Certified Perioperative Nurse
The Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential is the only accredited certification for perioperative registered nurses. Earning the CNOR is a mark of distinction and demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards in patient safety.
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
Check Your CNOR Exam Eligibility
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
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Study and Preparation
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.
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.). (2024). Drain’s perianesthesia nursing: A critical care approach (8th ed.) Elsevier.
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CNOR Exam Preparation
CNOR Pocket Prep App
CNOR Exam Prep Bundle
CNOR Online Practice Exam
CNOR On-Demand Prep Course
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.
