CNOR Certification Guide for Perioperative Travel Nurses

If you're a perioperative nurse looking to advance your career, the CNOR certification is a powerful credential that can help you stand out. Whether you're working in a hospital operating room or exploring high-paying travel assignments, becoming a Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) demonstrates your surgical expertise and opens doors to exciting opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—eligibility, application steps, exam prep, renewal, and why this certification matters, especially in travel nursing.

What is CNOR certification?

CNOR certification is awarded by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) and recognizes a registered nurse’s advanced knowledge in perioperative practice. It’s a nationally respected credential that:

• Serves as a benchmark of clinical excellence in surgical care

• Is often required for OR travel nurse contracts

• Is preferred by Magnet hospitals and academic medical centers

CNOR Exam Overview

• Length of time to complete: 3 hours, 45 minutes

• Format: Computer-based

• Number of questions: 200 multiple-choice questions

• Exam results: pass vs. no pass

Who should pursue CNOR?

This certification is a great fit for:

• Operating room nurses with at least two years of experience

• Travel nurses in perioperative settings with at least two years of experience

• RNs working in ambulatory surgery centers, inpatient surgical units, specialty ORs (neuro, ortho, cardiac), nursing education, administration or research

• Nurses aiming for leadership, educator, or preceptor roles in surgery

CNOR exam requirements

To sit for the CNOR exam, candidates must:

• Hold a current, unrestricted RN license (U.S. or equivalent)

• Accumulate at least two years and 2,400 hours of perioperative experience

• Have completed at least 1,200 hours in intraoperative nursing within the past two years

Eligibility checklist:

• Active RN License

• 2,400 total perioperative hours

• 1,200 intraoperative hours (within two years)

How to apply for CNOR

The CNOR application process is straightforward:

1. Create a CCI account and confirm eligibility

2. Submit your application and pay the exam fee

3. Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email

4. Schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center

5. Take the 3-hour exam (200 multiple-choice questions)

Passing score:

• The score varies slightly each year based on exam difficulty

• The 2024 average passing score was approximately 620 (scaled)

CNOR exam prep & study resources

Here are some proven ways to prepare:

• Use the CCI Candidate Handbook and Content Outline

• Enroll in AORN’s CNOR Prep Courses (boot camps, online modules) FAQs

• Invest in CNOR study guides and flashcards

• Follow an 8–10 week study plan with regular practice questions

• Join CCI forums or nurse study groups

Take 2 program:

• Optional $100 add-on

• If you don’t pass, you get one free retake within 12 months

CNOR exam & renewal costs

CNOR renewal & recertification

CNOR certification is valid for 5 years. To maintain it, you’ll need to:

1. Complete 300 hours of perioperative nursing practice

2. Earn 50 contact hours of perioperative-related continuing education

3. Submit your renewal application and fee before expiration

💡Pro Tip: Renew early to avoid fees or certification lapses.

Benefits of CNOR certification

• Establishes your expertise in surgical nursing

• Meets credentialing requirements for some Magnet hospitals

• Often preferred for top-paying OR travel assignments

• Enhances eligibility for educator or leadership roles

Certified nurses may see increased job opportunities and higher pay, especially in high-demand travel contracts.

CNOR certification vs. other OR credentials

Find top OR travel nurse jobs on Nomad

If you’re ready to elevate your career, CNOR certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Travel nurses in particular benefit from this credential, gaining access to top-tier roles and increased pay.

Nomad Health makes it easy to search for OR travel jobs—without recruiters or hidden pay packages.