Learn about the CNOR Exam

CNOR Exam Subject Areas

The CNOR exam covers the following subject areas:

 

CNOR Exam Content Outline

To learn more about each of these subject areas please download the detailed CNOR Exam Content Outline.

CNOR Exam Development

A Job Analysis and Test Outline have been developed by CCI’s Test Specifications Committee, in cooperation with the CCI’s testing agency, Prometric. The Job Analysis describes the overall functions and responsibilities as well as the underlying knowledge and skills that are essential to ensure proficiency as a perioperative nurse. The CNOR Exam Content Outline contains detailed information on the categories covered on the CNOR exam. The exam items are developed by item writers and reviewed and validated by the Item Review Committee.

Scheduling the CNOR Exam

Candidates will take the CNOR exam at a Prometric testing facility. Prometric is a leading professional testing company with secure locations nationwide. As seat times quickly fill up, we recommend that you schedule your testing date, time and location as soon as CCI processes your application and authorizes you to test.

  1. Visit www.prometric.com/cci
  2. Select "Start"
  3. Choose your state
  4. “Locate a Test Center”

Testing is available Monday through Saturday, except holidays, at hundreds of locations nationwide.

Taking the CNOR Exam

You will have three hours and 45 minutes to complete the 200 multiple choice questions on the CNOR exam. The questions test your ability to apply knoweldge and skills to perioperative practice. Because CCI is committed to quality and test security, there are multiple forms of the CNOR exam.

As the CNOR exam is a computer-based test (CBT), you must answer all of the questions. With a computer-adaptive test (CAT) like the NCLEX exam, you are finished once you have correctly answered the required number of questions. This is not the case with the CNOR exam. You don't need previous computer experience to take the exam in computerized form.

On your testing day, you will watch a 10 minute pre-exam tutorial that provides instructions on how to take the exam on the computer, as well as examples of how to select answers and how to mark questions that you may want to return to and review before completing the exam. Review the ID requirements and a list of items that are prohibited from all testing centers here.Watch the "What to Expect" video and learn what your experience will be like at the Prometric testing site.

CNOR Exam Scoring

Individual scores are based on the number of correct answers. The passing score was established via a systematic procedure known as the Cut-Score Study that employed the judgment of a representative group of CNORs from across the country with the assistance of staff from Prometric. This group recommended a standard of what a minimally competent CNOR needs to know about the tested content to obtain a passing score. The decision regarding the passing score was made by CCI and was transferred through use of statistical procedures to the test you were administered.

Security Measures

Several security measures are enforced before and during the test administration to ensure the integrity of the CNOR exam. Be aware that you will be observed at all times while taking the examination. This observation may include direct observation by test center staff, as well as video recording of your testing session. Examinations cannot be viewed, copied, or studied by any individuals. Copying or retaining test questions or transmitting the test questions in any form to other individuals, organizations, or study groups will result in forfeiting your right to have your examination scored and may result in civil prosecution and disciplinary action by CCI.