WOCNCB Exam

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) examination is taken for certification purposes. Becoming certified shields people from being treated by providers who are insufficiently skilled, and it gives patients a better understanding of who to seek out when this form of medical attention is needed. Certification demonstrates commitment and capability with this specialty. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements before taking this test.

The content of the WOCNCB exam is broken down as follows:

80 questions on wound care, subdivided as follows:

• General principles of assessment (18)
• General principles of management (23)
• Pressure ulcers (11)
• Lower extremity ulcers (20)
• Other wounds (8)

80 questions on ostomy care, subdivided as follows:

• General principles of assessment (12)
• General principles of management and patient teaching (23)
• Fecal and urinary diversions (colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy) (23)
• Continent fecal and urinary diversions (10)
• Fistulas and percutaneous tubes and drains (12)

80 questions on continence care, subdivided as follows:

• General principles of assessment (38)
• Differentiate and manage types of urinary incontinence (34)
• Types of bowel dysfunction (8)

After successfully completing the exam, the certification will be good for five years before it needs to be renewed.

As your test day approaches, make sure that you have had plenty of time to study. Review a WOCNCB exam study guide or study using WOCNCB exam flashcards so that you strengthen any areas that might be more difficult for you on the test. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy being successful on the exam, but you can only spend time between now and your test day to get prepared. Study hard and maximize your chances of success.