Certified Surgical Services Manager

The Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM®) certification is the only perioperative management credential for perioperative managers, directors, and nurses who oversee personnel, a budget, business unit, or service line. CSSM certification validates the achievement of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse who demonstrates current proficiency in a perioperative management role. Earning the CSSM is a mark of distinction and recognizes the important role managers play in delivering safe patient care.

APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION

OVERVIEW

CSSM Exam Overview

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3hr.30min.

To complete the exam

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180

Multiple choice questions

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Computer-based EXAM

Results are pass or no pass

Subject Areas

ELIGIBILITY

Check Your CSSM Exam Eligibility

A current, unrestricted RN license in the country where currently practicing.
Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in Arts or Science
Currently working full- or part-time in perioperative management role, with a minimum of two to four years' experience. *
In the two years preceding your application, complete a minimum of 30-50 contact hours or 60-100 Professional Activity points in one or more of the CSSM exam subject areas, or complete 6-12 hours of academic coursework in one or more of the subject areas. *

*Requirement dependent on CNOR status. CNOR certification is not a requirement of CSSM candidates.

SEE IF ELIGIBLE

Congratulations! Based on your responses, you are eligible to apply for CSSM certification.

Apply now
APPLICATION PROCESS

CSSM Exam Application Process

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Confirm your eligibility

Determine when you would like to take the exam. Your testing window will begin the calendar month after your application is approved. Your exam may be taken at an in-person testing center or via remote proctor from the location of your choice.

You may submit your application online at any time by creating a CCI account or logging into your existing account.

Schedule your exam by clicking on the "PSI Exam Scheduling" button in your CCI account after your application is submitted. For additional testing center information, please refer to the CSSM Handbook.

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APPLY
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Certification Fees

CSSM Exam Fee

The long-term benefits of holding a credential often outweigh the cost of initial certification. Over the three-year CSSM certification cycle, the exam fee ends up costing less than fifty cents a day.

 

CCI offers volume discounts for health systems seeking to certify multiple nurses. Download the CSSM Facility Order Forms to enroll

$400

PRICE OF EXAM

Materials Questions are pulled from:

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Guidelines for Perioperative Practice

AORN. (current edition). Guidelines for perioperative practice. AORN.

TEXT BOOK
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Berry and Kohn’s Operating Room Technique

Phillips, N., & Hornacky, A. (Eds.). (2021). Berry and Kohn’s operating room technique (14th ed.). Elsevier.

TEXT BOOK
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Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery

Rothrock, J. C. (Ed.). (2023). Alexander’s care of the patient in surgery (17th ed.). Elsevier.

TEXT BOOK
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Penner’s Economics and Financial Management for Nurses and Nurse Leaders

Knighten, M. L., & Waxman, K. T. (Eds.). (2024). Penner’s economics and financial management for nurses and nurse leaders (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

TEXT BOOK
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Operating Room Leadership and Management

Kaye, A. D., Urman, R. D., & Fox, C. J. III. (Eds.). (2019). Operating room leadership and management (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

TEXT BOOK

These texts are the primary references for the CSSM exam. Download our CSSM Study Plan for reference material by subject area.

 

CCI periodically conducts test development activities to develop and maintain the CSSM® exam consistent with accreditation standards. A complete list of test development committees is presented in CSSM® task and knowledge statements.

GET PREPARED

CSSM Exam Resources

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CSSM Certification Webinars

Learn more about exam subject areas and test-taking strategies.

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CSSM Exam Study Outline

Develop a personalized study plan with CCI’s free preparation tool.

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CSSM
Handbook

The complete guide on the CSSM credential

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CSSM Practice Questions

Explore the format and structure of CSSM exam questions.

GET PREPARED

CSSM Exam Preparation

Exam Prep Product Disclaimer: As a certification organization, CCI’s role is developing and administering certification examinations. CCI does not require or endorse any specific study guides, review products, or training courses. Candidates may prepare for certification examinations with any educational materials they choose. The purchase of CCI review materials is not a requirement for testing, nor does the use of any review materials (CCI or otherwise) imply successful performance on the certification examinations. No study resources are prerequisites for the certification examinations.