CWS Practice Test 2026 — Free CWS Exam Prep Questions
The CWS is the interdisciplinary board certification for nurses, therapists, podiatrists, physicians and other licensed clinicians who manage chronic and complex wounds. Our practice set follows the ABWM CWS content outline, with case-based items on wound healing biology, assessment and staging, debridement, dressings, compression, NPWT, HBOT, offloading, wound etiologies and professional issues.
A 74-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation who stopped her anticoagulant a month ago has had sudden pain in the left foot and calf for 3 hours. The foot is cold and pale, pedal pulses are absent, she has numbness of the toes and mild weakness of toe movement, and there is no leg swelling. She has no history of claudication. Which action is MOST appropriate?
CWS format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers, by appointment. A calculator is available through the testing system, and a laminated whiteboard and marker are provided. Not adaptive.
| Questions | 150 multiple-choice items (125 scored + 25 pretest) |
|---|---|
| Time | 3 hours |
| Question format | Single best answer, four options (A–D) |
| Content outline | Five domains; outline effective January 1, 2023 |
| Calculator | Available through the testing system; whiteboard provided |
| Where | Pearson VUE test centers, year-round by appointment |
| Results | On screen and printed at the test center |
| Fee | $595 (re-test $275) |
| Eligibility | Licensed clinician with 3 years of clinical wound care experience |
| Retakes | After 30 days, within 2 years of the first exam |
| Certification | 10 years, with annual renewal and 6 CE hours per year |
Facts last verified Nov 3, 2026. Source: abwmcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CWS-Handbook-2026.pdf. Always confirm details with ABWM before your exam.
When can you take the CWS?
ABWM offers continuous testing throughout the year. After approval you have a 90-day window to schedule and sit the exam at a Pearson VUE test center.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the CWS covers
Every PrepBanq CWS test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Wound Healing EnvironmentAnatomy and physiology (integumentary, musculoskeletal, vascular, neurological, lymphatic and other systems) and wound healing: phases, cell function, acute vs. chronic. 23 scored items. | 18.4% | ~23 | 28 questions → |
Assessment and DiagnosisHistory, physical examination, wound and skin assessment, pain, risk and functional assessment, laboratory/imaging/biopsy, and nutrition. 34 scored items. | 27.2% | ~34 | 41 questions → |
Patient ManagementWound bed preparation and debridement, dressings, cellular and/or tissue products, topical agents, complications, nutrition, biophysical technologies, compression, NPWT, hyperbaric oxygen, pressure redistribution, surgical closure, case review and ostomy. 30 scored items. | 24% | ~30 | 36 questions → |
Etiological ConsiderationsNeuropathy, diabetes, venous insufficiency, ischemia, pressure-related wounds, lymphedema, trauma, surgical, atypical, dermatological, infectious, burns, edema, pediatric and inflammatory wounds. 26 scored items. | 20.8% | ~26 | 31 questions → |
Professional IssuesDocumentation and legal concepts, patient adherence, reimbursement, medical ethics, multidisciplinary teams, epidemiology, and evidence-based practice and research. 12 scored items. | 9.6% | ~12 | 14 questions → |
How to register for the CWS
Eligibility
Licensed DO, DPM, MD, NP, DVM, PA, PT, OT, PharmD, RD or RN with 3 years of clinical wound care experience (or a certified wound care fellowship of at least 1 year), holding a full and unrestricted license in at least one state and in every state of current practice.
Retake policy
You may retest 30 days after your last exam and up to 2 years after your first exam, filing a re-test application each time. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, 20 hours of wound management continuing education are required before each further attempt.
Score release
Results appear on screen when you finish, and you receive a score report at the test center; it is also available in your Pearson account.
Credential renewal
Certification lasts 10 years; you recertify by retaking the CWS exam. Annual renewal ($175) requires 6 hours of wound management continuing education each year.
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CWS FAQ
How many questions are on the CWS?
The CWS has 150 questions (125 of them scored) and you have 3 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice: 150 items, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items placed throughout the exam. The handbook's sample questions are single best answer with four options (A–D)..
How long is the CWS exam?
Testing time for the CWS is 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the CWS?
CWS passing standard: Criterion-referenced passing point recommended by a Cut Score Committee and approved by the ABWM Board. The score report shows your number of correct answers and the number required to pass. Score range: Number correct out of 125 scored items; pass/fail.
How much does the CWS cost?
The CWS registration fee is $595 first-time application; $275 re-test; $175 international testing fee (outside the USA, Canada and Mexico). Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the CWS?
The CWS covers Wound Healing Environment (about 18.4%), Assessment and Diagnosis (about 27.2%), Patient Management (about 24%), Etiological Considerations (about 20.8%), Professional Issues (about 9.6%).
Who administers the CWS?
The Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) Exam is administered by ABWM. Delivery: Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers, by appointment. A calculator is available through the testing system, and a laminated whiteboard and marker are provided. Not adaptive..
Can you retake the CWS?
You may retest 30 days after your last exam and up to 2 years after your first exam, filing a re-test application each time. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, 20 hours of wound management continuing education are required before each further attempt.
Is there a free CWS practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CWS practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CWS formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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