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.

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Candidate Handbook

Certification Update

CCI’s 2024 Job Task Analysis results have been adopted, streamlining CNOR® and CFPN® exams from seven to six consolidated competency areas launching in 2027. This evidence-based evolution maintains rigorous standards while improving assessment efficiency.

Learn More

CNOR Certification
Exam Overview

3hr. 45min.
To complete the exam

200
Multiple choice questions

Computer-Based Exam
Results are pass or no pass

CNOR Certification
Subject Areas

Professional Accountability

6%

Emergency Situations

10%

Infection Prevention and Control of Environment, Instrumentation and Supplies

16%

Communication and Documentation

11%

Pre/Postoperative Patient Assessment & Diagnosis

15%

Individualized Plan of Care Development and Expected Outcome Identification

8%

Patient Care and Safety

25%

Management of Personnel, Services and Materials

9%

Digital Certification Kit

CNOR Requirements:
Check Your CNOR Eligibility

CNOR Certification
Application Process

Four steps from application to exam day.

Apply

Confirm eligibility and submit your application through your CCI account.

Approval

Receive approval and your 12-month eligibility period begins.

Schedule

Book your exam at any time. You must test within 90 days of approval. For additional testing information, please refer to the CNOR Handbook.

Get Certified

Take your exam and receive your result. Upon successful completion, you will earn your CNOR^® credential, valid for 5 years.

CNOR Testing Model
Continuous Testing & Retakes

CCI now uses a continuous testing model and no longer utilizes fixed exam windows.

The first exam attempt is included with the application fee and must be completed within 90 days of application approval.

Retakes can be purchased through your CCI account and can be scheduled for 30 days after your last exam, as many times as necessary within the 12-month eligibility period.

TESTING OVERVIEW

Continuous Testing Model

Scheduling your exam is no longer tied to fixed testing windows
12-month eligibility period begins from date of application approval
First exam attempt is included with the application fee

Notice: First attempt must be scheduled and taken within 90 days of approval. Failure to test forfeits the attempt and associated fees but does not end your eligibility.

EXAM RETAKES

Streamlined Retake Process

Purchase and schedule retakes directly through your CCI account
No new application required within your 12-month eligibility period
Retake as many times as needed within the eligibility window

Remember: There is a required 30-day minimum waiting period between each exam attempt and a retake fee must be paid for each attempt.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to review eligibility requirements and prepare to test within the initial 90-day window to maximize their testing opportunity.

A percentage of applications will be randomly selected for audit. If you are selected, you will be notified upon submission of your application. Applicants chosen for audit will be required to electronically submit copies of specific documentation, as outlined in the candidate handbook.

Application & Retake How To Videos

For additional How To Videos regarding your CCI account, applications, payment and other information related to your certification, view our YouTube playlist.

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CNOR Application Fee

The first exam attempt is included with the application fee. If you need to retake, you can purchase directly through your CCI account. Each retake attempt requires payment of its own fee.

For more information on Continuous Testing, Retakes, and the associated fees, please see the  CNOR Handbook.

CCI offers volume discounts for health systems and hospitals seeking to certify multiple nurses through its Facility Purchasing Program.

Administrators can access the facility portal to purchase vouchers, assign them to eligible candidates, and manage bulk registrations.

Application Fee

$475

Includes first exam attempt which must be scheduled and taken within 90 days of application.

AND

$175

Retake Fee

Available within your 12-month eligibility period. Minimum 30 days between attempts.

$475
CNOR Application Fee

$175
CNOR Exam Retake Fee

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Making Certification More Affordable

Great news! You can now use tax-advantaged 529 plans to pay for your CCI certification, renewal fees, and continuing education.

This federal expansion makes professional development more accessible than ever.

Learn How 529 Plans Work

Material Questions Are Pulled From:

Guidelines for Perioperative Practice

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

Berry and Kohn’s Operating Room Technique

Hornacky, A., & Phillips, N. (2024). Berry and Kohn’s operating room technique (14th ed.). Elsevier.

Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery

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

Drain’s Perianesthesia Nursing: A Critical Care Approach

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

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.

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CNOR Exam Resources

Certification Videos

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.

Download the Outline

CNOR
Handbook

The complete guide on the CNOR credential.

Download the Handbook

CNOR Practice Questions

Explore the format and structure of CNOR exam questions.

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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.