CSSM Is Becoming CSSL
Name That Better Reflects Surgical Services Leadership
The Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) is updating the name of the Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) credential to Certified Surgical Services Leader (CSSL).
This change reflects feedback from both current and prospective certificants who shared that the word “manager” created unnecessary confusion about eligibility. Surgical services leadership takes many forms — and this update ensures the credential better reflects the breadth of leadership roles across perioperative practice.
What’s not changing:
- Eligibility requirements
- The certification exam
- Accreditation status
- The value and recognition of the credential
Why the Name Change?
We heard from:
- Current CSSM certificants
- Prospective applicants
- Nurse leaders whose roles involve responsibility, oversight, and influence — but not necessarily the word manager in their title
The updated name:
- Better reflects the breadth of leadership roles in surgical services
- Removes unintended barriers or self-doubt around eligibility
- Aligns the credential with how perioperative leadership actually functions today
This change is about clarity and inclusion, not a shift in standards.
What Is Not Changing
It’s important to be clear about what this update does not affect.
- Eligibility requirements remain the same
- The certification exam remains the same
- Accreditation status remains the same
- The value, rigor, and recognition of the credential remain the same
If you currently hold the CSSM credential, you are not losing anything. Your certification remains fully valid and respecte
About Materials and Timing
You may still see CSSM referenced on some printed or digital materials — particularly at events in early 2026 — as we complete a phased transition across systems and resources.
This is intentional and temporary. The credential is now CSSL, and all materials will be fully updated as part of our broader modernization efforts.
What’s Coming Next
This update is part of a broader, thoughtful review of the credential — not a one-off decision.
CCI is conducting a Job Task Analysis (JTA) to ensure the CSSL credential continues to reflect:
- Current practice realities
- The responsibilities of surgical services leaders today
- The knowledge and skills required for effective leadership across settings
What to Expect from the JTA Process
- You will receive a survey inviting your input
- Your feedback will help validate and shape the credential going forward
- This process ensures the certification remains relevant, defensible, and aligned with practice
📩 Please keep an eye out for more details about the JTA and survey timing.
Your participation is an important part of maintaining the strength and credibility of the credential.
Later in 2026, CCI will launch a new, more user-friendly certification system. As part of that launch, you’ll begin seeing:
- A refreshed CSSL logo
- Updated digital experiences designed to better support certificants
These updates reflect CCI’s continued commitment to clarity, accessibility, and professional respect for nurses.
FAQs
The name was updated based on feedback from nurses who felt the term “manager” created unnecessary confusion about eligibility. Many surgical services leaders hold leadership responsibilities without having “manager” in their job title. CSSL better reflects the reality of leadership across perioperative practice.
No. Eligibility requirements remain exactly the same.
No. The exam content, structure, and rigor are unchanged.
Yes. The credential remains fully accredited. The name change does not affect accreditation status in any way.
No. You are not losing your credential, your status, or your professional recognition. The credential name is changing, but its value and standing remain the same.
If you are currently certified, you may continue to use CSSM during the transition period. As the credential name is fully adopted, certificants are encouraged to begin using CSSL.
Both designations refer to the same accredited credential, and use of either during the transition is acceptable. Additional guidance will be shared as systems and materials are updated.
Your credential will transition to the CSSL name as systems and materials are updated. More details will be shared as part of CCI’s broader system modernization later in 2026.
CCI is completing a phased transition across systems and printed resources. Some materials—particularly those used at events in early 2026—may still reference CSSM temporarily. The credential is now CSSL, and materials will be fully updated over time.
A Job Task Analysis (JTA) is a structured, evidence-based process used to ensure a certification reflects current practice. The JTA helps validate that the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities assessed by the credential align with what surgical services leaders actually do in their roles today.
Yes! Those with an active CSSL will receive a survey inviting your input as part of the JTA process. Feedback from practicing nurses is essential to maintaining the relevance and credibility of the credential.
Details and timing will be shared soon. Please keep an eye out for communications from CCI with more information about the JTA and survey participation.
The new CSSL logo will be introduced later in 2026 as part of CCI’s launch of our upgraded and more user-friendly certification system.
Email info@cc-institute.org for inquiries.
