CNOR Recertification
Certified or Recertified in 2019 or After
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.
RECERTIFICATION UPDATE
Effective January 1, 2026, CCI removed the mandatory standalone recertification year from all certification cycles. Your certification period is now a single, continuous window, giving you more flexibility to earn points and submit your recertification application throughout your entire validity period.
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 the 5 year certification cycle.
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 during your certification cycle. Of those 500 hours, 250 hours must be in the area of education, administration, research, or clinical practice that impacts intraoperative patient care.
- Engage in eligible professional activities to earn 300 points toward your recertification.
CNOR
Certification Cycle
Your certification cycle is the time period in which you must complete all recertification activities. Recertification applications can be submitted at any time during the final year of your cycle.
CERTIFIED BEFORE MAY 4, 2026
Existing Certificants
Your cycle follows the calendar year
- Cycle start date
- January 1 of the calendar year in which you successfully completed your exam
- Cycle end date
- December 31 of the fifth year
- When to apply
- Application and fee may only be submitted during your fifth year
CERTIFIED AFTER MAY 4, 2026
New Certificants
Your cycle follows your exam date
- Cycle start date
- The date you successfully passed your examination
- Cycle end date
- Exactly five years from your exam date or last recertification date
- When to apply
- Application and fee may only be submitted during your fifth year
Calculate Your Recertification Timeline
Enter your initial certification year or last recertification year in the table below to calculate your recertification timeline.
My Recertification Period
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
…
…
…
Recert Year
Recertify
Year 5
…
Years populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year you entered, exact dates are not available through this calculator. Recertification periods will not reflect Extension Year (if applicable).
For personalized information, log in to your CCI account.
For additional How To Videos regarding your CCI account, recertification applications, payment and other information related to your certification, view our YouTube playlist.
CNOR Recertification
By Professional Activity Points
Complete professional development activities during your five-year cycle and submit your online application during your final year.
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 certification cycle to earn points toward your recertification. Earn 300 points in any of these categories to meet the requirement. Applications for recertification must be submitted on or before the last day of your fifth year to prevent your credential from lapsing.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2026, there are no longer limits on the number of points that can be earned in each category!
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
CCI does not act as a repository for points or continuing education (CE) documentation. Applicants are responsible for maintaining their own records.
Following submission of your application, please allow 24 to 48 business hours for any updates to be reflected in your account.
For complete details on professional activities and points, view the CNOR Handbook.
Free Professional Points Activities
As your partner in recertification, CCI offers resources to simplify the process of completing your professional activities. There are many activities can be completed free through the CCI Store to complete the requirements.
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 on or before the last day of your fifth year 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 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.
For additional How To Videos regarding your CCI account, recertification applications, payment and other information related to your certification, view our YouTube playlist.
CNOR Recertification
Application And Fees
Recertification candidates may submit the online application beginning the first day 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, do not create a new account.
$400
Recertification Fee
$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 Videos
Learn more about recertification and eligible professional activities.
Free Educational Activities
Earn points with our complimentary professional activities.
NOTICE TO CERTIFICANTS:
It is the individual nurse’s responsibility to remain informed about all due dates, requirements, and policies. CCI expects candidates and certificants to keep account information current and review the handbook regularly
