100+ Free CFPN Practice Questions
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When is the surgical instrument count first performed?
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Key Facts: CFPN Exam
125-150
Total Questions
CCI CFPN handbook
2h 30m
Exam Time
CCI CFPN handbook
$250
Application Fee
CCI fee schedule
<23 mo
OR Experience Eligibility Window
CCI CFPN handbook
34%
Intraoperative Care Domain
Largest CFPN domain
July 2022
Credential Launched
CCI announcement
PSI
Test Center / Remote Proctor
CCI testing partner
CFPN is a knowledge-based, multiple-choice exam of approximately 125-150 items administered over 2.5 hours through PSI (test center or remote). The $250 fee is paid to CCI. Eligibility requires an active RN license, completion of perioperative orientation, and application within 23 months of initial OR hire. The 2026 outline weights seven domains: Intraoperative Care 34%, Infection Prevention 16%, Pre/Postoperative Assessment 15%, Communication and Documentation 11%, Emergency Situations 10%, Individualized Plan of Care 8%, Professional Accountability 6%.
Sample CFPN Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CFPN exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1During the closing surgical count, the scrub and circulator find one Raytec sponge missing. The wound is still open. According to AORN guidelines, what is the FIRST action?
2A patient is scheduled for a 4-hour laparoscopic gynecologic procedure in lithotomy position. Which complication is the patient at HIGHEST risk for related to positioning?
3Which surgical attire item must be worn by ALL personnel entering the semi-restricted and restricted areas of the OR?
4A 70-kg adult develops sudden masseter rigidity, hypercarbia (ETCO2 rising to 75 mmHg), and tachycardia after induction with sevoflurane and succinylcholine. After calling for help and the MH cart, what is the correct INITIAL dantrolene dose?
5The fire safety triangle in the operating room consists of three components. Which combination is correct?
6Which step of surgical hand antisepsis using a brushless alcohol-based hand rub is performed FIRST?
7Per CDC and SCIP/SSI prevention bundle guidance, prophylactic IV cefazolin should be administered within what window before surgical incision?
8The Universal Protocol time-out is performed immediately before what event?
9A patient's preoperative core temperature on arrival to the OR is 35.4 degrees C. According to AORN's Normothermia guideline, what is the recommended target intraoperative core temperature?
10A surgical specimen is sent for permanent histopathology only (not frozen section). Which preservation method is correct?
About the CFPN Exam
CFPN (Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse) is CCI's entry-level perioperative credential for RNs with fewer than 24 months of perioperative experience. Launched in July 2022, it validates foundational competencies across intraoperative care, infection prevention, perioperative assessment, communication and documentation, emergency response, individualized plan of care, and professional accountability.
Questions
150 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours 30 minutes
Passing Score
Scaled passing score (set by CCI)
Exam Fee
$250 (CCI (Competency & Credentialing Institute))
CFPN Exam Content Outline
Management of Intraoperative Activities
Patient care during surgery: positioning, sterile field maintenance, surgical counts, electrosurgery, fire safety, specimen handling, smoke evacuation, time-out, and personnel/services/materials management.
Infection Prevention and Control
Hand antisepsis, surgical attire, traffic patterns, sterilization (steam, EtO, hydrogen peroxide), biological/chemical indicators, SSI prevention bundle, antibiotic prophylaxis timing, and standard/transmission-based precautions.
Pre/Postoperative Patient Assessment and Diagnosis
Preoperative history and physical, ASA classification, medication reconciliation, allergy verification, normothermia, VTE risk, frailty assessment, PACU assessment using Aldrete scoring, and discharge readiness.
Communication and Documentation
SBAR handoff, closed-loop communication, PNDS terminology, operative record completeness, implant traceability, medication labeling at the field, and discharge education with teach-back.
Emergency Situations
Recognition and first response for malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis, OR fire, hemorrhage/massive transfusion, airway emergencies, and venous air embolism.
Individualized Plan of Care Development
Nursing process application, measurable outcomes (PNDS), risk-stratified pressure injury and fall prevention, cultural competence, and individualized planning for vulnerable populations (geriatric, pediatric).
Professional Accountability
ANA Code of Ethics, AORN guidelines, scope of practice, sentinel events, near-miss reporting, drug diversion reporting, controlled substance management, and CCI credentialing/recertification.
How to Pass the CFPN Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled passing score (set by CCI)
- Exam length: 150 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Exam fee: $250
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CFPN Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CFPN exam?
The CFPN exam consists of approximately 125-150 multiple-choice items administered over 2 hours and 30 minutes through PSI test center or remote secure proctoring. Verify the current count in the CCI CFPN Candidate Handbook.
What score do I need to pass CFPN?
CCI uses a scaled scoring system for CFPN with a passing point set through standard psychometric methods. The exact scaled threshold and any pretest items are detailed in the current CCI CFPN Candidate Handbook.
How much does CFPN certification cost?
The CFPN application fee is $250 paid to CCI. Application fees are non-refundable per the CFPN Candidate Handbook. Retests require a new application and fee.
What are the CFPN content domain weights for 2026?
The 2026 CFPN outline weights: Management of Intraoperative Activities 34%, Infection Prevention and Control 16%, Pre/Postoperative Assessment and Diagnosis 15%, Communication and Documentation 11%, Emergency Situations 10%, Individualized Plan of Care 8%, Professional Accountability 6%.
What are the eligibility requirements for CFPN?
Eligibility requires: an active unrestricted RN license, completion of a perioperative nursing orientation program (didactic and clinical), application submitted within 23 months of initial OR hire, and current employment in perioperative nursing (clinical, education, administration, or research).
How is CFPN different from CNOR?
CFPN is the entry-level credential for RNs with fewer than 24 months of perioperative experience. CNOR requires 2 years (2,400 hours) of perioperative practice with at least 1,200 intraoperative hours. CFPN was launched by CCI in July 2022 specifically to credential novice perioperative nurses earlier in their careers.
How long is CFPN certification valid?
CFPN certification is valid for 2 years per the CCI CFPN Candidate Handbook, with an optional 1-year extension available. Confirm renewal/transition pathways (including transition to CNOR) in the current handbook.