{"id":8063,"date":"2024-03-12T14:00:10","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T14:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=8063"},"modified":"2024-03-15T15:22:18","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T15:22:18","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-the-cst-exam-with-practice-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/allied-health\/how-to-prepare-for-the-cst-exam-with-practice-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for the CST Exam (with Practice Questions)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you&#8217;ve completed a surgical technologist program and entered one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/fastest-growing-healthcare-careers-in-2024\/#24_surgical_technologist\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fastest-growing healthcare careers for 2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you might wonder what\u2019s next. The logical next move is to pursue the certified surgical technologist <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cst\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(CST) certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Although some states and employers don\u2019t require surgical techs to be certified, getting extra credentials and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/allied-health\/certified-surgical-technologist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">becoming a certified surgical technologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grants you the flexibility to work anywhere in the nation. Whether it&#8217;s your first attempt or you\u2019re taking another shot at it, we hope this article helps you better prepare for your CST exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Is the CST Exam?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CST exam, offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), is a comprehensive test that assesses a broad knowledge base to ensure the competency of entry-level surgical technologists. A personalized study plan tailored to your learning needs, time constraints and learning requirements is indispensable. The CST exam isn\u2019t an exam suited for last-minute cramming. Thoughtful preparation is the key to successfully navigating the complexities of the CST exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking the exam to obtain your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">surgical technologist certification<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> isn\u2019t just a credential\u2014it&#8217;s a commitment to excellence in your practice. Accreditation by a reputable organization holds you accountable and opens doors to numerous benefits. Certification is especially advantageous for those looking to level up their career and be the top pick for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/certified-surgical-technologist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">staff CST job<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/certified-surgical-technologist\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel CST role<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Who&#8217;s Eligible to Take the CST Certification Exam?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6305\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/01\/Surgical-Tech2-Resized-scaled-e1700205652588.jpg\" alt=\"Certified Surgical Technologist\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graduates from a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are eligible to sit for the CST exam. According to the NBSTSA website, you must provide one of the following documents to be eligible to register:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A letter on institutional letterhead, notarized by the Program Director, indicating your name, graduation date and degree type<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A duplicate of your graduation certificate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted, but NBSTSA may request an official transcript)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Understanding the CST Exam<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NBSTSA administers the CST exam and certification program. It complies with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. Some essential details about the exam include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Application Process: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create an account and log in to the practitioner page of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbstsa.org\/cst-first-timeretake-applicants#scrollNav-1\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NBSTSA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> website to submit your application. While mail-in applications aren\u2019t the preferred method and are susceptible to delays, they\u2019re accepted if necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Application Processing Time to Exam: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect a processing time of six weeks for your NBSTSA application and Authorization To Test (ATT) letter. Opt for rush processing at an additional $50 fee, guaranteeing a 3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 business day turnaround before mailing your ATT letter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>CST Exam Cost: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For first-time certification, the CST Exam costs $190 for Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) Members or $290 for non-members. The total testing fees are payable to NBSTSA in advance, with testing ineligibility resulting in a refund minus processing and rush-processing fees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exam Times: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exams are strictly by appointment. Apply, meet eligibility and schedule the exam at a nearby testing center. There are no fixed dates. Centers generally offer testing six days a week, twice daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>CST Exam Outline<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NBSTSA provides a comprehensive exam content outline to aid your study. Be aware the most recent outline is dated 2023, and as of 2024, there have been modifications to the question layout. The CST study evaluation provides a more accurate but less detailed summary of questions in each category.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s delve into the exam outline to assist you in your CST exam prep. Starting January 1, 2024, the CST Exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 25 for future exams (not impacting your score). You must answer 98 questions correctly within four hours to achieve a passing score.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are 97 questions on perioperative care, further divided into the following subcategories:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Perioperative Preparation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29 exam questions based on 27 key knowledge areas. Some specifics include hand washing, reviewing the surgeon\u2019s preference card, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), surgical scrub, draping patients and specialty equipment.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Intraoperative Procedures: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">66 exam questions derived from 29 points. These cover specific knowledge areas such as aseptic technique, performing counts, identifying instruments, monitoring medication, preparing dressings and wound sites.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Postoperative Procedures: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 exam questions related to 18 key areas. These questions include postoperative cleaning, patient transfers, case debriefing and inventory.