Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) Exam Prep

Lesson 1.1: Overview of the CST Exam

Comprehensive Certification Guide • 2026 Edition

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam is the definitive benchmark for competency in the operating room. Administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), this credential validates your skills to employers nationwide.

💰 2026 Examination Fees

Secure your preferred rate by maintaining an active AST membership.

AST Members

$230

Non-Members

$340

Begin Application Process

📊 Exam Structure

The exam consists of **175 multiple-choice questions**. To ensure statistical accuracy for future versions, 150 questions are scored, while 25 are un-scored pretest items. The content breakdown is as follows:

97 Items
Perioperative Care

23 Items
Ancillary Duties

30 Items
Basic Science

🎓 Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet at least **one** of the following criteria to sit for the examination:

01.
Graduate of a Surgical Technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
02.
Currently or previously certified as a CST (for renewal or lapsed status).
03.
Graduate of a Military Surgical Technology program.

📚 Course Resources

This prep course utilizes the following primary references recommended by the NBSTSA:

Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery (16th Ed.)
Link to Material

Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice (7th Ed.)
Link to Material

Ready to Succeed?

Move to the next lesson to begin Module 1: The Surgical Technology Profession.