How the plan sets your priorities
Rate how each subject area went on your last attempt. If your score report shows results by subject area, use them; the planner doesn't need exact scores. So the planner asks you instead: the subject areas you mark as hard start your plan, mixed ones are strengthened, and confident ones get lighter review. Your answers are a self-assessment, not an official result.
Each subject area starts from its share of the exam in the official outline, multiplied by its priority: 3× to start, 2× to strengthen, 1.5× if you leave it blank, and 1× to maintain. A quarter of your time is mixed practice across all subject areas. This is Passy’s planning method; it doesn’t estimate a score or a chance of passing.
Retake rules for the CNOR
Retake as many times as needed within the 12-month eligibility period, with at least 30 days between attempts; each retake is bought through the CCI account for $175, with no new application.
- Continuous testing since handbook version 5.2026 (new certification portal launched May 4, 2026); the individual Take 2 option was removed.
- The first attempt is included in the $475 application fee and must be taken within 90 days of approval or it is forfeited (eligibility continues).
- Facility purchasing program: retake $150.
- A retake will not use the same exam form as a previous attempt.
- After the 12-month eligibility period ends, current eligibility criteria and a new application apply.
- CNOR Candidate Handbook, Continuous Testing & Retakes (version 5.2026); CNOR certification page (Competency & Credentialing Institute)
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Next steps
Check your weakest subject area with the free CNOR practice set, or use the CNOR study planner for a first attempt.
Passy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). CNOR® is a registered trademark of CCI, used here only to identify the exam. Passy practice questions are original study material and contain no CCI exam items, sample questions, or practice-exam questions.