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ancillary duties make up 20 questions on the exam under the following subtopics:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Administrative and Personnel: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 questions including areas such as ethics, culture and knowledge of concepts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 questions, including questions on troubleshooting equipment and decontamination.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The remaining questions on the exam evaluate the candidate&#8217;s proficiency in science, including 50 questions in anatomy and physiology, along with 10 each in microbiology and surgical pharmacology.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Setting Up Effective Study Techniques<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/12\/Studying-NCLEX-PN-practice-questions-scaled-e1701841437394.jpg\" alt=\"Studying NCLEX-PN practice questions\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Successfully navigating the CST exam requires a well-organized study approach. Establish a structured study plan that aligns with your learning style and preferences. If motivation is challenging, engaging in group study can provide accountability to your study plan. However, self-study might be the optimal choice if you\u2019re highly motivated. Striking a balance between both approaches also offers valuable benefits. Assessing your motivation levels helps you tailor your study strategy to maximize effectiveness and preparation for the CST exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure you gather reputable study materials, including essential textbooks, review programs, online resources or mobile apps tailored to the CST exam content. A comprehensive study strategy and the right resources help increase your confidence and success on the CST exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why are Practice Exam Questions Important?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice questions play a crucial role in CST exam prep by offering a simulated testing environment, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the actual exam. They also help you develop time management skills, ensuring you finish your exam in the time allotted. Practice questions are practical tools for reinforcing learned material, identifying areas of weakness and building confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effectively incorporating practice questions into your study plan is crucial for success. We recommend the following tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporate consistent practice, where questions become a routine part of your study.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review answers to understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect choices.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opt for timed sessions to enhance your ability to manage time effectively during the exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perform regular assessments to evaluate your knowledge and address weaker areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do a focused review of sections with consistently lower scores. If specific topics present challenges, consider exploring additional study materials or seeking clarification from a mentor or peer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>CST Practice Exam Questions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consistently and strategically incorporating practice questions into your study routine boosts overall preparedness for success on the actual exam. Here are three practice questions to engage your surgical tech mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Question:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In a sterile field, what is the primary purpose of maintaining an aseptic technique during a surgical procedure?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">a) Aesthetic presentation<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">b) Reducing instrument cost<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">c) Preventing infection<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">d) Improving instrument lifespan<\/p>\n<p><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> c) Preventing infection<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Rationale:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Aseptic techniques in a sterile field primarily aim to prevent infections by minimizing the introduction of pathogens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Question:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> What is the primary responsibility of a surgical technologist in the counting process during surgery?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a) Ensuring patient comfort\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">b) Maintaining accurate records\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">c) Confirming proper room temperature\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">d) Monitoring anesthesia levels<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> b) Maintaining accurate records<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Rationale:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The primary responsibility of a surgical technologist in the counting process is to maintain accurate records to ensure no surgical instruments or materials are left inside the patient after the procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Question: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a surgical procedure, what is the critical function of a surgical technologist when identifying instruments?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a) Enhancing the surgeon&#8217;s ego\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">b) Ensuring proper billing\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">c) Facilitating efficient teamwork\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">d) Avoiding unnecessary instrument use<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> c) Facilitating efficient teamwork<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Rationale:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identifying instruments during a surgical procedure is crucial for facilitating efficient teamwork among the surgical staff, ensuring the surgeon receives the correct instruments in a timely manner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Study Time Management Strategies<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7956\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/Nursing-student-Resized-scaled-e1707523583764.jpg\" alt=\"Nursing student studying\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effectively managing time during exam preparation involves balancing study, work and personal life. Setting realistic goals ensures a focused and achievable approach to your study plan. Recognizing the importance of breaks and downtime is equally vital, allowing for mental rejuvenation and preventing burnout. By implementing these time management strategies, you can optimize your study sessions, enhance productivity and maintain overall well-being throughout the preparation period.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Day-Of Test-Taking Strategies<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the crucial day of the CST exam, strategic preparation is vital to ensure a smooth experience. First and foremost, reduce any chance of self-induced error by knowing the test location, checking it out a day or two before, and understanding parking logistics, potential fees and traffic patterns around the exam time to avoid being late.