TS-C (NCCT) - Tech in Surgery-Certified

The Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) certification is designed for surgical technicians who assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. This certification validates a technician’s competence in understanding surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, patient care, and equipment handling. This certification is provided by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Completion Time: 4 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program or equivalent military training.

• Alternatively, a certain amount of work experience as a surgical technician may be acceptable.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• To pass the NCCT’s TS-C certification examination, a scaled score of at least 70 is required. 

Cost: $199 (NCCT)

Exam Format

The TS-C exam typically includes 175 multiple-choice questions (25 unscored) covering areas such as surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, patient care, surgical instruments and equipment, and perioperative management.

Apply for the TS-C certification through a certifying organization like NCCT.

Meet the eligibility criteria and pass the TS-C certification examination.

TS-C certification requires yearly renewal. The credential remains valid for five years from the certification issue date. If you do not complete the annual requirements for five consecutive years, the certification becomes invalid.

Annual fee:

• $89 to recertify a single NCCT certification

• $118 when recertifying 2 or more certifications at the same time

Annual CE/CEU requirement:

• TS-C requires 14 contact hours (CH)

• If TS-C is held with another NCCT credential, the annual CH defaults to 14

Continuing education for TS-Cs may include new surgical techniques, updates in infection control, technological advancements in surgery, and patient care in the perioperative environment.

• Candidate Handbook

• Test Plan

• Exam Preparation Materials (Cost varies)

For specific information regarding Tech in Surgery-Certified certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or other relevant certifying organizations. These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for professionals in the field of surgical technology.

Career Opportunities

TS-C certified professionals work in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and other medical facilities.

Responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, assisting in surgeries, and ensuring sterile conditions.

The NCCT also offers the following certifications:

• National Certified ECG Technician (NCET)

• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

• National Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)

• National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)

• National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT)

• National Certified Insurance & Coding Specialist (NCICS)

• Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)