CNS-CP Recertification
Recertification is the continued documented validation of the professional achievement of identified standards of practice by an individual Clinical Nurse Specialist providing advanced practice perioperative nursing care.
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.
CNS-CP Credential To Be Sunset
Announcement: After careful deliberation & consultation with subject matter experts, the CNS-CP® certification will be discontinued on Jan 1, 2029.
CNS-CP
Recertification Steps
Confirm your recertification eligibility. This differs from certification eligibility.
Complete professional development activities or portfolio during your accrual period.
Submit recertification application, documents, and pay fee.
Begin next 5-year certification cycle.
CNS-CP Recertification
Eligibility Requirements
Recognizing that certificants transition into a variety of roles, and all patients benefit from the care provided by a certified nurse, CNS-CP recertification candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements at the time of application:
Hold an active CNS-CP credential.
Hold a current, unrestricted RN and/or APRN license.
Be currently employed as a CNS in the perioperative setting in one or more of the following areas:
- Clinical expert in delivery of advanced perioperative care
- Consultant (intra- and multidisciplinary)
- Educator of nurses, other healthcare providers, patient, family, and/or community
- Researcher
CNS-CP
Recertification Period
Your recertification 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 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.
CNS-CP Recertification
By Professional Activity Points
Complete professional development activities during your five-year accrual period and submit your application during your recertification year.
Recertification by Continuing Education and Professional Activities
- Complete 300 Professional Activity points
- Complete your continuing education contact hour requirement based on the results of your CNS-CP exam or the self-awareness component of your Professional Portfolio
- Complete 1000 hours as a CNS in the perioperative setting in the 5-year recertification cycle. If the number of practice hours accrued during the recertification cycle does not meet the minimum requirement, you must recertify by Professional Portfolio.
- Practice hours may be accrued in any of the following areas:
- clinical expert in delivery of advanced perioperative care
- consultant (intra-and multidisciplinary)
- education of nurses, other healthcare providers, patient, family, and/or community
- clinical inquiry (evidence-based practice projects and/or research)
To apply for recertification by this method, complete the Recertification by Contact Hours and Activities Application with Log and submit to CCI.
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
CNS-CP Recertification Alternatives
Emeritus Status
Retiring nurses or those moving out of the specialty may choose to preserve their credential by applying for Emeritus status or CNS-CP(E).
The Emeritus credential does not expire or need to be renewed. You must currently hold the CNS-CP credential in good standing to apply for the CNS-CP Emeritus status.
Download the paper application to apply for Emeritus Status between January 1 and December 31 of your recertification year.
CNS-CP Recertification
Application And Fees
$375
Recertification Fee
$335
Early Bird Discount
January 1st – March 31st
$100
CNS-CP Emeritus
Get Prepared
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your CNS-CP and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
CNS-CP Handbook
The complete guide on the CNS-CP credential including eligibility requirements.
Free Educational Activities
Earn points with our complimentary professional activities.
CCI Staff Support
CCI’s nursing staff is available to answer questions about eligibility or the recertification process.
