Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is a recognized credential for surgical technologists, showcasing proficiency and commitment to the field. It’s administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits the NBSTSA certification program.

Eligibility

For Graduates of a Surgical Technology Program: 

• The program must have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) during the candidate's enrollment. 

• Candidates must provide one of the following: 

• Notarized letter from the Program Director

• Graduation certificate

• Transcript

For Graduates of a Military Training Program in Surgical Technology: 

• The program could be CAAHEP accredited before, during or after the candidate's training. 

• Required documents include one of the following:

• DD214 form

• Graduation certificate

• Smart transcript

Completion Time: 4 hours

Cost: Non-refundable, $190 for Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) members or $290 for non-members

Exam Format

The CST examination includes 175 questions, with 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest items. The current passing score is a minimum of 102 correct answers out of the 150 scored questions.

Exam content includes:

• Perioperative Care: 97 items

  • Preoperative Preparation: 19 items

  • Intraoperative Procedures: 68 items

  • Postoperative Procedures: 10 items

• Ancillary Duties: 23 items

  • Administrative and Personnel: 7 items

  • Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance: 16 items

• Basic Science: 30 items

  • Anatomy and Physiology: 18 items

  • Microbiology: 6 items

  • Surgical Pharmacology: 6 items

Test Dates

CST certification exams are no longer scheduled on specific dates. They’re by appointment only. Testing centers have their own schedules, but most are available twice a day, 6 days a week.

Application Process

Applications may be submitted by mail or online.

Once you submit your application, allow 6 weeks for processing and receipt of your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. You must have an ATT letter before scheduling your exam. For a $50 fee, you may request rush processing that’s guaranteed to get your ATT letter sent to you within 3 to 5 days of application receipt.

The rush processing fee is on top of the $190 for AST members or $290 for non-members for the exam. If you choose rush processing, you must pay by credit/debit card or money order. The NBSTSA doesn’t refund application fees for ineligible applicants.

Exams are provided by appointment only. You must apply and be determined eligible to sit for the exam before making an appointment to test at a testing agency near you.

If you fail your exam, there’s no waiting period to test again. However, you can only take the exam three times per year and must submit a new application and exam fee on each attempt.

CST certification needs to be renewed every two years. Methods for renewal include earning and submitting the required continuing education (CE) credits to AST and submitting a renewal application to the NBSTSA or retaking and passing the national certifying examination through the NBSTSA.

Renewal fees will be refunded to ineligible applicants, minus a processing fee and rush processing fee if applicable.

• Standard Renewal Fee for CE Renewal: $25

Fees for Renewal by Examination:

• $299 for current AST members

• $399 for non-members

CSTs completing a 2-year cycle must earn 30 credits, which include 4 live CE credits. Those still completing a 4-year cycle must earn 60 credits for renewal. All CE credits must be earned through AST-approved sources. CSTs may also renew their credential through testing instead of submitting CE credits to the AST.

• Earn CE through the AST Continuing Education Resource Center or visit the Continuing Education Policies for the CST for more ways to earn CE

• Use the AST CE Reporting Form to submit CE credits

• Consider submitting required CE credits 60 days before credential expiration to any

The NBSTSA website offers a variety of study materials and resources to help candidates prepare for the CST exam. These resources include study guides, practice tests and reference materials.

• Candidate Handbook

• Content Outline

• Study Evaluation

• Reference Textbook List

• PSI Practice Exam Cost: $40

The NBSTSA also offers the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).

Professionals who have obtained the CST certification might also be interested in pursuing related certifications, such as:

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

• Perioperative Blood Management Technologist (PBMT)