Certified Perioperative Nurse

The Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR®) credential is the only accredited certification for perioperative registered nurses. CNOR certification assesses the knowledge and skills of a perioperative nurse with a minimum of two years of clinical practice. Held by more than 40,000 nurses internationally, earning the CNOR is a mark of distinction and demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards in patient safety.

APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION

OVERVIEW

CNOR Exam Overview

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3hr.45min.

To complete the exam

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200

Multiple choice questions

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Computer-based EXAM

Results are pass or no pass

Subject Areas

ELIGIBILITY

Check Your CNOR Exam Eligibility

A current, unrestricted RN license in the country where currently practicing.
Currently working full- or part-time in perioperative nursing clinical practice, nursing education, administration, or research.
A minimum of 2 years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with a minimum of 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting.

*If you have earned your CFPN®, CST, TS-C, or hold the military equivalent, a minimum of 18 months and 2,400 hours of experience as a perioperative registered nurse is required.

SEE IF ELIGIBLE

You are required to have an unencumbered and active RN license in your country of practice. Your state board of nursing can advise of your license status.

If you are not currently working in perioperative nursing, talk to your employer or area facilities about operating room employment opportunities.

We recommend keeping a log of your perioperative hours and cases so you can apply once you meet the requirement.

Congratulations! Based on your responses, you are eligible to apply for CNOR certification.

Apply now
APPLICATION PROCESS

CNOR Exam Application Process

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02

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Confirm your eligibility.

Determine when you would like to take the exam. Your testing window will begin the calendar month after your application is approved. Your exam may be taken at an in-person testing center or via remote proctor from the location of your choice.

You may submit your application online at any time by creating a CCI account or logging into your existing account.

Schedule your exam by clicking on the "PSI Exam Scheduling" button in your CCI account after your application is submitted. For additional testing center information, please refer to the CNOR Handbook

Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
APPLY
TESTING WINDOW
TESTING WINDOW
TESTING WINDOW
  • Confirm your recertification eligibility.

  • 2

    Complete professional activities during your accrual period

  • 3

    Submit recertification application and fee

  • 4

    Begin next 5-year certification cycle

Certification Fees

CNOR Exam Fee

During the online application process, nurses can elect to register for a single exam take or benefit from the CNOR Take 2 program. The CNOR Take 2 program allows a CNOR-eligible nurse to take the exam twice in a 12-month period if the first attempt is unsuccessful. For more information on the Take 2 program, please see the  CNOR Handbook.

CCI offers volume discounts for health systems seeking to certify multiple nurses. Download the CNOR Take 2 Facility Enrollment Forms  to enroll.

Price Of
Exam

$445

OR

CNOR TAKE 2 FOR

$495

2 Chances to
pass the exam

$445

CNOR Exam Single Take

$520

CNOR Exam Single Take + CNOR Exam Prep book

$495

CNOR Take 2

$570

CNOR Take 2 + CNOR Exam Prep book

Materials Questions are pulled from:

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Guidelines for Perioperative Practice

AORN. (current edition). Guidelines for perioperative practice. AORN.

TEXT BOOK
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Berry and Kohn’s Operating Room Technique

Phillips, N., & Hornacky, A. (Eds.). (2021). Berry and Kohn’s operating room technique (14th ed.). Elsevier.

TEXT BOOK
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Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery

Rothrock, J. C. (Ed.). (2023). Alexander’s care of the patient in surgery (17th ed.). Elsevier.

TEXT BOOK
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Drain’s Perianesthesia Nursing: A Critical Care Approach

Odom-Forren, J. (Ed.). (2024). Drain’s perianesthesia nursing: A critical care approach (8th ed.) Elsevier.

TEXT BOOK

These texts are the primary references for the CNOR exam. Download our CNOR Study Plan for reference material by subject area.

 

CCI periodically conducts test development activities to develop and maintain the CNOR® exam consistent with accreditation standards. A complete list of test development committees is presented in CNOR® task and knowledge statements.

GET PREPARED

CNOR Exam Resources

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CNOR Certification Webinars

Learn more about exam subject areas and test-taking strategies.

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CNOR Exam Study outline

Develop a personalized study plan with CCI’s free preparation tool.

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CNOR
Handbook

The complete guide on the CNOR credential.

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CNOR Practice Questions

Explore the format and structure of CNOR exam questions.

GET PREPARED

CNOR Exam Preparation

Exam Prep Product Disclaimer: As a certification organization, CCI’s role is developing and administering certification examinations. CCI does not require or endorse any specific study guides, review products, or training courses. Candidates may prepare for certification examinations with any educational materials they choose. The purchase of CCI review materials is not a requirement for testing, nor does the use of any review materials (CCI or otherwise) imply successful performance on the certification examinations. No study resources are prerequisites for the certification examinations

 

Exam Application Process

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CNOR Exam Prep Bundle

VISIT THE STORE

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CNOR Exam Prep

VISIT THE STORE

CNOR-PEDS Designation

PEDS Specialty Designation

Highlight your dedication to excellence in pediatric surgical nursing with our Pediatric Specialty Designation for CNOR certification!

 

This specialty designation recognizes the exceptional expertise and dedication of CNOR-certified nurses in pediatric surgical settings, showcasing specialized knowledge and experience in pediatric surgery.

 

Requirements for this designation include:
  • Hold a current and valid CNOR.
  • A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
  • Meet one of the following conditions:
    • Practiced 2000 hours within the specialty over the 5 years; OR
    • Practiced 1000 hours within the specialty over the last 5 years AND completed 50 contact hours within the specialty.
  • Payment of the $150 application fee.

Specialty Designation Application Submission

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