Why Certify
Specialty nursing certification is the formal process by which a certifying agency validates a nurse’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in a defined role and clinical area of practice.
Certification and Career Progression
Perioperative nurses pursue certification for a variety of reasons, including professional validation, personal accomplishment, and career advancement. Certification allows nurses to demonstrate their commitment to exceptional patient safety and adhere to current standards in their field of practice.
Demonstrate your dedication to patient safety
Validate your knowledge and skills
Gain the recognition you deserve
Realize your career potential
In addition to these benefits, studies have shown that on average certified nurses earn more annually compared to nurses that do not hold certifications.
*2022 AORN Salary and Compensation Survey
Certification Overview
Learn about CNOR Certification
More than 40,000 nurses currently hold the CNOR credential and consider the designation a personal and professional accomplishment.
Assesses the knowledge and skills of a perioperative nurse with a minimum of two years of clinical practice.
Learn about CSSM Certification
Join an elite group of current and emerging leaders demonstrating their perioperative nursing competency beyond clinical practice.
For perioperative managers, directors and nurses who oversee personnel, a budget, business unit or service line.
Learn about CNS-CP Certification
Bridge the gap between APRN certification and specialty practice by validating your perioperative competency at an advanced practice level.
Validates the achievement of the advanced practice Clinical Nurse Specialist working in the perioperative setting.
Learn about CNAMB Certification
Designed for perioperative nurses working in the ambulatory surgery setting who are seeking to improve and validate their professional competencies.
Assesses the knowledge and skills of a perioperative nurse with a minimum of two years of clinical practice in the ambulatory surgery setting.
Learn about CFPN Certification
Earning the CFPN entails a diversity of assessments, reflective learning activities, and a knowledge-based exam—a total of four key components that will guide the early career of a perioperative nurse.
Assesses the knowledge and skills of an early career perioperative nurse with under 23 months of experience from initial hire date in the OR
Learn about NPDA-BC Certification
Earning the NPDA-BC demonstrates commitment to accountability to the healthcare consumer/partner through the promotion of learning, change and professional role competence and growth of healthcare personnel.
Acknowledges the professional achievement of a nursing professional development specialist who fulfills all NPD roles and responsibilities while demonstrating adherence to professional practice and performance standards.
