The Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) is updating the name of the Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) credential to Certified Surgical Services Leader (CSSL).
This change reflects feedback from both current and prospective certificants who shared that the word “manager” created unnecessary confusion about eligibility. Surgical services leadership takes many forms – and this update ensures the credential better reflects the breadth of leadership roles across perioperative practice.
What’s not changing:
- Eligibility requirements
- The certification exam
- Accreditation status
- The value and recognition of the credential
Why the Name Change?
We heard from:
- Current CSSM certificants
- Prospective applicants
- Nurse leaders whose roles involve responsibility, oversight, and influence – but not necessarily the word manager in their title
The updated name:
- Better reflects the breadth of leadership roles in surgical services
- Removes unintended barriers or self-doubt around eligibility
- Aligns the credential with how perioperative leadership actually functions today
This change is about clarity and inclusion, not a shift in standards.
What Is Not Changing
It’s important to be clear about what this update does not affect.
- Eligibility requirements remain the same
- The certification exam remains the same
- Accreditation status remains the same
- The value, rigor, and recognition of the credential remain the same
If you currently hold the CSSM credential, you are not losing anything. Your certification remains fully valid.
About Materials and Timing
You may still see CSSM referenced on some printed or digital materials – particularly at events in early 2026 – as we complete a phased transition across systems and resources.
This is intentional and temporary. The credential is now CSSL, and all materials will be fully updated as part of our broader modernization efforts.
What’s Coming Next
This update is part of a broader, thoughtful review of the credential – not a one-off decision.
CCI is conducting a Job Task Analysis (JTA) to ensure the CSSL credential continues to reflect:
- Current practice realities
- The responsibilities of surgical services leaders today
- The knowledge and skills required for effective leadership across settings
What to Expect from the JTA Process
- You will receive a survey inviting your input
- Your feedback will help validate and shape the credential going forward
- This process ensures the certification remains relevant, defensible, and aligned with practice
Later in 2026, CCI will launch a new, more user-friendly certification system. As part of that launch, you’ll begin seeing:
- A refreshed CSSL logo
- Updated digital experiences designed to better support certificants
These updates reflect CCI’s continued commitment to clarity, accessibility, and professional respect for nurses.
