The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), is the most nationally recognized surgical technology credential in the United States. Surgical technologists are vital operating room professionals who manage surgical instruments, maintain the sterile field, and ensure every surgical procedure runs seamlessly. The CST certification is endorsed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), and multiple other prestigious medical organizations — no other surgical technologist certification can make this claim.

Certification Structure

Credential — CST (Certified Surgical Technologist), issued by NBSTSA. NCCA-accredited certification program
Prerequisites — Must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program (typically Associate degree, 12–24 months) OR meet alternative eligibility through military training or equivalent experience
Exam Format — Computer-based exam with 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored), completed in a timed testing session at Pearson VUE centers
Subject Areas — Preoperative Preparation (19 items), Intraoperative Procedures (68 items), Postoperative Procedures (10 items), Administrative and Personnel (7 items), Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance (16 items), Anatomy and Physiology (18 items), Microbiology (6 items), Surgical Pharmacology (6 items)
Passing Score — Determined by subject-matter expert standard setting; score report provided immediately after testing
Renewal — Certification must be maintained through continuing education credits or re-examination

What You Will Learn (via Accredited Programs)

Surgical Procedures — Instrument handling, tissue retraction, hemostasis, wound closure techniques, and procedural protocols across general surgery, orthopedics, cardiovascular, neurosurgery, ENT, ophthalmology, OB/GYN, and other specialties
Sterile Technique — Surgical scrubbing, gowning, gloving, draping, maintaining the sterile field, and aseptic principles critical to preventing surgical site infections
Anatomy and Physiology — Comprehensive study of human body systems as they relate to surgical procedures, anatomical landmarks, and tissue identification
Surgical Pharmacology — Local and general anesthetics, hemostatic agents, antibiotics, irrigation solutions, and medication handling in the sterile field
Equipment and Instrumentation — Proper use, care, sterilization, and troubleshooting of surgical instruments, electrosurgical units, laparoscopic equipment, and robotic surgical systems
Preoperative and Postoperative Care — Patient transport, positioning, skin preparation, specimen handling, wound care, dressing application, and operating room turnover procedures
Clinical Rotations — Extensive hands-on training in live operating rooms (typically 400–700+ clinical hours) across multiple surgical specialties

Why This Certification Stands Out

Key advantages: (1) Only NCCA-accredited surgical technology certification in the U.S. (2) Endorsed by American College of Surgeons, AST, ASA, AANA, ASPAN, AASPA, and CSPS — unmatched professional recognition. (3) Required or preferred by most employers nationwide and required by many states for practice. (4) Operating room demand is recession-proof — surgeries happen regardless of economic conditions. (5) Clear advancement pathways to surgical first assistant (CSA), OR management, and surgical device industry roles. (6) Travel surgical tech opportunities offer premium pay ($1,800–$3,000/week).

Career Outcomes

Surgical technologists earn a median salary of $60,610/year (BLS, May 2024), with experienced CSTs in specialized settings earning $70,000–$85,000+. Travel surgical techs earn $1,800–$3,000/week. Job growth of 5% projected through 2033 (BLS). Employment primarily in hospitals (70%), outpatient surgical centers (16%), and physicians offices. CST-certified professionals earn significantly more than non-certified surgical techs and have substantially better employment prospects. Many CSTs advance to surgical first assistant roles (median $55,000–$85,000 with additional certification).

Who It Is For

Students in or considering CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology programs, military surgical technologists transitioning to civilian practice, healthcare workers interested in the operating room environment, career changers drawn to fast-paced clinical roles, and current surgical techs seeking certification to meet employer or state requirements.

Pricing

CST Exam Fee: approximately $295–$350. Study materials and review courses: $100–$500. Surgical technology Associate degree programs: $8,000–$35,000 (community colleges at the lower end, private institutions higher). AST student membership: $35/year. Total certification exam costs: $395–$850. Financial aid, VA benefits, and employer sponsorship widely available for accredited programs.

Cst certification — certified surgical technologist via nbstsa

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