Advanced Practice Certification
COCN-AP® - Certified Ostomy Care Nurse - Advanced Practice
About the COCN-AP Exam
The Certified Ostomy Care Nurse - Advanced Practice (COCN-AP) credential validates advanced specialty knowledge and core APRN role competencies in ostomy care nursing. WOCNCB Advanced Practice exams began in 2012 as entry-level specialty certification for the APRN - specifically the Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
The COCN-AP exam focuses on comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, and professional issues at the advanced practice level for ostomy care.
According to WOCNCB exam statistics, the COCN-AP pass rate was 85%.
COCN-AP Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for WOCNCB Advanced Practice certification, you must fulfill the following requirements. All initial certifications are by exam.
Who Can Apply?
- 1Hold a current RN license and/or APN license (a copy of the current license must be submitted with your application).
- 2Have completed an MSN or higher nursing degree program to become an APRN (NP, CNS, NMW, or CRNA). Diploma and/or transcripts must accompany the application.
- 3Document basic Wound, Ostomy, and/or Continence knowledge through ONE pathway: current entry-level WOCNCB certification in the specialty(ies) sought, an accredited WOC Nursing Education Program pathway, or the Experiential Pathway (50 specialty CE/CME credits and 1,500 specialty-specific practice hours in the previous five years, with 375 hours in the year before application - or 4,500 / 1,125 hours if applying for all three specialties).
How to Apply
- 1
Review eligibility
Confirm requirements on the WOCNCB Advanced Practice eligibility page and in the Candidate Examination Handbook.
- 2
Apply online
Apply via the PSI Test Takers Portal. Allow up to 10 business days for application processing.
- 3
Schedule your exam
After eligibility confirmation, schedule your exam up to 6 months from application submission (or before current credentials expire if recertifying).
- 4
Prepare with the handbook
Use the Candidate Examination Handbook for exam content outlines, policies, and sample questions.
COCN-AP Exam Content & Format
The COCN-AP exam content outline includes six domains. Percentages below are from the WOCNCB Candidate Examination Handbook.
- Comprehensive Assessment (20.97%): Advanced practice competencies assessed in this domain.
- Diagnosis (19.15%): Advanced practice competencies assessed in this domain.
- Planning (15.94%): Advanced practice competencies assessed in this domain.
- Implementation (17.44%): Advanced practice competencies assessed in this domain.
- Evaluation (17.44%): Advanced practice competencies assessed in this domain.
- Professional Issues (9.06%): Advanced practice competencies assessed in this domain.
Each specialty Advanced Practice exam includes 110 scored multiple-choice questions and 10 unscored pretest questions. Certification must be re-established every 5 years via exam or AP professional portfolio.
COCN-AP Exam Content Distribution
- Comprehensive Assessment(20.97%)
- Diagnosis(19.15%)
- Planning(15.94%)
- Implementation(17.44%)
- Evaluation(17.44%)
- Professional Issues(9.06%)
Content Categories & Weight
| Content Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Assessment | 20.97% |
| Diagnosis | 19.15% |
| Planning | 15.94% |
| Implementation | 17.44% |
| Evaluation | 17.44% |
| Professional Issues | 9.06% |
COCN-AP Application Instructions
Online Application: Apply via the PSI Test Takers Portal.
Application Submission: Submit RN and/or APN license, MSN or higher APRN diploma or transcripts, and pathway-specific documentation (current entry-level WOCNCB certification, WOC education program completion, or Experiential Pathway CE and practice hours). Testing vendor sends email confirmation of eligibility; allow up to 10 business days for processing.
Scheduling the Exam: After eligibility confirmation, schedule up to 6 months from exam application submission (or prior to current credentials expiration if recertifying). Sessions are first-come, first-served. Complete the mandatory clinical component for each specialty before testing.
Exam Format: The COCN-AP exam comprises 120 multiple-choice questions (110 scored, 10 unscored).
Preparation: Our COCN-AP Question Bank is designed to align with the Advanced Practice exam blueprint and support preparation for the COCN-AP credential.
Due to State Board of Nursing licensure requirements, contact your State Board of Nursing for licensing and scope of practice questions. Official details: Advanced Practice Exam · Eligibility · Candidate Handbook (PDF)
Preparation and Resources
Wound Care Nursing Review aligns practice questions with the Certified Ostomy Care Nurse - Advanced Practice (COCN-AP) exam blueprint, covering the Advanced Practice domains candidates will see on the test.
- Topics on Exam: Comprehensive Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Professional Issues.
- Official Handbook: Download the Candidate Examination Handbook from WOCNCB for eligibility, content outlines, and policies.
- Question Bank: The COCN-AP Question Bank aligns with the exam blueprint and includes 4 timed simulation exams to help gauge readiness.
Resources for the COCN-AP Exam
COCN-AP Question Bank
Practice questions aligned to the COCN-AP exam blueprint with detailed rationales and 4 timed simulation exams.
Explore Question Bank →Exam Format
120 multiple-choice questions (110 scored, 10 unscored). Apply and schedule through PSI.
2 hours to complete the exam
WOCNCB Certification
Visit the official WOCNCB Advanced Practice page for eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the candidate handbook.
Visit WOCNCB Website →Prices
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COCN-AP Question Bank
What's included
COCN-AP Question Bank
What's included
No risk. Cancel within 7 days for a full refund.
COCN-AP Recertification
The Certified Ostomy Care Nurse - Advanced Practice (COCN-AP) credential is valid for 5 years. To keep your certification current, complete recertification before it expires. WOCNCB offers two Advanced Practice pathways:
- Recertification by Examination: Pass the COCN-AP exam again before your current credential expires. Apply and schedule through the PSI Test Takers Portal.
- Recertification by AP Professional Portfolio: Submit an Advanced Practice Portfolio that meets current WOCNCB requirements. Review the Advanced Practice recertification page and Candidate Examination Handbook for portfolio rules and deadlines.
COCN-AP Related Advanced Practice Credentials
Explore other WOCNCB Advanced Practice credentials in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing.
Certified Wound Care Nurse - Advanced Practice
APRN-level wound specialty knowledge and role competencies
View exam infoCertified Continence Care Nurse - Advanced Practice
APRN-level continence specialty knowledge and role competencies
View exam infoCertified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse - Advanced Practice
Tri-specialty AP credential across wound, ostomy, and continence
View exam info