CNOR Exam
The Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) offers the Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) exam that certifies a registered nurse. CNOR certification is intended to distinguish a skill RN and reinforce applications of theory when caring patients and augment a nurse’s knowledge with an ongoing education. With certification candidates demonstrate responsibility and ability to provide adequate care. This certification shows expertise in surgical nursing and helps employers better understand a candidate’s skill. The CNOR certification is valid for five years.
A bachelor in Nursing Science is not needed to take the exam, but candidates do need to have two years and 2400 hours of experience in the operating room as a nurse. The test is computer based and has two hundred multiple choice questions. Out of the questions, fifteen will not be scored, and candidates will have no knowledge which will be scored and which will not be, regardless of what the test prep books may say. Variations of the test have different levels of difficulty so the final score uses a process known as equating. Candidates must have a scaled score of 620 to pass. The number answered correctly will vary for the different tests given.
Basic Components of the CNOR Exam
In this examination, candidates must be able to assess the patients health, form a differential diagnosis, identify likely results or prognosis, create a plan of medical attention, put a prevention plan into place, put a plan for the best physiological protection into practice, educate the patient and family, be reliable with patient rights and responsibilities, asses how the patient is doing with the plan of care, document perioperative events, manage tools and support services, communicate patient information, determine the plan for discharge, choose and utilize methods for cleaning, packaging, sterilizing and disinfecting, handle emergencies and be professionally accountable. CNOR practice is advised.
Self-Assessment Practice Tests:
The application for the CNOR exam can be completed online at the CCI website, downloaded from the CCI website, or requested from the CCI directly by filling out an online request form. All fees must be paid at the time of application and specific fees are outlined on the CCI website. Application deadlines are strict and must be acknowledged, and these are found online as well. Once the application is accepted, candidates are sent a packet in the mail about two weeks after the CCI receives the initial application.
About a month before the testing window the company will send all applicants an authorization to test (ATT) letter. This contains the authorization number as well as a phone number and website address that can be used to schedule appointments. The applicant will select testing dates and times that are available to them. The applicant should pick a time that is the most opportune for them. It is recommended to contact the testing company as soon as possible after the ATT letter is received because the more desirable dates and times will be available for the tester.
