Certification

About the CNOR

CNOR certification assesses the knowledge and skills of a perioperative nurse with a minimum of two years of clinical practice. More than 40,000 nurses internationally hold the CNOR credential and consider the designation a personal and professional accomplishment.

Eligibility

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

Currently working full- or part-time in perioperative nursing clinical practice, nursing education, administration, or research.

A minimum of 2 years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with a minimum of 1,200 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.

Overview

CNOR Exam Overview

CNORsubjectAreas
CNOR exam time
200 Multiple Choice Questions
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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 CNOR exam. Download our CNOR 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.). (2024). Drain’s perianesthesia nursing: A critical care approach (8th ed.) Elsevier.

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CNOR Exam Resources

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CNOR Certification webinars

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.

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CNOR Handbook

The complete guide on the CNOR credential.

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CNOR Practice Questions

Explore the format and structure of CNOR exam questions.

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CNOR Exam Preparation

CNOR Prep App

CNOR Pocket Prep App

CNOR Prep Bundle

CNOR Exam Prep Bundle

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CNOR Online Practice Exam

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CNOR On-Demand Prep Course

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CNOR Prep Book

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.