RNAS-C - Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified

The Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified (RNAS-C) credential validates a nurse's knowledge and skills in assisting during surgical procedures and taking care of patients in the immediate preoperative and postoperative phases. The National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) offers RNAS-C exam, which covers various perioperative skills and knowledge.

Completion: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the RNAS-C exam.

Cost:

• First attempt: $425

• Subsequent attempts: $325

Class Time Required

To be eligible for the RNAS-C certification exam, candidates must complete an RNFA program approved by NASC. RNFA programs typically require six credit hours of in-class instruction. These programs also include 120 clinical practicum hours, which candidates can use to satisfy the hour requirements for RNAS-C exam application.

Exam Format

The RNAS-C exam is a paper-based, proctored, multiple-choice exam consisting of 150 questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam, with an optional 15-minute break. The RNAS-C exam covers:

• Surgical Patient Care - 33 questions

• Surgical Skills - 33 questions

• Anatomy and Physiology - 33 questions

• Procedure Considerations - 33 questions

• Preoperative and Postoperative Considerations - 18 questions

Test Dates

Proctors are available anytime convenient for test takers, 365 days a year. After being authorized by NASC to test, candidates schedule a webcam-proctored exam through NASC’s partner, Prolydian. Test takers may reschedule up to four hours before their exam appointment.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the RNAS-C certification, candidates must have:

• A current registered nurse (RN) license

• Completed a Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) program

• BLS, ACLS, or CPR certification

• Completed 120 hours of documented first assisting experience within the past two years

• Earned one of the following certifications:

  • Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Certification Process

Candidates can complete the RNAS-C application on the NASC website. To complete the applications, candidates must:

• Create an account to access the application portal

• Collect all application documentation

• Include a letter of recommendation from a surgeon or an OR manager

NASC notifies candidates when they’re approved to take the RNAS-C exam. Test takers must complete the exam within 4 months of approval, or they forfeit their test fee.

The RNAS-C certification is good for 3 years. Candidates may recertify either by points or by retaking the RNAS-C exam.

To recertify by points, candidates must:

• 300 hours RNFA clinical practice every 3 years (minimum 250 intraoperative hours)

• Current BLS certification

• Earn 240 points through continued education and development activities, such as:

  • Required practice experience

  • Speaking at conferences

  • Attending relevant seminars

  • Completing additional college courses related to nursing or medicine

  • At least 50% of continuing education must address perioperative practice

• Fill out the RNAS-C recertification packet and submit it to NASC

To recertify by exam, candidates must:

• 300 hours RNFA clinical practice every 3 years (minimum 250 intraoperative hours)

• Current BLS certification

• Fill out the RNAS-C recertification packet and submit it to NASC

• Take and pass the RNAS-C certification exam

Renewal Fees

• Recertification by points: $275

• Recertification by exam: $325

Additional resources that may be helpful for nurses interested in the RNAS-C certification include:

• The NASC Guide to RNAS-C Certification

• The RNAS-C Exam Study Guide

• NASC's List of Acceptable RNFA Programs

After completing the RNAS-C certification process, nurses can pursue additional certifications and education. The next step is the Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) certification. CRNFA certification is for experienced nurses with a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice. Nurses may also seek education and certification as APRNs to expand their scope of practice.