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.

Our Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR®) credential is the sole accredited certification for perioperative registered nurses and supports the role of the professional nurse as a member of the surgical team. Within the perioperative nursing profession, earning the CNOR is a mark of distinction and demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards in patient safety. 

CNOR validates the competency of the entry-level perioperative nurse. Eligibility requirements include:

Our Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM®) credential is the sole certification for perioperative management. Obtaining our CSSM credential represents managerial achievement and recognizes the impact managers make in delivering safe patient care. 

CSSM is for perioperative managers, directors, and any nurses who oversee personnel, a budget, a business unit/department, or a service line. This can include team leaders, charge nurses, educators, managers, directors, and more! Eligibility requirements include:

Our Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN®) credential is designed to give perioperative nurses a firm foundation for career-long professional development success and validates the knowledge of the novice perioperative nurse after completing orientation. 

CFPN is a great entrance to perioperative professional development as organizations may encourage it as a “final exam” to prepare for CNOR. Additionally, it allows nurses to pursue CNOR or CNAMB at 18 months instead of 24 months. For further clarification, eligibility requirements include:

This past year, CFPN went through some changes. To learn more about these updates to our certification, give our past blog post a read!

Our Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB®) credential is designed for perioperative nurses working in the ambulatory surgery setting who are seeking to improve and validate their professional competencies. 

CNAMB is an alternative to the CNOR for nurses who work in an ambulatory setting. However, CNAMB can be done in addition to the CNOR. Eligibility requirements include:

CCI is Here to Help You Achieve Your Certification Goals! 

Investing in your professional development through CCI isn't just a resume booster; it's a commitment to excellence. As a perioperative nurse, certification demonstrates safe nursing practice and quality care, making a world of difference for your patients, your facility, and your career!

Ready to take the next step and get certified? Visit our website to learn more and start your certification application! If you have any specific inquiries, please contact our dedicated credentialing associates.