The modern perioperative setting is continuously changing and evolving, requiring a conscious effort to maintain competency. By pursuing recertification, you demonstrate a continued dedication to perioperative excellence and a personal commitment to patient safety.
Recertification by professional activity points allows nurses to engage in various activities that will count towards the recertification of their credential. Many nurses are already performing activities at work that are worth points. If this is your first time utilizing points, we are confident that you will find professional activity points to be a flexible and convenient path to recertifying your CNOR credential.
CCI has determined that professional activities are the best indicator of continued competency. Nurses who earned CNOR certification on January 1, 2019, or after will use points to recertify their credential. CNORs, who became certified on or before December 31, 2018, will be phased into using points for recertification. Please contact us if you are unsure of your recertification options. Your recertification methods will not change during an active recertification cycle.
What Are Professional Activity Points?
Points are earned when you engage in professional activities such as precepting, committee service, or academic study. To recertify with points, you must earn 300 points by the end of your accrual period. There are various professional activity points categories, making it convenient to meet the points requirement. To learn more about each category, reference Appendix E in the CNOR Handbook.
The Professional Activity Points Process
When Do You Earn Professional Activity Points?
You will engage in professional activities during your accrual period, which begins in January, the year you became certified or last recertified. The accrual period for CNOR recertification is five years. To calculate your accrual years, use the accrual period calculator on the CCI website.
How Do You Earn Professional Activity Points?
You earn points by completing eligible professional activities during your accrual period. Fortunately, there are several ways to meet the requirement, and you are likely already doing many of these activities as part of your day-to-day work life! For instance, you can earn points by precepting or mentoring, earning training certificates, serving on committees, or volunteering. Plus, many more. CCI also offers various free professional points activities to make the points method as easy as possible!
Free Professional Points Activities 
As your partner in recertification, CCI offers free professional points activities to simplify the process of renewing your credential. The entire recertification by points requirement can be met by completing free online activities in the CCI store. We offer fun options like games, case studies, podcasts, webinars, and more. Visit our store to explore the free activities and earn points today! The activities you complete through the store will automatically be recorded in your CCI account.
Continuing Education Contact Hours
Continuing education contact hours can still be completed when recertifying by professional activity points! Up to 50 contact hours can count toward recertification (1 contact hour = 2 points), with a total of 100 points being available in the continuing education category—reference Appendix E in the CNOR Handbook to learn more.
Extra Pointers
Utilize the CNOR Recertification Guide
How nice would it be if there was a free guide where you could track your professional activity points through your accrual period? We are happy to tell you there is! Designed to assist you in the recertification process and maintenance of your credential, CCI created the CNOR Recertification Guide. The guide is complete with a breakdown of the points categories, examples of how to utilize the guide best, and information on recertification alternatives. We recommend downloading this free guide and updating it often through your accrual period.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
As we know, time flies, so don't wait until the last minute to start working towards your recertification points requirement. Although you may be completing these activities in your everyday work life, earning those final few points at the very end is not ideal. Plus, when you plan ahead, you allow yourself the time to be involved with your perioperative community through volunteering on CCI committees, mentoring as a CNOR Coach, and precepting in your facility!
Know Your Recertification Alternatives
Don't fret if it's your recertification year and you haven't met the points requirement. CCI offers an extension year, giving active CNORs an additional accrual year to complete points activities. If you're leaving the OR, consider applying for Emeritus status, which is a one-time fee that preserves your CNOR credential. Visit the CCI website to learn more about your recertification alternatives!
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
The CCI team is your partner in certification and recertification, so don't be afraid to ask for help! Our knowledgeable and experienced team is always here to answer your questions and make your recertification process as smooth as possible. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Recertification is essential, as it demonstrates competency in the perioperative setting and a commitment to adhere to current practice standards. Recertifying by professional activity points offers a variety of options you can add to your professional development plan! What is your favorite way to earn professional activity points?
