n<li>Pain assessment<\/li>\n<li>Functional assessment<\/li>\n<li>Risk assessment<\/li>\n<li>Laboratory\/Imaging\/Biopsy<\/li>\n<li>Nutrition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"3_Patient_Management_(30_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>3. Patient Management (30 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain cover the various aspects of the patient management process.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dressings<\/li>\n<li>Wound bed preparation<\/li>\n<li>Topical agents<\/li>\n<li>Tissue products for wounds<\/li>\n<li>Nutrition<\/li>\n<li>Healing complications<\/li>\n<li>Biophysical technology<\/li>\n<li>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy<\/li>\n<li>Compression therapy<\/li>\n<li>Negative pressure wound therapy<\/li>\n<li>Surgical closure or tissue transfer<\/li>\n<li>Pressure redistribution<\/li>\n<li>Ostomy<\/li>\n<li>Case review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"4_Etiological_Considerations_(26_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>4. Etiological Considerations (26 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain cover the various aspects and types of etiological considerations.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Burns<\/li>\n<li>Ischemia<\/li>\n<li>Infectious<\/li>\n<li>Edema<\/li>\n<li>Venous insufficiency<\/li>\n<li>Dermatological<\/li>\n<li>Inflammatory<\/li>\n<li>Pressure-related wounds<\/li>\n<li>Trauma<\/li>\n<li>Atypical etiologies<\/li>\n<li>Lymphedema<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"5_Professional_Issues_(12_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>5. Professional Issues (12 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain cover various legal, ethical, practical, and general issues and challenges that wound care specialists should be prepared to handle.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Patient adherence<\/li>\n<li>Multidisciplinary teams<\/li>\n<li>Documentation\/legal concepts<\/li>\n<li>Epidemiology<\/li>\n<li>Reimbursement and medical economics<\/li>\n<li>Evidence-based research and practice<\/li>\n<li>Medical ethics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/CWS-Exam-Outline-01.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-169634\" role=\"img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/CWS-Outline-01.svg\" alt=\"exam outline for the CWS exam, which contains 150 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours\" width=\"543.95\" height=\"461.15\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check Out Mometrix's CWS Study Guide<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/cws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Study Guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/cws\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"184\" height=\"238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cws.jpg\" alt=\" Study Guide\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Registration\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span> Registration<\/h2>\n<p>To register for the exam, you must fill out an online application on the ABWM website. This application will include any supporting documentation needed to prove eligibility, as well as the $595 fee.<\/p>\n<p>Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email that contains information on how to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"CWSCourse\" class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"CWS_Online_Prep_Course\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>CWS Online Prep Course<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an <strong>online CWS prep course<\/strong> designed to give you everything you need to succeed!<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll find in the CWS course:<\/p>\n<div class=\"mocblurb\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"moclessons\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocpqs\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocflash\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocmoney\"><\/li>\n<li class=\"mocmobile\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Everyone learns differently, so we&#8217;ve tailored the CWS online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the CWS exam.<\/p>\n<p>Click below to check it out!<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/university\/cws\/?utm_source=academy&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=academy-mu-ads&amp;utm_content=cws\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Course Button', 'Course Click', 'CWS Course Click']);\"><button class=\"buttontranscript\">Start Your CWS Online Course<\/button><\/a><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Test_Day\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Test Day<\/h2>\n<p>On the day of your exam, you should arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes early to allow time for the check-in process. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will not be able to take the exam.<\/p>\n<p>When you arrive, you will be asked to provide two valid forms of identification, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. If any form of ID is invalid, you will not be able to take the exam.<\/p>\n<p>Once you are checked in, you will be asked to leave all personal items behind in a secure locker. This includes your cell phone, bag\/purse, hat, wallet, watch, book, food, and any electronic device.<\/p>\n<p>The proctor will lead you to the testing area once all of the security procedures are taken care of. Before you begin, you will be given a calculator and a dry-erase board to use during the exam, and you will be given an opportunity to take a five-minute practice exam.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/university\/cws\/\" class=\"mobile-ad\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Mobile Ad', 'Mobile Click', CWS Mobile Click']);\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cws-mobile-ad-691ba514e817e.webp\" alt=\"20% off coupon for the CWS online course.\" width=\"353\" height=\"354\" \/><\/a>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"How_the_Exam_is_Scored\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How the Exam is Scored<\/h2>\n<p>The CWS exam is scored using a criterion-reference method, meaning the passing score has been predetermined by subject-matter experts based on the difficulty of each exam question. This also means that each administration of the exam contains a slightly different pool of questions, so the number of questions you must answer correctly to pass will be different for each administration.<\/p>\n<p>You will receive a score report immediately following the exam, and you can access this report via your online Pearson VUE account.