CNS-CP Recertification
Recertification is the continued documented validation of the professional achievement of identified standards of practice by an individual Clinical Nurse Specialist providing advanced practice perioperative nursing care.
RECERTIFICATION UPDATE
Effective January 1, 2026, CCI removed the mandatory standalone recertification year from all certification cycles. Your certification period is now a single, continuous window, giving you more flexibility to earn points and submit your recertification application throughout your entire validity period.
SYSTEM UPDATE
Important: The AORN CE import feature has been disabled as of May 19, 2025. Going forward, all continuing education and professional development activities must be entered manually into your CCI account to maintain certification.
CNS-CP Credential To Be Sunset
Announcement: After careful deliberation & consultation with subject matter experts, the CNS-CP® certification will be discontinued on Jan 1, 2029.
CNS-CP
Recertification Steps
Confirm your recertification eligibility. This differs from certification eligibility.
Complete professional development activities or portfolio during your 5 year certification cycle.
Submit recertification application, documents, and pay fee.
Begin next 5-year certification cycle.
CNS-CP Recertification
Eligibility Requirements
Recognizing that certificants transition into a variety of roles, and all patients benefit from the care provided by a certified nurse, CNS-CP recertification candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements at the time of application:
Hold an active CNS-CP credential.
Hold a current, unrestricted RN and/or APRN license.
Be currently employed as a CNS in the perioperative setting in one or more of the following areas:
- Clinical expert in delivery of advanced perioperative care
- Consultant (intra- and multidisciplinary)
- Educator of nurses, other healthcare providers, patient, family, and/or community
- Researcher
CNS-CP
Recertification Period
Your certification cycle is the time period in which you must complete all recertification activities. Recertification applications can be submitted at any time during the final year of your cycle.
CERTIFIED BEFORE MAY 4, 2026
Existing Certificants
Your cycle follows the calendar year
- Cycle start date
- January 1 of the calendar year in which you successfully completed your portfolio
- Cycle end date
- December 31 of the fifth year
- When to apply
- Application and fee may only be submitted during your fifth year
CERTIFIED AFTER MAY 4, 2026
New Certificants
Your cycle follows your exam date
- Cycle start date
- The date you successfully completed your portfolio
- Cycle end date
- Exactly five years from your exam date or last recertification date
- When to apply
- Application and fee may only be submitted during your fifth year
Calculate Your Recertification Timeline
Enter your initial certification year or last recertification year in the table below to calculate your recertification timeline.
My Recertification Period
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
…
…
…
Recert Year
Recertify
Year 5
…
Years populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year you entered, exact dates are not available through this calculator. Recertification periods will not reflect Extension Year (if applicable).
For personalized information, log in to your CCI account.
CNS-CP Recertification
By Professional Activity Points
Complete professional development activities during your five-year cycle and submit your online application during your final year.
A percentage of recertification applications will be randomly selected for audit. If you are selected, you will be notified after you have submitted your recertification application. Applicants chosen for audit will be required to electronically submit copies of specific documentation, as outlined in the candidate handbook.
Recertification by Professional Points Activities
Requirement: 300 points
- Complete 300 Professional Activity points
- Complete your continuing education contact hour requirement based on the results of your CNS-CP exam or the self-awareness component of your Professional Portfolio
- Complete 1000 hours as a CNS in the perioperative setting in the 5-year certification cycle. If the number of practice hours accrued during the certification cycle does not meet the minimum requirement, you must recertify by Professional Portfolio.
- Practice hours may be accrued in any of the following areas:
- clinical expert in delivery of advanced perioperative care
- consultant (intra-and multidisciplinary)
- education of nurses, other healthcare providers, patient, family, and/or community
- clinical inquiry (evidence-based practice projects and/or research)
To apply for recertification by this method, complete the Recertification by Professional Points Activities Application with Log and submit to CCI.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2026, there are no longer limits on the number of points that can be earned in each category!
Academic Study
Academic Teaching
Additional Points Activities
Board or Committee
Case Studies
Clinical Inquiry
Continuing Education
Games
Perioperative Certification
Precepting & Mentoring
Presentations
Professional Organization Activities
Publishing
Reflection
Training Certificates
Volunteer: CCI Committees
Volunteer: Nursing Related
CCI does not act as a repository for points or continuing education (CE) documentation. Applicants are responsible for maintaining their own records.
Following submission of your application, please allow 24 to 48 business hours for any updates to be reflected in your account.
CNS-CP Recertification Alternatives
Emeritus Status
Retiring nurses or those moving out of the specialty may choose to preserve their credential by applying for Emeritus status or CNS-CP(E).
The Emeritus credential does not expire or need to be renewed. Applications must be submitted on or before the last day of your fifth year to prevent the credential from lapsing
Apply for CNS-CP Emeritus Status by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
CNS-CP Recertification
Application And Fees
$375
Recertification Fee
$100
CNS-CP Emeritus
Get Prepared
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your CNS-CP and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
CNS-CP Handbook
The complete guide on the CNS-CP credential including eligibility requirements.
Free Educational Activities
Earn points with our complimentary professional activities.
CCI Staff Support
CCI’s nursing staff is available to answer questions about eligibility or the recertification process.
