About CNOR

As the only accredited credentialing program for perioperative registered nurses, the CNOR certification program is the gold standard.  Earning the CNOR credential is a mark of distinction and a highly sought after personal as well as professional accomplishment.  The CNOR credentialing program is for perioperative nurses interested in enhancing as well as validating their specialized knowledge and skills and providing the highest quality care to patients.  More than 33,950 perioperative nurses currently hold the CNOR credential.

What Does CNOR Stand For?

CNOR is a definition not an acronym.  CNOR certification is defined as:  "the documented validation of the professional achievement of identified standards of practice by an individual registered nurse providing care for patients before, during and after surgery."  CNOR means that you have demonstrated the knowledge and skills that denote competency in the specialized field of perioperative nursing.

For more than 30 years, nurses have used the CNOR credential to gain credibility and recognition from colleagues and patients, achieve their personal and professional goals, and enhance their career development. 

On the Magnet Journey?

The CNOR credential is a Category A national certification for the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, a program designed to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence.  See the Selected Examples of National Certifications form on the Tools for Magnet Program Recognition page.

Proper Order for Listing Credentials

The members of AORN's Board of Directors have voted to support the ANA's new position statement on standardizing nursing credentials. The position statement states that the following order of credentials should be used to ensure consistency and professionalism across nursing settings:

  • Education (list highest attained degree first)
  • Licensure (state designation or requirement)
  • National certification
  • Awards and honors
  • Other certification

For example, Nancy Nurse, BSN, RN, CNOR

CNOR Certification Handbook

Download the CNOR Candidate Handbook for a complete reference on the CNOR.

Vision and Mission

Vision Statement
A growing community of lifelong learners for whom CCI is a catalyst and integral partner.

Mission Statement
To lead competency credentialing that promotes safe, quality patient care and professional development through lifelong learning.