Nbstsa Verification (2024)

FAQs

What is a NBSTSA certification? ›

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting determines, through examination, if an individual has acquired both theoretical and practical knowledge of surgical technology or surgical first assisting.

At the heart of this journey lies a crucial milestone – the NBSTSA Surgical Technology Exam. This comprehensive exam contains 175 questions (150 graded) with a pass rate of just 73.7% in 2020. How can you best prepare for the CST exam?

Please allow up to 6 weeks for the NBSTSA to process your application and mail your Authorization To Test (ATT) letter. You may choose to add rush processing for your application for an additional $50 charge.

Passing score - effective 1/1/2024, candidates must correctly answer 98 questions to pass the CST examination. There are 175 questions on the test, 150 of which are scored, and 25 of which are being tested for future examinations, and do not count for or against the individual taking the test.

The CST exam is a comprehensive and challenging assessment designed to ensure that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as surgical technologists. While the exam's difficulty level can be daunting, thorough preparation and a strategic approach can make a significant difference.

RE-TESTING

Surgical technologist candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the examination may test up to a total of three (3) times in a calendar year. Candidates are required to pay the total testing fee (processing and examination) each time they test.

The CST certification offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) allows future surgical technologists to demonstrate their clinical skills and educational background. The exam has 175 questions. Applicants must correctly answer at least 98 questions to pass the CST examination.

To pass the exam, you will need to answer at least 102 of the 150 scored questions correctly.

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, work alongside and assist surgeons, nurses, and other members of the health care team throughout a surgical operation. The role of the surgical technologist is incredibly important because they ensure a sterile and organized environment.

Log-in from the comfort of your home or office at your assigned examination time. Verify your identity with the proctor. Complete your Online Proctored exam.

How much does CST cost? ›

Cost of Surgical Tech Certifications

The initial cost of the CST exam is $190 for Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) members and $290 for non-members. Recertification costs $25 every 2 years.

All states accept the NCCT certification.

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) has seven NCCT healthcare certification programs that are nationally recognized and have been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The mission of the NBSTSA is to provide professional certification of surgical technologists (CST) and surgical first assistants (CSFA), thus promoting quality patient care in the surgical setting.

The purpose of the NBSTSA is to determine, through examination, if an individual has acquired both theoretical and practical knowledge of surgical technology or surgical first assisting.

Individuals have the right to appeal decisions made by the NBSTSA regarding their certification and/or eligibility for certification and/or recertification.

The CST certification offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) allows future surgical technologists to demonstrate their clinical skills and educational background.

Occasionally, the term surgical technician is used to denote someone who has primarily on-the-job training, with little to no supplemental education, whereas a surgical technologist has earned his or her degree from an accredited program.

Professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and healthcare providers around the nation recognize the NCCT and the credentialing it offers. Many states and healthcare organizations require surgical technicians to earn their certification and register with the state.