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Retaking_the_Exam\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Retaking the Exam<\/h2>\n<p>If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it after a 30-day waiting period. You must reapply for each retake, which includes paying a $275 re-application fee each time.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check Out Mometrix's CWS Flashcards<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get complex  subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button blue-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/cws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Flashcards<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/cws\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"184\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cwsflash.jpg\" alt=\" Flashcards\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"How_to_Study\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How to Study<\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"How_to_Study_Effectively\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How to Study Effectively<\/h3>\n<p>Your success on CWS test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It\u2019s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CWS practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CWS exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The questions you got wrong<\/li>\n<li>The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right<\/li>\n<li>The ones you found difficult or slow to work through<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn\u2019t understand the material? Was it because you didn\u2019t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Answer_Explanations\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Answer Explanations<\/h3>\n<p>Additionally, many CWS practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question\u2019s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you\u2019re positive you have a thorough understanding.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Comprehend_Each_Topic\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Comprehend Each Topic<\/h3>\n<p>As you go along, keep in mind that the CWS practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won\u2019t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you\u2019ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Strategy_for_CWS_Practice\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Strategy for CWS Practice<\/h3>\n<p>When you\u2019re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Remove Limitations.<\/strong> Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CWS study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you\u2019ve learned.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Time Yourself.<\/strong> Take the second practice test \u201copen book\u201d as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Simulate Test Day.<\/strong> Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep Practicing.<\/strong> Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it\u2019s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you\u2019ll be able to focus on recalling the material you\u2019ve learned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"FAQs\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-list\">\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How many questions are on the CWS exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>There are 150 multiple-choice questions on the exam, 25 of which are not scored.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How long is the CWS exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How much does the CWS exam cost?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The examination fee is $595.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"author\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" class=\"author-bio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"author-image\" height=\"127\" width=\"127\" alt=\"Headshot of Kate Nockunas.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/tinywow_tinywow_Kate-Nockunas-Cropped-min_24640345_24640389.webp\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">By <span itemprop=\"name\">Kate Nockunas<\/span><\/p><div class=\"author-desc\"><p>Kate has been Mometrix\u2019s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master\u2019s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"editor\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" class=\"author-bio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"author-image\" height=\"127\" width=\"127\" alt=\"Aaron Lanni profile pic\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image_2024-12-11_124906662.png\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">Edited by <span itemprop=\"name\">Aaron Lanni<\/span><\/p><div class=\"author-desc\"><p>Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix\u2019s quality and accessibility standards.<\/p>\n<\/div><p class=\"alignright author-desc author-link\"><a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/editorial-guidelines\/\">Learn more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> \u2192<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/\">Mometrix Academy &#8211; Home<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">CWS\u00ae and Certified Wound Specialist\u00ae are registered trademarks of the American Board of Wound Management, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Certified Wound Specialist\u00ae (CWS\u00ae) exam is designed to assess your specialized knowledge of wound management. The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) sponsors the certification, and successful completion of the exam entitles you as a Certified Wound Specialist. Click \u201cStart Test\u201d above to take a free CWS practice test! CWS Exam Eligibility To be &#8230; <a title=\"CWS&reg; Practice Test\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/cws-exam\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about CWS&reg; Practice Test\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":205841,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-46902","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-cws-pages","7":"page_category-medical-professional","8":"page_type-exam-overview","9":"page_domain-abwm-cws"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46902"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46902\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":284125,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46902\/revisions\/284125"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/205841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}