Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse
The Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB) certification is designed for perioperative nurses working in the ambulatory surgery setting who are seeking to improve and validate their professional competencies. Earning the CNAMB is a mark of distinction and recognizes the important role nurses play in delivering safe patient care.
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
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®.
Get Prepared
Study and Preparation
Study prep time
We recommend a minimum of three months for exam study and preparation.
Get Prepared
Primary Exam References
These texts are the primary references for the CNAMB exam. Download our CNAMB Study Plan for reference material by subject area.
Guidelines for Perioperative Practice
AORN. (current edition). Guidelines for perioperative practice. AORN.
Berry and Kohn’s Operating Room Technique
Phillips, N., & Hornacky, A. (Eds.). (2021). 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.). (2018). Drain’s perianesthesia nursing: A critical care approach (7th ed.). Elsevier.
Get Prepared
CNAMB Exam Preparation
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.
