Nbstsa Verification (2024)

FAQs

What is the pass rate for the NBSTSA exam? ›

At the heart of this journey lies a crucial milestone – the NBSTSA Surgical Technology Exam. This comprehensive exam contains 175 questions (150 graded) with a pass rate of just 73.7% in 2020. How can you best prepare for the CST exam?

Passing score - effective 1/1/2024, candidates must correctly answer 98 questions to pass the CST examination. There are 175 questions on the test, 150 of which are scored, and 25 of which are being tested for future examinations, and do not count for or against the individual taking the test.

You must be an AST member when you apply to receive the AST member discount. If I fail my examination how soon can I retest? There is no waiting period, so you may reapply immediately. Candidates may only test three times during one calendar year.

The NBSTSA will mail the test results directly to the testing candidate within six weeks of the examination. To utilize a military base education center, applicants must submit a letter with the examination application requesting administration through their base education center.

The first year including the updated ACFT at CST proved to be very impressive with a 93.3% pass rate. Out of 251 male Cadets who passed, 23 scored a 600, and out of 184 females who passed, 30 scored between 590-599.

The difficulty of the surgical tech exam will vary depending on the student. Students will have an easier time completing it by studying the topics covered on the exam and attending certification exam review classes.

Log-in from the comfort of your home or office at your assigned examination time. Verify your identity with the proctor. Complete your Online Proctored exam.

Any CST, CSFA, or CST/CSFA who wishes to renew more than 90 days after expiration, or who did not earn the required credits during their cycle must retake the certification examination and pay the fee for renewal by examination, which is $399 for current AST members or $499 for non-members.

Two Year Cycle - Fast Facts

New CSTs and CSFAs begin their first two-year cycle when certified. Thirty (30) continuing education credits, including 4 defined as advanced, will be required for a CST to renew at the end of the 2-year cycle. You earn credits for the cycle that you are currently in.

Which certification is best for surgical technologist? ›

The mission of the NBSTSA is to provide professional certification of surgical technologists (CST) and surgical first assistants (CSFA), thus promoting quality patient care in the surgical setting.

Online Results

Once you complete your exam and submit a score will appear on the screen. If you are 70 and above you will receive your congratulations letter and packet in 3 weeks. If you are 65 and below you received a failing score.

The CST examination includes 175 questions, with 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest items. The current passing score is a minimum of 102 correct answers out of the 150 scored questions.

Prepare with Pocket Prep and be ready for exam material on EKG Monitoring and Patient Care. A candidate must score a scaled score of 390 or higher to pass the NHA CET. NHA® CET is part of our Medical Pocket Prep that contains prep content for 18 other Medical exams.

Candidates are allotted a time limit of 2 hours to complete the patient care tech exam​. To pass, you'll need to score at least a 390 (on a scale of 200-500). According to the NHA, the estimated pass rate for the exam is 71.2%.