CNOR for travel nurses Certified Perioperative Nurse · Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI)
Board certification in perioperative nursing. Preferred on OR contracts, especially for specialty rooms. Eligibility: A current RN license and at least 2 years and 2,400 hours of perioperative experience, including 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting. Cost: $475, which includes the first attempt (taken within 90 days). Valid 5 years.
Updated October 2026
Type
Board certification (exam)
Valid
5 years
Cost
$475, which includes the first attempt (taken within 90 days)
Issued by
Competency & Credentialing Institute
Which travel specialties ask for it
- OR travel nurseOften preferred
Eligibility and exam
- Who can get it
- A current RN license and at least 2 years and 2,400 hours of perioperative experience, including 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting.
- Cost
- $475, which includes the first attempt (taken within 90 days).
- Valid for
- 5 years.
- Renewal
- By recertification points plus perioperative practice hours, or by exam.
Tips for travelers
- Schedule the exam as soon as you apply: the fee covers one attempt within a 90-day window.
- Ask your agency whether it reimburses the exam fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
- Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.
Questions
- Do travel nurses need CNOR?
- OR contracts often prefer it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.
- Who is eligible for CNOR?
- A current RN license and at least 2 years and 2,400 hours of perioperative experience, including 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting.
- How much does CNOR cost?
- $475, which includes the first attempt (taken within 90 days).
- How long is CNOR valid?
- 5 years. By recertification points plus perioperative practice hours, or by exam.
Other certifications: BLS · ACLS · PALS · NRP · NIHSS · TNCC · CEN · CCRN · PCCN · CMSRN · CPN · RNC-NIC · PMH-BC