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The CNOR is for experienced perioperative RNs. Qualifying comes down to your license and your
operating-room experience, per CCI.
License requirement
You need a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license.
Experience requirement
You must have a minimum of two years and 2,400 hours of perioperative nursing
experience, with at least 1,200 of those hours (50%) in the intraoperative setting.
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Total perioperative experience | 2 years and 2,400 hours |
| Intraoperative hours (of that total) | 1,200 hours |
Are you currently working in the OR?
You must be currently employed full- or part-time in perioperative nursing — in clinical
practice, education, administration, or research.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the CNOR eligibility requirements?
A current, unrestricted RN license, a minimum of 2 years and 2,400 hours of perioperative nursing experience (with at least 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting), and current employment in perioperative nursing.
How much OR experience do you need for the CNOR?
At least 2 years and 2,400 hours of perioperative experience, of which a minimum of 1,200 hours must be in the intraoperative setting.
Do you need a BSN for the CNOR?
No. The CNOR requires an unrestricted RN license and the required perioperative experience; there is no specific degree requirement beyond RN licensure.
Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).