Earning Criteria

• To apply for the certification exam a candidate must create an account with the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) which administers the certification. Applicants are subject to audit as part of the CCI Quality Assurance program. Applicants are subject to audit to include verification of employment and nursing licensure.
• A current, unrestricted RN license in the country where currently practicing.
• Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Arts or Science. There is no waiver for the educational requirements.
• Candidates must be currently working full- or part-time in perioperative management role and meet minimum work experience requirements to be eligible for the certification examination. The amount of experience varies depending on certification status. The management role may be overseeing personnel, a budget, or a service line. Work experience in a non-paid, volunteer capacity is acceptable.
• To ensure recent knowledge of the subject matter covered on the certification examination candidates must provide evidence of continuing education, professional development points or formal academic credit of content specific to the domains of the CSSM Job Analysis prior to taking the examination.
• To earn the CSSM credential applicants must pass the certification examination covering the knowledge required to practice as a perioperative nurse leader. All examination questions have the same format; multiple choice questions, four possible answers with only correct answer. A score of 620 of 800 possible points is required for passing. The CSSM certification examination is developed in accordance with psychometric best practices and principles of the certification industry.