CSSL Recertification
As of February 11, 2026, Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) is now Certified Surgical Services Leader (CSSL)
The rapid rate of change in the modern perioperative setting requires a conscious effort to maintain competency. When you recertify your CSSL credential, you demonstrate a continued dedication to perioperative excellence, an ongoing commitment to specialized knowledge, and a personal commitment to patient safety.
Certification Name Update
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.
As we make this transition, you may still see CSSM being used in various images and documents.
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.
Is Your Recert Year 2026?
Due to recertify your CSSL in 2026? Download the 2026 CSSL Recertification Checklist to get started!
CSSL
Recertification Steps
Confirm your recertification eligibility. This differs from certification eligibility.
Meet the professional activities requirement during your accrual period, and log points earned.
Confirm that all points activities are completed and logged in your CCI account, and pay the recertification fee.
Begin next 3-year certification cycle.
CSSL Recertification
Eligibility Requirements
The following recertification eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application.
- Hold an active CSSL credential, and current, unrestricted RN license.
- Be currently employed in perioperative nursing surgical services management. The management role may be overseeing personnel, a budget or a program; interim employment as a consultant; and work experience in a non-paid, volunteer capacity.
- Have worked a minimum of 1500 hours in surgical services management during the three-year accrual period.
*Self-reflection forms are voluntary and will be made available to those who would like to complete them to assist with their personal goals during the recertification period.
CSSL
Recertification Period
Your recertification period is the time period in which you must complete recertification activities. It begins on January 1 of the year you became certified or recertified, and continues through December 31 of the third calendar year.
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
…
Recert Year
Recertify
Jan 1 – Dec 31
(Year 3)
…
Calculate Your Recertification Timeline
Dates populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year you entered. Recertification periods will not reflect Extension Year (if applicable). For personalized information, log in to your CCI account.
Recertification
By Professional Activity Points
You may recertify your CSSL credential by professional activity points completed during your three-year accrual period.
Please note: effective January 1, 2021, recertification by exam is no longer an option to validate continued competency.
Professional Activity Points
Requirement: 200 points
Engage in eligible professional activities during your accrual period to earn points toward your recertification. The requirement is met by earning 200 points. Below are the categories that your points can be earned in.
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
For complete details on professional activities and points, view the CSSL Handbook.
Free Professional Points Activities
As your partner in recertification, CCI offers resources to simplify the process of completing your professional activities. There are many activities can be completed free through the CCI Store to complete the requirements.
CSSL Recertification
Alternatives
Consider these options if you need more time to complete your professional activities, or are leaving the OR. Online applications must be submitted by December 31 to prevent the credential from lapsing. For complete details on recertification alternatives, please see the CSSL Handbook.
CSSL Extension Year
Active CSSLs unable to complete professional activities during the accrual period may apply for a one-year extension. Apply for CSSL Extension Year by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
CSSL Emeritus Status
Retiring or ineligible perioperative nurses may preserve their CSSL credential by submitting a one-time fee for Emeritus Status. Emeritus Status entitles the nurse to use the designation CSSL(E). Apply for CSSL Emeritus Status by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
CSSL Recertification
Application And Fees
$350
Professional Activity Points
$310
Early Bird Discount
January 1st – March 31st
$250
Extension Year
$100
Emeritus Status
Get Prepared
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your CSSL and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
CSSL Handbook
The complete guide on recertifying your CSSL credential, including helpful deadlines.
Please note: CSSM is still used in this handbook & will be updated in the next version.
CCI Staff Support
CCI’s nursing staff is
available to answer questions about eligibility or preparation.
Recertification Webinars
Learn more about recertification and eligible professional activities.
Free Educational Activities
Earn points with our complimentary professional activities.