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the inside of the facility the day before to understand the surroundings and locate the exam room. While you won\u2019t be able to enter, this familiarity minimizes surprises and contributes to a calm and confident mindset on exam day. Reducing uncertainties boosts nerve control, enhancing your overall readiness for success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another essential aspect is to ensure you have the required identification for admission to the test. Prepare your identification the night before the examination to avoid any last-minute surprises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NBSTSA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> website, exam candidates must present two forms of valid ID. One must be a photo ID. Accepted forms of ID include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driver\u2019s license with photograph<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State identification card with photograph<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military Identification card with photograph<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following are acceptable as secondary identification:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social security card\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment ID card\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Student ID card\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing your time during the exam is essential, allocating sufficient minutes to each question and avoiding spending excessive time on challenging ones. Overcoming test-related anxiety is crucial for optimal performance. Employ relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing and maintain a positive mindset to boost confidence. Remember that a well-prepared and focused approach on the day of the CST exam significantly contributes to a successful outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>After the CST Exam<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All candidates receive score reports. If you test 45 days post-graduation with transcripts submitted, you may get your report the same day. Unsuccessful candidates can reapply immediately without a wait period. Testing is limited to three times a year. NBSTSA keeps graduation details on file, but candidates must submit a new fee and application to retake the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Additional Resources<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Official NBSTSA CST Resources: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbstsa.org\/sites\/nbstsa\/files\/pdf\/2023_CST_B.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">2023 CST Candidate Handbook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbstsa.org\/sites\/nbstsa\/files\/pdf\/CSTSudyEvaluation.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CST Examination Study Evaluation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbstsa.org\/sites\/nbstsa\/files\/pdf\/2022_CST_ContentOutline.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CST Examination Content Outline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.lxr.com\/dept.aspx?id=68\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant Self-Assessment Examination<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbstsa.org\/sites\/nbstsa\/files\/pdf\/2019_CST_ReferenceList.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CST Reference List<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Helpful Online Resources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.periop-ed.com\/courses\/cst-on-demand-120-day-access\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Zander Perioperative Education: CST On Demand<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-paced, 120-day course\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on knowledge base with assessments and practice quizzes to test retention<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.examedge.com\/nbstsa\/cst\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>NBSTSA CST Practice Tests &amp; Test Prep by Exam Edge<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instant access to online practice exams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple test bundles to choose from 1-25 practice exams (each can be taken four times)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>The Best Book Resources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/422AZsy\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>CST Exam Prep Book 2024-2025<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comprehensive prep book with the latest requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1000 practice questions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 mock tests<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ujh8Jr\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>LANGE Q&amp;A Surgical Technology Examination, Eighth Edition<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over 1700-exam style questions with rationale<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organized into six sections to maximize study efficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3S1cozU\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Surgical Technology Review<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Includes 1-year subscription to Davis Edge online Q&amp;A practice\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Format and essential content review for CST exam prep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1,600 practice questions with detailed rationales<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3u6yysp\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Surgical Technologist Certifying Exam Study Guide<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only AST-endorsed study guide makes this a popular study book<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Six practice exams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1,386 practice questions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Embarking on the CST exam journey is a thrilling challenge. Whether you&#8217;re diving in for the first time or giving it another shot, keep in mind the game-changing power of certification in sculpting your surgical technologist career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certification is a golden ticket to more job opportunities and a boost in earning potential. Explore the details of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/certified-surgical-technologist\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">staff CST salaries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/certified-surgical-technologist\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel CST salaries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on Vivian Health\u2019s website for full salary transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find your first or next <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/certified-surgical-technologist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CST job on Vivian Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> faster and easier than before.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to advance your surgical tech career and stand out as the top job candidate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":8066,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[325,3,109],"tags":[148,19,402,411,463],"class_list":["post-8063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-allied-health","category-career-resources","category-healthcare-education","tag-allied-health","tag-allied-health-professional","tag-certified-surgical-technologist","tag-surgical-technologist","tag-surgical-tech"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Studying-Resized-scaled-e1724445528336.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8063"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8063\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}