Preparation for the Exam

Candidate Handbook
The CNOR Candidate Handbook contains important information about the CNOR exam: subject areas to be tested, sample questions and Job Analysis (which details the tasks performed by perioperative nurses and the knowledge and skills required to complete those tasks). All candidates should review the Candidate Handbook. It is invaluable in preparing for the CNOR examination.

Study Bibliography
The following references are recommended for CNOR exam preparation:

• Competency for Safe Patient Care During Operative and Invasive Procedures, Mark Phippen, Brenda Ulmer, Maryann Wells, CCI, 2009
• 2010 Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices AORN, Inc.
• Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery, Rothrock, J.C., 14th ed, 2010
• Berry and Kohn's Operating Room Technique, Phillips, N., 11th ed., 2007

CNOR Study Plan
The example CNOR Study Plan demonstrates how to organize topics and references in preparing for the exam. Subjects are arranged by their relationship to commonly encountered perioperative tasks, knowledge and abilities. Keywords identify what is included in each topic and act as a reference for individual learning needs. This tool may be modified for individuals as a self-paced learning aid or used in groups as part of a CNOR exam prep curriculum. This plan is to be used as a guide only and is not meant to serve as a comprehensive review of all available literature.

CNOR Prep Classes
CNOR preparatory exam courses are also available. Click here to see if there will be a course near you.

E-Practice Tests
The e-practice tests give candidates a sense of how actual exam questions are structured. There are two e-practice tests available, each with 50 sample questions. When you sign up you have unlimited access to the questions for 72 continuous hours. Visit our certification preparation page for more information on the e-Practice tests. Or start the e-practice exam now.