CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant

A Certified Surgical First Assistant (CFSA) works directly with surgeons and the operating room team, anticipating the surgeons needs during the operation. In this role, you not only help the surgeon select equipment. You also provide hands-on help during the surgery when needed by stopping bleeding and holding open or closing incisions. 

This certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is required for graduates of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approved surgical first assistant program before they can start their careers.

Costs

If you are a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), the exam costs $190. It is $290 for non-members. Re-take fee is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.

It can take as many as six weeks for your application to be processed. The exam questions on this four-hour test are based on the tasks necessary to perform successfully in this role. It consists of 175 questions, 150 of which are scored and 25 of which are unscored test questions. To pass, you must get 97 of the 150 scored questions correct. If you do not pass, you can retake the test up to three times in a calendar year.

To apply to take this exam, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Graduate from a Surgical First Assisting Program with CAAHEP credentials

• Provide one of the following: 

  • A notarized letter on the school’s letterhead from the program director stating your name, program, and date of graduation

  • A copy of your completed program certificate

  • A transcript from your school

You can apply to take the exam online or by mail.

Once your application is approved, you will schedule the exam through PSI online or by phone. You will need to bring two forms of identification with you to the testing site.  

You must renew your certification every two years.

There are two ways to do so. First, you can earn and submit 38 CU credits using AST-approved sources and then submit the renewal application to the NBSTSA. The other option is to retake the certifying examination.

Renewal Fees

• Renewing by Exam: $299 for AST members and $399 for non-members

• Renewing by Continuing Education (CE): $25

• Renewing 1-90 days after expiration date: $75 late fee

The NBSTA offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Outline

• Textbook List

• Practice Exam Cost: $40

• Study Evaluation

The NBSTA also offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).