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.
Overview
CSSM Recertification Cycle
Recertification Process
CSSM Recertification Steps
Confirm your recertification eligibility
Review your CSSM exam score report for professional activity points requirement
Complete professional activities during your accrual period and log points earned
Submit recertification application and fee
Schedule and take the CSSM Recertification Self-Assessment
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 Methods
You may recertify your CSSM credential by professional activity points or retaking and passing the exam. To recertify by points, you must complete professional development activities during your three-year accrual period. For more information on your options, attend one of our live recertification webinars.
Professional Activity Points
Engage in eligible professional activities during your accrual period to earn points toward your recertification. The number of points required is dependent upon results from the CSSM Recertification Self-Assessment you completed at the end of your previous recertification cycle. Log in to your CCI account to access your assessment.
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.
Recertification Applications
Applications for recertification by professional activity points must be submitted between January 1 – November 30 of the year you are due to recertify. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on scheduling the CSSM Recertification Self-Assessment, which must be taken before you can complete the recertification process.
CSSM Recertification Self-Assessment
The CSSM Recertification Self-Assessment is used to determine the subject areas and points needed for your next recertification cycle. The assessment guides your professional development needs and is not a certification exam. Certificants must take the assessment to complete the recertification process no later than December 31 of their recertification year to prevent the credential from lapsing.
Pass the CSSM Exam
You may recertify by passing the CSSM exam by December 31 of your recertification year. CCI recommends you familiarize yourself with CSSM exam subject areas, prepare a study plan, meet recertification eligibility requirements, and understand the policies and procedures related to the exam.
To recertify by exam, you must apply and be approved to take the exam between January 1 and November 30 of your recertification year. Candidates are required to pass the exam by December 31 to prevent the credential from lapsing. Apply for recertification by exam by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
For complete details on recertification by exam, please see the CSSM Handbook.
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, and a $75 discount on recertification by exam
Recertification
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your CSSM and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
Need to recertify?
Due to Recertify your CSSM in 2020? Download the 2020 CSSM Recertification Checklist!
