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NBSTSA CST
Exam Prep

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting: Certified Surgical Technologist™
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View all 3 NBSTSA CST Subjects
I. Perioperative Care
89%
8 of 9 Correct
II. Ancillary Duties
56%
5 of 9 Correct
III. Basic Science
38%
3 of 8 Correct
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CSTs are integral to the success of a wide variety of surgical operations, contributing to patient safety and the efficiency of the surgical team.
The NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist™ (CST) exam is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of individuals wishing to become certified surgical technologists. The CST certification is recognized across the United States and is often required by employers in the surgical field.

The exam covers a wide range of topics relevant to surgical technology, including perioperative care, surgical procedures, pharmacology, medical terminology, and the application of sterile and aseptic techniques. Passing the CST exam demonstrates that an individual has met the national standards for knowledge and skills in surgical technology, qualifying them to assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

To be eligible to take the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Graduation from a Surgical Technology Program: Candidates must have graduated from a surgical technology program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

2. Military Training: Individuals who have completed a formal surgical technology training program during their military service are also eligible.

3. Work Experience: Experienced surgical technologists who do not have formal education in surgical technology but have accumulated a significant amount of work experience may also be eligible to take the exam under specific conditions set by the NBSTSA.

4. Previously Certified: Individuals who were previously certified by the NBSTSA and whose certification has lapsed can take the exam to regain their certified status.
NBSTSA CST Certifying Examination Content Outline
The NBSTSA CST exam contains 175 questions total – 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions.
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