100+ Free CWSP Practice Questions
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A deep tissue pressure injury (DTPI) is most accurately identified by:
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Key Facts: CWSP Exam
180
Total Questions
4-hour exam
$995
Exam Fee
ABWM 2026
10 years
Certification Valid
ABWM recertification cycle
26.7%
Assessment Domain
Largest content area
3 years
Experience Required
MD/DO/DPM wound care
Pearson VUE
Exam Provider
90-day scheduling window
The CWSP exam contains 180 questions over 4 hours across five domains. The largest domain is Assessment and Diagnosis (26.7%), followed by Patient Management (24.7%). Eligibility requires MD/DO/DPM license plus 3 years wound care experience. Exam fee is $995 through Pearson VUE. CWSP certification is valid for 10 years with annual 6-CEU maintenance and $175 renewal fee.
Sample CWSP Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CWSP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which phase of wound healing is characterized by neutrophil and macrophage infiltration to clear debris and bacteria?
2A physician is managing a wound in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c 10.8%). Which mechanism most directly impairs wound healing in this patient?
3Which growth factor is primarily responsible for stimulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis during wound healing?
4A 62-year-old male on 20 mg prednisone daily presents with a 6-week non-healing surgical wound. Which cellular mechanism most explains his impaired healing?
5Moist wound healing is preferred over dry wound healing primarily because it:
6An ABI of 0.55 in a patient with a lower-extremity wound indicates:
7In a diabetic patient with calcified tibial vessels (ABI 1.4), which test best quantifies tissue perfusion for wound healing prognosis?
8A transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) of 22 mmHg at the dorsum of the foot indicates:
9A diabetic patient has a 3 cm plantar wound that probes to bone. The NEXT most appropriate diagnostic step is:
10Bone biopsy culture from a diabetic foot osteomyelitis grows MRSA. Which antibiotic regimen aligns with IDSA DFI guidelines?
About the CWSP Exam
The CWSP certification is the physician-level wound management board credential offered by the American Board of Wound Management. The 180-question, 4-hour computer-based exam covers five domains: Wound Healing Environment (21.3%), Assessment and Diagnosis (26.7%), Patient Management (24.7%), Etiological Considerations (18.0%), and Professional Issues (9.3%). Eligibility requires MD, DO, or DPM degree, full unrestricted state licensure, and 3+ years of clinical wound care experience. Certification is valid for 10 years with annual CEU maintenance.
Questions
180 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score (cut score not publicly disclosed)
Exam Fee
$995 (American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) / Pearson VUE)
CWSP Exam Content Outline
Wound Healing Environment
Wound healing phases, growth factors, MMP regulation, biofilm biology, reactive oxygen species, angiogenesis (HIF-1α/VEGF), collagen synthesis/remodeling, and systemic factors impairing healing (DM, steroids, ischemia)
Assessment and Diagnosis
ABI/TBI/TcPO2 interpretation, MRI for osteomyelitis, bone biopsy indications, wound measurement (PUSH tool, tunneling), atypical wound biopsy decisions, differential diagnosis (PG vs vasculitis vs calciphylaxis vs Marjolin), neuropathy assessment (monofilament, biothesiometry), lab diagnostics (ESR, CRP, WBC)
Patient Management
Sharp/surgical debridement CPT coding (11042–11047, modifier -25), NPWT protocols, HBOT (2.4 ATA/90 min, CMS LCD, contraindications), advanced biologics (Apligraf, Dermagraft, OASIS, EpiFix, PRP, CTP CMS criteria), revascularization (angiosome-directed, endovascular vs bypass), antibiotic selection (MRSA, Pseudomonas, IDSA DFI), offloading (TCC, iTCC), wound nutrition
Etiological Considerations
DFU (Wagner classification, HbA1c targets, neuropathy, offloading), PAD (ABI interpretation, claudication, revascularization), venous disease (CEAP, lipodermatosclerosis, compression), pressure injuries (NPIAP staging, DTPI), lymphedema (CDT, compression classes), autoimmune wounds (PG, vasculitis, APS), calciphylaxis, radiation necrosis, sickle cell, NLD
Professional Issues
CMS HAC policy (Stage 3/4 PI), E/M with modifier -25, global surgical package (10-day), CPT debridement coding, wound care documentation for medical necessity, CWSP recertification (10-year cycle), interprofessional team roles, ethics (informed refusal, autonomy), antimicrobial stewardship, RCA quality improvement, research literacy (NNT, ITT analysis)
How to Pass the CWSP Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score (cut score not publicly disclosed)
- Exam length: 180 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Exam fee: $995
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CWSP Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CWSP exam?
The CWSP (Certified Wound Specialist Physician) is the physician-level board certification offered by the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM). It validates advanced wound management knowledge for MDs, DOs, and DPMs, covering wound assessment, surgical debridement, HBOT, advanced biologics, revascularization workup, and professional practice.
What are the CWSP eligibility requirements?
To sit for the CWSP exam, you must: (1) hold an MD, DO, or DPM degree, (2) possess a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one state and in all states where you currently practice, and (3) have three or more years of clinical wound care experience.
How many questions are on the CWSP exam?
The CWSP exam contains 180 multiple-choice questions administered over 4 hours via computer-based testing at a Pearson VUE test center. You have a 90-day window to schedule after application approval.
What is the CWSP exam fee?
The CWSP first-time application and exam fee is $995. After earning certification, diplomates pay an annual renewal fee of $175 and must complete 6 CEUs per year to maintain active status.
What content areas are covered on the CWSP exam?
The CWSP exam covers five domains: Assessment and Diagnosis (26.7%), Patient Management (24.7%), Wound Healing Environment (21.3%), Etiological Considerations (18.0%), and Professional Issues (9.3%). Assessment and Diagnosis is the largest domain.
How long is CWSP certification valid?
CWSP certification is valid for 10 years. Recertification requires re-examination. During the 10-year cycle, diplomates must pay an annual $175 renewal fee and complete 6 CEUs per year.
How should I prepare for the CWSP exam?
Study systematically across all five domains. Focus on vascular assessment (ABI/TBI/TcPO2), CPT debridement coding (11042–11047), CMS HBOT LCD requirements, advanced biologics criteria, IDSA DFI antibiotic guidelines, NPIAP pressure injury staging, and wound bed preparation. Most candidates plan 12–20 weeks of dedicated study.