CST Examinations
Eligibility & Fees
Establishing Eligibility to Test
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) retains the sole authority to establish eligibility requirements and make all final decisions regarding eligibility.
Before testing, individuals must first establish eligibility by submitting the appropriate examination application form along with the correct fees. NBSTSA does not refund processing fees for ineligible candidates.
Once approved, NBSTSA provides candidates with an Authorization to Test number (ATT), and both the phone number and web address to contact the testing agency to schedule the test.
NBSTSA accepts all properly completed applications from qualified applicants regardless of the applicant’s age, sex, race, religion, marital status, disability or national origin.
For a list of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP) approved surgical technology programs go to www.caahep.org or
call 727-210-2350. For a list of Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) approved
surgical technology programs go to www.abhes.org or
call 703-917-9503.
Eligibility Options:
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST ELIGIBILITY OPTIONS |
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| Option | If you are... | then you need the following documentation: |
1 |
Current or previously Certified Surgical Technologist |
Evidence of CST Certification |
2 |
Graduate of a surgical
technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) |
Evidence of proof of graduation. |
3 |
Graduate of a surgical technology accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) www.abhes.org |
Evidence of proof of graduation. |
4 |
Army, Navy and Air Force trained personnel in surgical technology that meet the eligibility criteria established by the NBSTSA are eligible to test in the CST examination program. Below are the dates that each branch of the military was accredited. If you graduated during the time the branch was accredited, you have been and are still eligible for the CST examination. If you graduated after the branch was no longer accredited, you are now eligible for the CST examination under the new eligibility criteria. Army: July 2, 1998 through February 1, 2003 Navy: San Diego: September 26, 1988 through present Portsmouth: January 23, 1990 through present Bethesda: April 7, 1990 through February 15, 1999 Oakland: June 18, 1990 through March 21, 1995 Air Force: August 27, 1976 through October 2, 2002 NBSTSA will require all military applicants to submit a completed CST examination application, a DD214 demonstrating graduation from a military training program and/or a graduation certificate. Additionally, a notarized verification form from the candidate’s current commanding officer or surgical department director attesting to completion of surgical case experiences as defined by the most current edition of the AST Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology will be required to verify clinical experience. Clinical case verification is waived in the event the candidate graduated from a military ST program that was accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) at the time of graduation. Click here for all forms if you qualify for the new Military Eligibility Criteria. |
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TESTING FEES |
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Processing Fee |
AST Member Fee |
All Other Applicants Examination Fee |
Total Fee |
$60 |
$130 |
$230 |
$190/$290 |
CST Examination Preparation & Content Outline
The National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists and Surgical First Assistants covers the knowledge and skills common to competent entry-level Surgical Technologists and Surgical First Assistants in varied settings and geographical locations. NBSTSA committee members designed the examinations to assess the skills that comprise the core body of knowledge for all surgical technologists and surgical first assistants. The CST and CSFA examinations examine practical knowledge, and one night of studying will not lead to passing grades.
The following steps can help you prepare:
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Read through the Examination Content Area Outline. All the areas listed may appear on the examination. Mark those areas with which you are not familiar or comfortable. Study those areas, or possibly attend a class or seminar. Remember the CSFA and CST examination is a broad knowledge based examination that does not test in one specific subject area or surgical specialty.
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Read through the reference list (found in the candidate handbook). These references are the primary sources of information used when the examination questions were developed. Use these references to review and refresh your knowledge, particularly in the areas you identified as unfamiliar when you reviewed the Examination Content Area Outline.
- Call and schedule an appointment as soon as you are ready to test to increase the chances of getting the time and date you want. Saturday appointments fill quickly.
- Know the location of the test center, including parking areas, as well as the actual location of the test room. If necessary, call the test center facility to get directions.
- You will need your identification for admission to the test. Prepare them the night before so there are no surprises the day of the examination.
CST Examination Content Outline
The CST Examination Content Outline can be found on pages 10-13 of the Candidate Handbook.
Reference Materials
Click here to review the current Certified Surgical Technologist textbook list
How to Apply
The 2012 CST applications are now available for download.
Click here if you are a new CST applicant.
Click here if you qualify for the new Military Eligibility criteria.
CST Practice Examinations
Take the Practice Examination, available through the NBSTSA. The cost to take the Practice Examination is $40.00. These examinations are computer based simulations of the actual CST examinations. Candidates will receive an analysis of individual questions and performance.
Examination Development – CST Examination
The Examination Review Committee for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST-ERC) has the responsibility within NBSTSA for examination design and development of the national certifying examination for surgical technologists.
The CST-ERC is responsible for reviewing, editing, referencing and categorizing examination questions in accordance with Examination Content Outlines. CST-ERC members also participate in the Job Analysis survey.
The CST-ERC evaluates the examination for quality and continuity, as well as reviews statistical data on question performance. This assures the relevancy, currency and accuracy of the content of the CST examination. Professional psychometricians from Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) assist the CST-ERC in this process.
CST-ERC is composed of members representing the major geographical areas of the country to prevent regional bias on the examination. The committee consists of eight (8) professionals with the following qualifications:
- Five (5) practicing Certified Surgical Technologists (CST)
- Two (2) surgical technology educators from a NBSTSA recognized program;
- One (1) Board Certified Surgeon.