How many questions are on the CST exam?

The CST exam has 200 multiple-choice questions. Think of it as a marathon of surgical knowledge where you’ll need both stamina and strategy to make it through.

How long do I get to take the CST exam?

You’ll have 4 hours to complete the exam. That’s plenty of time to show what you know, but not enough to start planning your post-exam victory dinner mid-test.

What topics are covered on the CST exam?

The test covers perioperative care, ancillary duties, and basic science. Basically, everything from patient prep to sterilization to anatomy. If it happens in or around the operating room, expect a question about it.

What score do I need to pass the CST exam?

You need a scaled score of 70 to pass the CST exam. Don’t worry, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s showing you’ve got the knowledge and skills to be a safe, competent surgical tech. Think “solid and steady,” not “flawless robot.”

Where do I take the CST exam?

The exam is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country. In other words, you’ll likely take it in a small, quiet room with a camera staring at you more intently than your high school math teacher ever did.

How much does the CST exam cost?

The exam fee is $290 if you’re an Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) member and $499 if you’re not. Consider the AST membership the “Costco card” of surgical tech life. You pay a little upfront, but the savings kick in immediately.

How do I register for the CST exam?

You apply online through the NBSTSA website, submit your required documents, and pay the fee. No scalpel required, just a credit card and Wi-Fi.

When are CST exam dates offered?

The CST exam is offered year-round at testing centers, so you can schedule it when you’re ready. Just don’t wait until you’ve forgotten half of what you studied.

Do I need any prerequisites before taking the CST exam?

Yes. You need to graduate from an accredited surgical technology program or complete a military training program in surgical technology. In short, you can’t just walk in after binge-watching medical dramas.

Can I retake the CST exam if I don’t pass?

Yes, you can retake it up to three times in a calendar year. Think of it as extra practice runs, but let’s aim for passing the first time to save time and money.

Are there other exams related to the CST exam, and how are they different?

Yes. There’s also the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exam, which is more advanced and focuses on assisting the surgeon directly. The CST exam says, “I’m ready to scrub in,” while the CSFA exam says, “Hand me the scalpel, I’m in.”

How do I cancel my subscription?

We’re sorry to see you go, and if you’ve already passed your exam, congratulations! 🎉 Canceling is simple and can be done right from your phone: On iPhone (Apple ID): Go to your device Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions or use this link: Manage Subscriptions on iPhone. On Android (Google Play): Open the Google Play Store > Account > Subscriptions, select EZ Prep, and tap Cancel subscription. You can also go directly here: Manage Subscriptions on Android. If you need help at any point, reach out and we’ll walk you through it.

CST Exam
Prep

Study Smarter. Pass Faster. Stay Sane.

What's on the exam?

Preoperative Preparation
Intraoperative Procedures
Postoperative Procedures – Cleaning up without screwing up
Administrative & Personnel – Chain of command, ethics, and not getting fired
Equipment Sterilization & Maintenance – Because a rusty scalpel is never the right choice
Anatomy & Physiology – Know your organs, or get called out by a very loud surgeon
Principles of Microbiology – Bacteria: tiny, terrifying, and on the test
Surgical Pharmacology & Anesthesia – What goes in, what knocks them out, and what you better not mess up

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Katielpc+, 02/14/2025

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WhitneyShoe, 07/25/2025

“Well-written questions and explanations.”
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"It was very helpful to remind me what to prep for."

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Study Tips

The CST exam has 200 multiple-choice questions. Think of it as a marathon of surgical knowledge where you’ll need both stamina and strategy to make it through.
You’ll have 4 hours to complete the exam. That’s plenty of time to show what you know, but not enough to start planning your post-exam victory dinner mid-test.
The test covers perioperative care, ancillary duties, and basic science. Basically, everything from patient prep to sterilization to anatomy. If it happens in or around the operating room, expect a question about it.
You need a scaled score of 70 to pass the CST exam. Don’t worry, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s showing you’ve got the knowledge and skills to be a safe, competent surgical tech. Think “solid and steady,” not “flawless robot.”
The exam is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country. In other words, you’ll likely take it in a small, quiet room with a camera staring at you more intently than your high school math teacher ever did.
The exam fee is $290 if you’re an Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) member and $499 if you’re not. Consider the AST membership the “Costco card” of surgical tech life. You pay a little upfront, but the savings kick in immediately.
You apply online through the NBSTSA website, submit your required documents, and pay the fee. No scalpel required, just a credit card and Wi-Fi.
The CST exam is offered year-round at testing centers, so you can schedule it when you’re ready. Just don’t wait until you’ve forgotten half of what you studied.
Yes. You need to graduate from an accredited surgical technology program or complete a military training program in surgical technology. In short, you can’t just walk in after binge-watching medical dramas.
Yes, you can retake it up to three times in a calendar year. Think of it as extra practice runs, but let’s aim for passing the first time to save time and money.
Yes. There’s also the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exam, which is more advanced and focuses on assisting the surgeon directly. The CST exam says, “I’m ready to scrub in,” while the CSFA exam says, “Hand me the scalpel, I’m in.”
We’re sorry to see you go, and if you’ve already passed your exam, congratulations! 🎉

Canceling is simple and can be done right from your phone:
- On iPhone (Apple ID):
  Go to your device Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions or use this link: Manage Subscriptions on iPhone.
- On Android (Google Play):
  Open the Google Play Store > Account > Subscriptions, select EZ Prep, and tap Cancel subscription. You can also go directly here: Manage Subscriptions on Android.
If you need help at any point, reach out and we’ll walk you through it.