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CNA Certification: WOCC(C)

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Certified (C)anada

Smiling Therapist

A Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) is a registered nurse with advanced and specialized knowledge and clinical skills in wound, ostomy and continence care who has graduated from a World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET) recognized education program.

 

Recognized as Nurses who have specialized training in wound, ostomy and continence by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence are the ONLY nursing specialty with CNA certification in wound, ostomy and continence care (WOCC(C)).

 

From acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, community, long term care and in independent practice, an NSWOC provides specialized holistic assessment and management as an interprofessional team member to meet the needs of individuals/families with ostomies, acute and chronic wounds and urinary and fecal continence problems.

What is certification?

CNA certification is a nationally recognized nursing specialty credential for nurses. Once certified, you can proudly use the credentials associated with your specialty  ( WOCC(C) ) after your name.

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Care to Be the Best

The first certification exam, offered in 1991, was in neuroscience nursing. Today, more than 15,000 nurses are CNA certified (see breakdown by specialty and province/territory).

Certified nurses are…

  • Recognized nationally for their practice excellence and commitment to lifelong learning

  • Valued by employers, because their certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and brings many benefits to organizations

  • Viewed as having enhanced professional credibility

 

To become certified, you must pass a rigorous computer-based exam. There are two exam windows annually. Your exam preparation will be unique, depending on what you already know in your specialty. We offer many exam preparation resources, as do many nursing specialty associations.

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If you become certified, your credential will be valid for a five-year term. At the end of five years, you can renew by submitting a record of continuous learning hours or rewriting the exam.

"Why I Became Certified"

Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC (C), FCAN

Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute

Your guide to the WOCC(C) CNA Certification Exam & Certification Renewal

Initial Certification Exam

Fall

For those aiming to write their initial certification exam in the Fall, the application period is open from June 5 to September 30. The exam writing window will take place from November 1 to 15, and you can expect to receive your results in December. 

Spring

For those aiming to write their initial certification exam in the Spring, the application period is open from January 15 – March 31. The exam writing window will take place from May 1 – 15, and you can expect to receive your results in June.

NSWOC Prep Course for the CNA Certification Exam:

Prepare confidently for the CNA Certification Exam with our comprehensive NSWOC Prep Course. The course includes a review of core competencies, relevant wound, ostomy, and continence curriculum, sample exam questions, and a dedicated study group for support.

To access the course, log in to the "Members Login" area. Click on "View available downloads" in the left-hand sidebar and select "NSWOCC CNA Certification Prep Course."

Join the Online Study Group:

As an NSWOCC Member, you have the added benefit of joining the NSWOCC CNA Certification Exam study group. For joining this supportive community, please contact chair@wocinstitute.ca.

We are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification and renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns.

At NSWOCC, we are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification or renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Please feel free to reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns.

Certification Renewal by Continuous Learning

If you're due for certification renewal, the application window for renewal by continuous learning is open from  from January 15 – December 15.
Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless.

Continuous Learning (CL) Activities — General Guidelines:
 

The CNA Certification Program offers flexibility in the type of CL activities you can count toward renewing your certification credential. Here are some key guidelines:​
 

  • CL activities must relate to improving knowledge and skills in your nursing practice specialty.

  • Each CL activity must be completed within the five-year certification term.

  • Count one CL hour for each clock hour.

  • Count any CL activities that are 30 minutes or longer.

  • No pre-authorization is required to count your CL activities.

  • Count the same CL activity only once during the five-year term, unless it’s at a higher level.

Eligible Continuous Learning Activities:

By registering as an NSWOCC Member, you automatically gain access to 4 continuous learning hours per year, adding up to a total of 20 hours during the five-year period between certification writing and renewal.

Participating in NSWOCC activities can also earn you CL hours:

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If you have any questions or you don’t see an activity you completed, please do not hesitate to contact CNA at certification@cna-aiic.ca.

Track Your Learning

To keep track of your CL hours effortlessly, use our "Continuous Learning for Certification Renewal: Activities and Competencies" form! 

 

Simply log your completed activities and submit them as part of your renewal application at the end of your five-year term.

Did you know?

Completing the Advanced Wound Debridement Course counts for 32 hours that you can apply towards your Renewal by Continuous Learning for the WOCC(C) credential!

WOC Institute Program Logos_Advanced Debridement.png
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