CCI Blog

Preparing for one of our certification exams can seem intimidating, as there's a lot to know and apply. It can be complicated and overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to reviewing the material or what you need to know in the first place. We have outlined our various exam preparation products for our credentials, available on our CCI store, to aid you in your study prep search.

Before we dive in, we want to remind you that, as a certification organization, CCI’s role is developing and administering certification examinations. CCI does not require or endorse any specific study guides, review products, or training courses. Candidates may prepare for certification examinations with any educational materials they choose. The purchase of CCI review materials is not required for testing, nor does the use of any review materials (CCI or otherwise) imply successful performance on the certification examinations. No study resources are prerequisites for the certification examinations.

Becoming a CNOR-certified nurse opens doors to a rewarding career in perioperative care. But did you know that you can leverage your CNOR credential even further by illustrating your specialized skills? Through CCI’s CNOR Specialty Designations, you can demonstrate your expertise in specific surgical settings and set yourself apart as a valuable asset in the operating room. While our CNOR designations are a new offering, they are a beneficial addition to the sole, accredited certification program for perioperative registered nurses.

The rapid rate of change in the modern perioperative setting requires a conscious effort to maintain competency. When you recertify your CCI credential, you demonstrate a continued dedication to perioperative excellence, an ongoing commitment to specialized knowledge, and a personal commitment to patient safety. At first glance, recertifying your credential can seem like a daunting task. However, understanding how to best utilize our various resources and complete your recertification activities will simplify the process tremendously.

Nurses with certification hold a compass, guiding them toward phenomenal patient care procedure and nationally accepted standards. Nurses who prioritize certification and the facilities that support them demonstrate a shared commitment to elevate patient outcomes through expertise and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.

The intricate world of perioperative nursing encompasses patient care across the entire surgical experience, from pre-op preparation to post-operative recovery. This profession plays a central role in orchestrating the surgical process, guaranteeing patients receive quality care.

To navigate this specialized field effectively, a thorough understanding of its infrastructure is crucial. This includes the various organizations, institutions, programs, and the distinct responsibilities of each player within the community. Whether you're a trainee, a seasoned professional, an educator, or a supervisor, grasping these elements empowers you to leverage the perioperative nursing ecosystem throughout your career. Follow along with our video on the perioperative infrastructure while you read! 

We are still reminiscing about AORN’s 2024 Global Surgical Conference and Expo! CCI had a blast in Nashville, connecting with both new and familiar faces in the Exhibit Hall. The energy was electric, and the various conversations we had regarding perioperative nursing and certification were truly inspiring and filled with so much opportunity. Here are some of CCI’s highlights from our trip!

The perioperative nursing landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead of the curve often requires demonstrating your expertise through industry-recognized credentials. As an industry leader in nursing competency assessment, Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) has helped certify over 40,000 nurses internationally with our various credentials. 

Each of our credentials caters to the different needs within the perioperative nursing community. With a variety of certification options, it can be difficult to know where to begin and decide which ones are most relevant to you! To help you navigate the certification journey, here is a guide to CCI’s most popular programs.

Nurses, join us on a journey through time as we explore CCI’s rich history and unveil 10 fun facts that might just surprise you! In 45 years as the leader of perioperative certification, CCI has experienced significant milestones shaping the identity of the organization and leading to thousands of nurses pursuing perioperative certification all around the world. Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we share some tidbits from the past!

In August 2023, The Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI®) embarked on a critical initiative. A dedicated workgroup comprised of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), all possessing the esteemed Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative Certification (CNS-CP®), convened to address a concerning trend: the dwindling number of new certificants for this specialized credential. These SMEs, representing diverse backgrounds in gender, geography, and extensive certification tenure, collaborated to deliberate the future trajectory of CNS-CP®. The outcome of their comprehensive discussions has led CCI to make the consequential decision to sunset (i.e., no longer accept new applications) the CNS-CP® certification on January 1, 2029.

Nurses, with the holiday season in full swing, CCI offers you a present– the gift of certification, that is! With the gamification of professional development activities, it's easy to see certifications as just another box to tick on the career ladder. However, earning a certification is a present in disguise, wrapped in credibility, functionality, and career-boosting potential. So, let's unwrap three ways certification is the ultimate gift you can give yourself!