CSSM Recertification
The rapid rate of change in the modern perioperative setting requires a conscious effort to maintain competency. When you recertify your CSSM credential, you demonstrate a continued dedication to perioperative excellence, an ongoing commitment to specialized knowledge, and a personal commitment to patient safety.
Is Your Recert Year 2022 - 2024?
Certificants with recert years 2023 or 2024 have different recertification requirements due to the change in process. Download your checklist to learn more! Contact us with any questions.
Recertification Process
CSSM Recertification Steps
Confirm your recertification eligibility
Complete your initial self-reflection based on certification exam performance. The self-reflection is due within 30 days of passing the exam
Meet the professional activities requirement during your accrual period, log points earned, and we recommend you complete the progress report by December 31st of your second accrual year to ensure you stay on track
Complete your next recertification cycle self-reflection by December 31st of your recertification year. This will be used to determine the professional development plan for your next accrual period
Confirm that all points activities and your self-reflection are completed and logged into your CCI account. Pay the recertification fee
Begin next 3-year certification cycle
Eligibility
Recertification Eligibility Requirements
The following recertification eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application.
- Hold an active CSSM 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.
RECERTIFICATION
Accrual Period
Your accrual 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 accrual period.
Calculate Your Accrual Period
Dates populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year entered. Accrual periods will not reflect Extension Year (if applicable). For personalized information, log in to your CCI account.
Recertification
Recertification by Professional Activity Points
You may recertify your CSSM credential by professional activity points completed during your three-year accrual period. For more information on the recertification process and your options, attend one of our live recertification webinars. 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 in areas that correspond with the professional development plan learning goals you identified in the self-reflection completed after initial certification. Below are the categories that your points can be earned in. The subject matter of your activities must correlate with your learning goals.
Healthcare-related degree-completion course (e.g. BSN, MSN, DNP, MBA)
Teaching a perioperative-related course for college credit
Visit CCI’s Store to complete professional activity assignments worth Points
Service as a board or committee member
Visit CCI’s Store to gain access to free case studies and best practice exercises worth Points
Develop, implement, and/or evaluate QI, QA, EPB or research projects
Continuing Education Contact Hours and Continuing Medical Education (CME) - AMA PRA Category 1
Visit CCI’s Store to complete free perioperative games worth Points
Attain or maintain accredited perioperative certification
Precepting or mentoring, including new employee orientation
Healthcare-related professional presentations
Visit CCI’s Store to gain access to our collaborative partners’ library of topics worth Points
Authoring and contributing to published articles, poster presentations, and dissertations
Visit CCI’s Store to complete free perioperative reflection exercises worth Points
Non-CE, in-person BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP training by the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or Military Training Network
Volunteer service at medically-related, under-served clinics or mission trips
Service on CCI’s test development committees, service on the CCI Recertification Committee, and service as a CCI educational product volunteer
For complete details on professional activities and points, view the CSSM Handbook.
Free Professional Points Activities
As your partner in recertification, CCI offers resources to simplify the process of completing your professional development requirements. Make sure to visit the CCI Store for free educational activities worth points towards your recertification requirements.
Initial Self-Reflection
New certificants will start recertification by completing a self-reflection at the beginning of their first recertification cycle. The exercise will be based on exam performance.
Progress Report
The progress report is voluntary but highly recommended to make sure you remain on track to complete your professional development plan.
Professional Development Plan Self-Reflection
Complete the self-reflection to determine the professional development plan for your next recertification cycle between January 1 - December 31 of your recertification year.
Recertification
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 CSSM Handbook.
CSSM Extension Year
Active CSSMs unable to complete professional activities during the accrual period may apply for a one-year extension. Apply for CSSM Extension Year by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
CSSM Emeritus Status
Retiring or ineligible perioperative nurses may preserve their CSSM credential with a one-time application for Emeritus Status. Apply for CSSM Emeritus Status by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
Recertification
Recertification Fees
CSSM certificants who hold the CNOR credential receive a $55 discount on recertification by professional activity points.
Recertification
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your CSSM and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
