WCC Placement Test

Who is eligible?

In order to take the WCC Exam a candidate must:

Hold an active unrestricted license as either a: Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Physician or Physician Assistant.

Education Requirements:

• Have either graduated from a skin and wound management training course, OR
• Currently hold an active certification with Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) as a CWCN, CWON, or CWOCN.

Experience Requirements:

• Either have completed 120 hours of hands-on clinical training with an approved preceptor OR
• Have completed 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time experience in an approved profession with active, ongoing involvement caring for wound-care patients, or in education, management or research directly related to wound care.

How is the exam formatted?

There are 110 multiple-choice questions on the exam, 100 of which are scored and the other 10 which are used for future exams.

You may choose to take the exam either on a computer or paper and pencil. You will have two hours to complete the entire exam.

How much does the exam cost?

There is a $30.00 non-refundable processing fee for application submissions and examination fees.

Initial certification: $300

Recertification: $300

Re-examination: $300

Lapsed Credential Reinstatement: $300

Lapsed Credential Late Fee: $300

What is the registration process like?

You will need to complete the application on the NAWCO website: nawccb.org.

You will have 2 years from the date you complete your training course OR 4 examination attempts in which to pass the exam.

You can also complete the application by mail. Be sure to complete all the information and include the application fee.

How long is my certification good for?

Your WCC certification is good for 5 years. After it expires, you are required to recertify. You may recertify by either retaking the WCC Exam, by mentoring, by training, or by continuing education.

Where is the exam given?

The exam is given at PSI testing centers across the U.S. and internationally. To find a location convenient for you, visit the PSI website: https://home.psiexams.com/#/test-center.

What topics are on the exam?

The WCC Exam is broken down into four parts:

• Patient and wound information – 27% (Including, but not limited to):
  • Analyzing Wound Characteristics
  • Identifying wound types, probable etiology, and storage or grade, if appropriate
  • Applying procedural concepts to obtain patient history
• Plan of Care – 40% (Including, but not limited to):
  • Selecting appropriate wound care treatment options
  • Determining need for nutritional intervention
  • Determining educational plan
• Legal – 14% (Including, but not limited to):
  • Applying standards of care and best practices
  • Applying legal concepts to the wound care practice
• Skin – 19% (Including, but not limited to):
  • Analyzing skin integrity across patient lifespan
  • Describing structures and functions of normal skin
  • Describing phases of wound healing

What If I arrive late for my exam? Will I still be able to take it?

Unfortunately, no. If you show up late to your exam, you will not be able to take it.

What is test day like?

On the day of the exam you want to make sure that you arrive at least fifteen minutes early. You are not permitted to bring any personal items into the testing room with you. Personal items include:

• Bags
• Study material
• Cameras

Cell phones are allowed to be in the room with you, but they are to be turned off and put either under or away from your desk.

You are required to present a valid, government issued photo ID upon arrival to the testing center.

What happens if I don’t show up to my exam?

If you do not show up for your exam, you will forfeit all exam fees.

What if I have a disability? Will I be accommodated?

Yes. In order for you to be accommodated you must fill out the required forms and send them in at least six weeks before your scheduled exam date.

When will I receive my test results?

Exam results will be available to you through e-mail 7-10 business days after completing your exam. 2 weeks after receiving your emailed score, you will be able to download and print your certificate.

If you take your exam on a computer, you will receive your results immediately upon completion, and you will be able to download and print your certificate within 2 weeks.

If I failed my exam, am I able to retake it?

Yes. If you failed your exam you are permitted to retake it for a total of 3 additional attempts within 2 years of completing your skin and wound management training, or within 2 years of your original testing date.

After your first retake attempt, you will have to wait a total of 30 days between your second and third attempt, or your third and fourth attempt.

*Important: After your fourth attempt at the WCC exam you are required to wait a period of one year before taking it again.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule my exam?

If you have to cancel or reschedule your exam, you must contact PSI at: 1-800-211-2754 no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam.

How Can I Prepare for the WCC Test?

That’s a great question.  We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.

1. Do yourself a favor and study.  Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try.  Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
2. Take care of yourself.  Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping.  All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance.  If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
3. Get a study guide or set of flashcards.  Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them.  We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!