CSA-NCCSA - Certified Surgical Assistant

The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) credential, offered by the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), is a professional certification for individuals who provide surgical assistance during operations. Surgical assistants work closely with surgeons, ensuring the safe and efficient performance of surgical procedures by helping with tasks such as retracting tissue, suturing, hemostasis, and positioning patients.

The CSA credential is recognized in many healthcare facilities across the United States as a mark of professionalism and expertise in surgical assisting.

Eligibility

To qualify for the CSA exam, candidates must complete an accredited surgical assistant program or meet equivalent clinical and educational experience criteria. Candidates must meet one of the following pathways:

1. Graduate of an Accredited Surgical Assisting Program

   • Completion of a surgical assisting program accredited by organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

   • Programs typically include classroom education, clinical experience, and hands-on training in surgical environments.

2. On-the-Job Training and Experience

   • For experienced surgical assistants who did not graduate from a formal program but have substantial work experience in surgical settings.

   • Candidates must document clinical case experience and provide employer verification of their skills.

3. Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) or Other Medical Professionals

   • Individuals who are already certified or licensed in a healthcare field (such as CST, RN, or PA) and have received additional training in surgical assisting.

Completion Time: 4 hours

Cost: Exam fees are as follows:

• MD/DO: $100 Certification Fee and $350 Exam Fee

• Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited/NCCSA-approved SA Educational Program: $100 Certification Fee and $350 Exam Fee

• New graduate (within last 12 months): $50 Certification Fee and $200 Exam Fee

The CSA examination fee is due at the time of registration. A $50 non-refundable processing fee applies to all exam fees.

Exam Format

The CSA exam tests knowledge in anatomy, surgical procedures, instrumentation, and patient safety. Passing the exam demonstrates a standardized level of competency in surgical assisting. The CSA exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering key areas, 150 of which are scored. Subject areas include:

• Surgical Anatomy & Physiology

• Surgical Procedures & Specialties

• Surgical Instruments, Equipment & Supplies

• Infection Control & Sterilization

• Patient Safety & Care

• Professional Practices & Ethics

A passing score is 75%, and the minimum number of questions that must be answered correctly is 114. Official score reports will arrive from the NSAA within 2 weeks. Candidates who successfully pass the CSA examination will receive complimentary membership to the National Surgical Assistant Association for the remainder of the current calendar year.

Application Process

To register for the CSA Exam, please access the CSA Exam Application. An NCCSA representative will contact you via email within 48 hours to arrange the scheduling of your exam. 

If you need to reschedule your exam, you must notify the NCCSA at least 10 days prior to your scheduled exam date by completing the exam reschedule form. Please note that refunds are not available if you are unable to take the test on your original date. 

Additionally, there is a non-refundable fee for rescheduling your exam. If you fail to provide the required 10 days’ notice for rescheduling, an additional fee of $100 will be charged to accommodate the change.

A CSA must re-certify every 2 years to maintain their credentials. To receive your recertification certificate from the NCCSA, all recertification fees must be paid in full. The NCCSA offers three different methods for recertification: 

1. Recertification for NSAA members requires:

   1. 38 continuing education units (CEUs), including 8 from Live Events, submitted throughout the recertification period and the NSAA verifies CEUs on the member’s behalf

2. Recertification through submission of CEUs requires:

   1. 38 CEUs, including 8 from LIVE Events, submitted 60 days prior to the recertification date at one time

3. Recertification by retaking the certification exam requires:

   1. Passing the exam, which applicants must register for 60 days prior to recertification and pass before certification expiration

Renewal Fees

Renewal fees are based on the recertification route and include:

1. Recertification for NSAA members: No fee

2. Recertification through CE submission: $100 for CE processing and $600 recertification fee

3. Recertification by exam: $350 exam fee and $300 recertification fee

NSAA members must earn 38 CEUs every 2 years, including 8 from Live Events. They may submit these throughout the recertification period, and NSAA will verify them on their behalf and submit recertification requests to NCCSA.

Non-NSAA members must also earn 38 CEUs every 2 years, including 8 from Live Events, but they must submit them all at once, 60 days prior to their recertification date directly to NCCSA.

However, anyone who rectifies through exam doesn’t need to submit any CEUs.

To prepare for the exam, refer to the CSA Exam Outline provided by the NCCSA. This study guide is a valuable tool for helping you understand the exam format and highlighting the key areas of focus that will be covered on the exam.

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

• Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)