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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

1

Confirm your recertification eligibility

2

Complete your initial self-reflection based on certification exam performance. The self-reflection is due within 30 days of passing the exam

3

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

4

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

5

Confirm that all points activities and your self-reflection are completed and logged into your CCI account. Pay the recertification fee

6

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

My Accrual Period
Recert Year
Jan 1 of Year 1
Year 2
Dec 31 of Year 3
Recertify Jan 1 - Dec 31
Start Here

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.

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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.

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.

Visit The CCI Store

Initial Self-Reflection

Due within 30 days of passing the exam

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

Suggested to complete by December 31st of your second accrual year

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

Due by December 31st of your recertification year

Complete the self-reflection to determine the professional development plan for your next recertification cycle between January 1 - December 31 of your recertification year.

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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

Professional Activity Points
$300
Extension Year
$247
Emeritus Status
$175
CNOR Discount

CSSM certificants who hold the CNOR credential receive a $55 discount on recertification by professional activity points.

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Recertification

Recertification Resources

Learn more about recertifying your CSSM and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.

CSSM Handbook

CSSM Handbook

The complete guide on recertifying your CSSM credential.

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Free Educational Activities

Earn points with our complimentary professional activities.

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Recertification Webinars

Learn more about recertification and eligible professional activities.

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CCI Staff Support

CCI's nursing staff is available to answer questions about eligibility or preparation.

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