The CST exam leads to the Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the NBSTSA. Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, maintain the sterile field and pass instruments during surgery. Instrument reprocessing is covered by the CRCST exam.
Practice on the free CST practice test.
Key takeaways
- 175 questions (150 scored, 25 pretest) in 4 hours.
- A raw score of 98 out of 150 passes.
- Fees depend on AST membership.
- Covers perioperative care, sterile technique, instruments and anatomy.
USA CST Exam: Quick Facts
- Offered by
- NBSTSA
- Questions
- 175 (150 scored)
- Time
- 4 hours
- Passing
- 98 / 150
CST Exam Topics
- Perioperative care: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative
- Ancillary duties: sterilization, supplies and equipment
- Basic science: anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology
Free practice test
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Go to the USA CST Exam practice test →USA CST Exam FAQs
Who can take the CST exam?
Graduates of accredited surgical technology programs, plus some military and other eligible routes set by the NBSTSA.
Full answer →Official sources
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