CNOR Certification: What It Is and How to Get Certified

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Certified Nurse - Operating Room (CNOR): An Explanation

Operating room nurses who want to demonstrate that they adhere to the highest standards in their industry can apply for CNOR accreditation. You must complete an accredited nursing program, obtain your nursing license, and work for at least two years in the perioperative nursing profession in order to become a CNOR. Continue reading to discover how to begin the CNOR certification process!

a nurse with cnor certification as part of a medical team urgently doing surgical operation in a bright operating room

What is CNOR Certification ?

The Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certificate is a specialty certification provided by the Competence and Credentialing Institute (CCI), a company that provides perioperative nurses with continuous education. Employers can tell that you adhere to the highest standards in the perioperative nursing sector if you have this credential. The American Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Council for Certifying Agencies both accredit the CNOR certificate.

How Much Does A CNOR Certification Cost?

The cost of the exam is typically around $395; while the CNOR Take 2 Application Fee is around $445.

CNOR Certification Requirements

Prior to submitting an application for CNOR certification, three particular conditions must be satisfied. Nurses must have an unrestricted RN license in the state where they work, be employed full or part-time in a perioperative clinical setting (or in perioperative nursing education, administration, or research), and have at least two years of clinical practice experience in the perioperative setting with more than 1,200 hours of intra-operative experience to be eligible. 

Candidates must successfully complete a multiple-choice exam with 200 questions covering a range of OR-related topics in order to become certified perioperative practice nurses. There are two options for taking the exam: in person at a testing center or via remote proctor from a place of your choosing.

The exam is broken down as follows:

  • 34% Intraoperative care.
  • 16% Infection prevention and control.
  • 15% Patient evaluation and diagnosis during surgery.
  • 11% Documentation and communication.
  • 10% Situations that are urgent.
  • 8% Care plan.
  • 6% Responsibility on the job.

Eligibility For a CNOR Certification

CNOR Certification is achievable with these requirements:

Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) Eligibility Requirements

RN licensure, 2,400 hours of operating room nursing experience, 1,200 of which should be in an intraoperative setting, and two years of work experience are prerequisites for earning the CNOR certificate. A total of 200 multiple-choice questions across nine subject areas make up the CNOR exam. The CCI provides materials that could aid in your exam preparation, including preparatory classes. The CCI estimates that studying for the test may take two to three months.

Why Get Certified as a CNOR?

A perioperative nurse may be interested in obtaining professional certification for various reasons. You’ll need three months of studying, buy CNOR exam prep materials, and then pass the test, requiring money and time, which is why many healthcare facilities will offer potential nurses to pay for the test and study materials for their certification. In other words, if you’re thinking “What can I expect as a certified operating room nurse?”, here are some benefits you can look forward to:

More Likely To Be Hired

By spending the effort to earn this certification, nurses can achieve their individual objectives while also demonstrating a professional commitment to patient safety by maintaining high clinical standards.

Increased Pay

CNOR-certified nurses will often receive better hourly compensation from facilities. The wage rise that comes with certification varies by location and facility but can range from $0.50/hour to $3/hour over the course of a year.

Job Advancement 

Although certification is not a prerequisite for employment as an RN, it does help construct resumes and demonstrates a desire to further your professional development. Passing the CNOR test increases your likelihood of becoming a valuable contributor to the hospital because it focuses on patient safety and best practices. The competitive edge that separates you from other candidates may be your certification.

Professional Achievement

On top of increased pay, career advancement, and a competitive edge, getting certified is a personal and professional achievement for nurses as it is a recognition from peers and other institutions of their hard work and dedication to perioperative care.

Where Can You Get a Certified Perioperative Nurse?

The CNOR (Adult) is the only certification for nurses who want to accredit their skills as perioperative registered nurses. Getting the CNOR is an honor and shows that you are committed to keeping the highest safety standards for patients. You can get it via the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) at any testing center or remotely.

Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)

Since it was founded more than 40 years ago, the Competence & Credentialing Institute (CCI) has certified more than 40,000 nurses across the globe. The Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM), Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB), Nursing Professional Development Advanced – Board Certified (NPDA-BC), and Certified Perioperative CNS (CNS-CP) credentials are issued by CCI, a leader in the industry for assessing nursing competency.

Is a CNOR Certification Necessary to be a Travel Nurse?​

OR nurses have the chance to be acknowledged for their dedication by their department and facilities by achieving CNOR. The time investment required to earn certification is well worth the higher compensation and improved value to your resume. It takes years of experience, a commitment to patient safety, and a desire to enhance your career in travel nursing to earn a professional certification in a nursing specialty.

Are you looking for a CNOR certification and want to be a travel nurse? Check our job opportunities at Stability Healthcare and start a new step in your career! We can also answer any questions you might have about certifications.