The Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) credential is one of a kind. CSSM is a perioperative management credential designed for perioperative managers, directors, and nurses who oversee personnel, a budget, a business unit, or a service line. Earning the CSSM is a mark of distinction and recognizes the significant role managers play in delivering safe patient care. If you’re in a perioperative management role, then the CSSM certification may be right for you!

Overview of the CSSM Exam 

CSSM certification is earned by passing a computer-based exam. The exam takes roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete and contains 180 multiple-choice questions that evaluate the knowledge and skills required for competent perioperative nursing management practice. The seven subject areas covered on the exam are:

• Operational Management – 18%
• Financial Management – 15%
• Human Resource Management – 12%
• Strategic Management – 15%
• Leadership – 15%
• Communication and Relationship Management – 18%
• Professionalism – 10%

You can learn more about the CSSM exam including a breakdown of each subject area in the CSSM Handbook.

Eligibility Requirements

If you are interested in earning your CSSM credential, your first step is to check the eligibility requirements. You cannot apply for the exam if you do not meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements differ if you hold CNOR certification; however, earning your CNOR certification is not required for the CSSM exam.

Eligibility Requirements for Nurses Who Are NOT CNOR Certified:

• Have a current unrestricted RN license in the state or country where currently practicing.
• Minimum academic degree is a BA/BS. Note: It is not required that the baccalaureate degree be a BSN.
• Must be currently working in a surgical services management role and have a minimum of four (4) years’ and 4,800 hours’ surgical services management experience as a perioperative registered nurse (RN). Work experience in a non-paid, volunteer capacity is acceptable. Note: The management role may be overseeing personnel, a budget, or a service line
• In the two years preceding your application, you must complete 50 contact hours of content specific to the CSSM exam subject areas, or complete twelve (12) academic credits at either the baccalaureate or graduate level from an accredited program. 
  
  

Eligibility Requirements for Nurses Who ARE CNOR Certified:

• Have a current unrestricted RN license in the state or country where currently practicing.
• Minimum academic degree is a BA/BS. Note: It is not required that the baccalaureate degree be a BSN.
• Must be currently working in a surgical services management role and have a minimum of two (2) years’ and 2,400 hours’ surgical services management experience as a perioperative registered nurse (RN). Work experience in a non-paid, volunteer capacity is acceptable. Note: The management role may be overseeing personnel, a budget, or a service line
• In the two years preceding your application, you must complete 30 contact hours of content specific to the CSSM exam subject areas, or complete six (6) academic credits at either the baccalaureate or graduate level from an accredited program. 

To check your eligibility for the CSSM exam, you can visit the CCI Website and use the free eligibility tool!

Application Process for the CSSM Exam

Once you have determined the CSSM credential is right for you, you can then complete the application process to sit for the CSSM Exam. The process goes as follows:

1. Confirm your eligibility.
2. Determine when you would like to take the exam. Your testing window will begin the calendar month after your application is approved.
3. You may submit your application online at any time by creating a CCI account or logging into your existing account.
4. You will receive an email with instructions on scheduling your exam at a PSI testing facility or using remote proctoring. For additional testing center information, please refer to the CSSM Handbook.
   
   

Exam Prep and Exam Resources

CCI offers various exam resources and preparation tools for the CSSM Exam. We recommend allowing a minimum of three months for exam preparation.

CSSM Exam Resources 

CSSM Handbook

The CSSM Handbook is a complete guide on the CSSM credential. It outlines everything from how the exam is developed to recertification methods. We suggest downloading the handbook at the beginning of your CSSM journey and referencing it often.

CSSM Certification Webinars

These free webinars are great for learning more about exam subject areas and test-taking strategies. The webinars are completely free and provide attendees with time at the end to ask the CCI team questions directly. You can check out the CCI Events Page to see the schedule for upcoming webinars. We also post recordings of past webinars on the CCI YouTube Channel.

CSSM Exam Study Outline

The CSSM Exam study outline allows you to develop a personalized study plan. It provides general readings and references for each subject area. This tool is a great starting point when preparing for the exam.

CSSM Exam Prep 

Each of these CSSM Exam Prep tools can be found in the CCI Online Store.

CSSM Exam Prep Book

The CSSM Exam Prep, Second Edition, is a comprehensive resource for practicing professionals. Featuring case studies, exam tips, and a comprehensive review of all seven subject areas, the guide makes exam prep efficient.

CSSM On-Demand Prep Course 

Prepare for the CSSM exam at your own pace and on your own time! The CSSM On-Demand Prep Course is an interactive online course designed to provide foundational information relevant to preparing for the CSSM Exam. 

CSSM Online Practice Exam 

The CSSM Online Practice Exam contains 180 practice questions covering all exam subject areas. This tool lets you test your knowledge by subject area, with separate score reports by subject. It also includes answers and rationales for correct answers. 

The CSSM certification validates the baccalaureate-prepared nurse’s achievement who demonstrates current proficiency in a perioperative management role. You can join an elite group of current and emerging leaders demonstrating their perioperative nursing competency beyond clinical practice!