Certified Perioperative Nurse — Requirements & Free Practice

US · License preparation

200 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Initial by examination

Current Practice: Full- or part-time perioperative nursing practice, education, administration, or research
Experience: Two years and 2,400 perioperative RN hours, including at least 1,200 intraoperative hours
Rn License: Current unrestricted RN license where practicing
Shorter Experience: CFPN, CST, TS-C, or military equivalent holders may apply with 18 months and 2,400 perioperative RN hours

Format: Computer-based multiple-choice exam
Exam questions: Total questions: 200; Scored questions: 185; Unscored questions: 15; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Examination outline

Pre/postoperative Patient Assessment and Diagnosis (15%)
Individualized Plan of Care Development and Expected Outcome Identification (8%)
Management of Intraoperative Activities (34%)
- Patient Care and Safety
- Management of Personnel, Services and Materials
Communication and Documentation (11%)
Infection Prevention and Control of Environment, Instrumentation and Supplies (16%)
Emergency Situations (10%)
Professional Accountabilities (6%)

Examination sources