CNOR Recertification
Certified Before 2018
The rapid rate of change in the modern perioperative setting requires a conscious effort to maintain competency. When you recertify your CNOR credential, you demonstrate a continued dedication to perioperative excellence, an ongoing commitment to specialized knowledge, and a personal commitment to patient safety.
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 in 2026? Download your 2026 CNOR Recertification Checklist to help you through the process!
CNOR
Recertification Steps
Confirm your recertification eligibility. This differs from certification eligibility.
Complete professional activities during your accrual period.
Submit recertification application and fee.
Begin next 5-year certification cycle.
CNOR Recertification
Eligibility Requirements
The following recertification eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application.
- Hold an active CNOR credential and current, unrestricted RN license.
- Currently working full- or part-time in perioperative nursing clinical practice, nursing education, administration, or research.
- Have worked a minimum of 500 hours in perioperative nursing within the accrual period. Of those 500 hours, 250 hours must be in the area of education, administration, research, or clinical practice that impacts intraoperative patient care.
- Determine which recertification option is right for you, and complete professional development activities during your five-year accrual period.
CNOR
Recertification Period
Your recertification. period is the time period in which you must complete all recertification activities. It begins on January 1 of the year you became certified or recertified, and continues through December 31 of the fifth calendar year.
Enter your initial certification year or last recertification year in the table below to calculate your recertification timeline.
Calculate Your Recertification Timeline
My Recertification Period
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
…
…
…
Recert Year
Recertify
Jan 1 – Dec 31
(Year 5)
…
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.
CNOR Recertification
Certified Before 2018 Methods
Determine which recertification option is right for you, and complete professional development activities during your five-year accrual period. For more information on your available methods and options, watch one of our recertification webinars.
A percentage of recertification applications will be randomly selected for audit. If you are selected, you will be notified after you have submitted your recertification application. Applicants chosen for audit will be required to electronically submit copies of specific documentation, as outlined in the candidate handbook.
Please note: effective January 1, 2021, recertification by exam is no longer an option to validate continued competency.
Professional Activity Points
Requirement: 300 points
Engage in eligible professional activities during your accrual period to earn points toward your recertification. Earn 300 points in any of these categories to meet the requirement. Applications for recertification by professional activity points must be submitted on or before December 31 of your recertification year to prevent your credential from lapsing.
Continuing Education Contact Hours
Requirement: 125 hours
Academic Credit
Earn academic credit, obtain continuing education contact hours, or gain continuing medical education credits during your accrual period to meet recertification eligibility requirements. Earn 125 contact hours to meet the requirement. Applications for recertification by continuing education contact hours must be submitted on or before December 31 of your recertification year to prevent your credential from lapsing.
Up to 50% of the 125 contact hours requirement may be met by using academic credits. Academic credits must be completed during your accrual period, and meet the following criteria.
Courses must be required for a baccalaureate or higher degree, and taken for credit. Certificants do not need to be enrolled in a formal degree program at the time the course is taken.
A grade of C or better must be achieved for each course.
Courses must be sponsored by an accredited educational institution.
1 AMA PRA CATEGORY 1 CME = 1 CONTACT HOUR
Continuing Medical Education
1 SEMESTER HOUR = 15 CONTACT HOURS | 1 QUARTER HOUR = 10 CONTACT HOURS
Up to 50% of the 125 contact hours requirement may be met by using AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits. CMEs must be completed during your accrual period.
For complete details on recertification by continuing education contact hours, please see the CNOR Handbook.
Free Professional Points Activities
As your partner in recertification, CCI offers resources to simplify the process of completing your professional activities. Make sure to visit the CCI Store for free educational activities worth points towards your recertification requirements.
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 CNOR Handbook.
CNOR 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 CNOR Handbook.
CNOR Extension Year
Active CNORs unable to complete professional activities during the accrual period may apply for a one-year extension that will allow an additional year to complete activities. Apply for CNOR Extension Year by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
CNOR Emeritus Status
Retiring or ineligible perioperative nurses may preserve their CNOR credential by submitting a one-time fee for Emeritus Status. Emeritus Status entitles the nurse to use the designation CNOR(E). Apply for CNOR Emeritus Status by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
CNOR Recertification
Application And Fees
Recertification candidates may submit the online application beginning January 1 of the year they are due to recertify. An important reminder, credential-holders already have a CCI account. If you need assistance accessing your account, please contact us.
A $40 Early Bird Discount is available at checkout for CNOR recertification from January 1 – March 31st of your recert year.
Professional Activity Points
$360
Early Bird Discount
January 1st – March 31st
$400
Standard Pricing
April 1st – December 31st
Continuing Ed. Contact Hours
$360
Early Bird Discount
January 1st – March 31st
$400
Standard Pricing
April 1st – December 31st
$250
Extension Year
$100
Emeritus Status
Get Prepared
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your CNOR and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
CNOR Handbook
The complete guide on recertifying your CNOR credential, including helpful deadlines.
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.
