Certification

About the CNAMB

CNAMB certification assesses the knowledge and skills of a perioperative nurse with a minimum of two years of clinical practice in the ambulatory surgery setting. The CNAMB credential validates a certificant has met established eligibility standards of competence.

Overview

CNAMB Exam Overview

Subject Areas
CNAMB Subject Areas
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Eligibility

Check Your CNAMB Exam Eligibility

A current, unrestricted RN license in the country where currently practicing.

Hold a pre-licensure degree (diploma in nursing, associate degree in nursing, or the global equivalent) or higher.

Currently working full- or part-time employment in an ambulatory surgery setting and a minimum of 2 years and 2,400 hours of experience, with a minimum of 500 hours in the intraoperative setting.

*CFPN credential-holders or nurses that hold/have previously held the CST or TS-C (NCCT) credential and have graduated from either a U.S. military training course or a CAAHEP-accredited training course must have a minimum of 18 months and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with a minimum of 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting.

Eligibility

CNAMB Exam Eligibility

Certification and Education Status Current, Unrestricted RN License and Diploma, ADN, or Global Equivalent Current, Unrestricted RN License and BSN, BN, or Higher
Do not hold accredited perioperative-related credential • Current employment in an ambulatory surgery setting
• 2 years and 2,400 hours* experience
• 50 points
• Current employment in an ambulatory surgery setting
• 2 years and 2,400 hours* experience
Hold CFPN credential • Current employment in an ambulatory surgery setting
• 18 months and 2,400 hours* experience
• 50 points
• Current employment in an ambulatory surgery setting
• 18 months and 2,400 hours* experience
Hold accredited perioperative-related credential** • Current employment in an ambulatory surgery setting • Current employment in an ambulatory surgery setting

* A minimum of 500 hours must be in the intraoperative setting. For complete details on eligibility, download the CNAMB Handbook.
**Examples Include CNOR®, CAPA®, CPAN®, CGRN, CSSM®, and CNS-CP®.

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Study and Preparation

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Study prep time

We recommend a minimum of three months for exam study and preparation.

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Primary Exam References

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

Text Book

Guidelines for Perioperative Practice

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

Text Book

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

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

Drain’s Perianesthesia Nursing: A Critical Care Approach

Odom-Forren, J. (Ed.). (2018). Drain’s perianesthesia nursing: A critical care approach (7th ed.). Elsevier.

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CNAMB Exam Resources

CNAMB Handbook

CNAMB Handbook

The complete guide on the CNAMB credential

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CNAMB Certification webinars

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

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CNAMB Exam Study plan

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

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CNAMB Practice Questions

Explore the format and structure of CNAMB exam questions.

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CNAMB Exam Preparation

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CNAMB On-Demand Prep Course

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. Purchase of CCI review materials is not a requirement for testing, nor does use of any review materials (CCI or otherwise) imply successful performance on the certification examinations. No study resources are prerequisites for the certification examinations.

Earn your CNAMB credential! Start your application now.

Applications are now open. Learn more about how to apply and start your journey to earning the CNAMB.