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CANDIDATEHANDBOOK2021 1ST EditionNational Examination for theCertified Surgical Technologist
Table of Contents3 Section One:ABOUT THE NBSTSA10 Section Five:CONTENT OUTLINE Mission and Vision History and Purpose Nationally Accredited Program Purpose of Certification Surgical Technologist Certifying ExaminationContent Outline Sample Questions for the CST Examination CST Reference List CST Examination Recommended References Study Tips4 Section Two:ELIGIBILITY Establishing Eligibility to Test Special Accommodations and Services Military Applicants Non-Discrimination Policy6 Section Three:SCHEDULING YOUR EXAMINATION16 Section Six:APPLICATIONS & FORMS Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Examination Application Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Renewal Application Request for Special ExaminationAccommodations Guidelines for Documenting a Request forTest Accommodations Appointment Identification Examination Day Reporting Time Inclement Weather, Power Failure or Emergency Examination Appointment Rescheduling Test Administration Examination Restrictions/Misconduct Examination Security9 Section Four:POLICY Re-Testing Denial/Revocation of Certification Policy Right to Appeal PolicyPhotography by Shelly Sobol Photography, Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting, Inc.2National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Section OneAbout the NBSTSAMISSION AND VISIONNATIONALLY ACCREDITED PROGRAMThe mission of the NBSTSA is to be the goldstandard provider of professional certificationof surgical technologists (CST) and surgicalfirst assistants (CSFA), supporting continuingeducation, thus promoting superior patient carein the surgical setting.The National Commission for Certifying Agencies(NCCA) reviews and grants accreditation to theNBSTSA for administration of both the CST andCSFA certifications.The vision of the NBSTSA is to continue tooperate as the gold standard provider ofcredentialing services for surgical technologistsand surgical first assistants, and to expand theprovision of high quality, safe patient care in thehealthcare community.HISTORY AND PURPOSECertification for surgical technology began in 1970when the first examinations were created andadministered by the AORT Advisory Committeeand the AORT Examination Committee. TheNational Board of Surgical Technology & SurgicalAssisting (NBSTSA), initially the LCC-ST, wasformally established in 1974 as the certifyingagency for surgical technologists.The NBSTSA is solely responsible for alldecisions regarding certification of surgicaltechnologists (CST) and surgical first assistants(CSFA). They determine eligibility to maintain,deny, grant and renew both designations.The NBSTSA is governed by a ten member Boardof Directors composed of: Seven Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs)and Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs); One public member; One surgeon, as appointed by the AmericanCollege of Surgeons (ACS); One surgical technology educatorThe purpose of the NBSTSA is to determine,through examination, if an individual has acquiredboth theoretical and practical knowledge ofsurgical technology or surgical first assisting. Inaddition, through the acquisition of continuingeducation credits or through re-examination, allCSTs and CSFAs are required to stay up to datewith ongoing changes in the medical field.The NCCA evaluates certifying agencies on acomprehensive set of criteria, including appraisingthe appropriate certification requirements,assessing the occupation being certified andweighing both the validity and reliability of thecertifying examinations, as well as the extent towhich the public interest is protected.PURPOSE OF CERTIFICATIONCertification as a surgical technologist or surgicalfirst assistant demonstrates that the individualmeets the national standard for knowledge thatunderlies surgical technologist and surgicalfirst assistant practices. Certified individualspossess mastery of a broad range of skills relatedto surgical procedures, aseptic technique andpatient care.Certification exhibits an individual’s pride inthe profession, the desire to be recognized formastery of scientific principles, as well as anongoing commitment to quality patient care.Certification is a means for upward mobility, acondition for employment, a route to higher payand a source of recognition nationwide.Approved candidates who take and pass the CSTor CSFA examinations are authorized to use theinitials CST or CSFA respectively, as long as theymaintain certification currency.CST, CSFA and CST/CSFA are federally registeredtrademarks and service marks owned bythe NBSTSA.2021 National Board of Surgical Technologyand Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). All RightsReserved. No portion of these materials may bereproduced, modified, distributed or otherwiseused without the prior written permission ofthe National Board of Surgical Technology andSurgical Assisting. 2021 CST Candidate Handbook3
Section TwoEligibilityESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY TO TESTTo become certified, individuals must first establish eligibility to test. The following table explains allavailable eligibility options and should be reviewed prior to submitting an examination application andrelated fees. The NBSTSA retains the sole authority to establish eligibility requirements, makes all finaldecisions regarding examination eligibility and does not refund processing fees or rush processing fees forcandidates who apply and are found to be ineligible.ELIGIBILITY TABLE1Current or previously Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Evidence of CST certification2A graduate of a surgical technology program accredited by theCommission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools(ABHES)www.caahep.orgwww.abhes.orgEvidence of graduation: copy of diploma,transcript or notarized and signed letter,MUST be on official school letterhead, fromprogram director or registrar stating date ofgraduation from the surgical tech programand type of degree received.3A graduate of a military training surgical technology programEvidence of graduation or DD214 or JointServices TranscriptOnce you have determined that you are eligible to sit for the examination, submit your application,supporting documentation and testing fees to the NBSTSA for processing. Once approved, the NBSTSAwill send you an Authorization To Test letter (ATT) which includes your ATT number and contactinformation for the testing agency, so you can schedule your examination.Individuals who obtained CST certification prior to September 1, 1977 can obtain current CST certification (with an expiringcertificate and number). Candidates may obtain currency by earning and submitting 30 continuing education credits (thatwere earned in the two (2) years prior to application submission) or retaking and passing the CST examination. For furtherinformation on obtaining certification currency, contact the NBSTSA at 800-707-0057.4National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Section TwoEligibilitySPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ANDSERVICESaid or service will be provided that wouldfundamentally alter the examination.The National Board of Surgical Technologyand Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) providesreasonable accommodations in accordancewith the Americans with Disabilities Actas amended (ADAAA) for individuals withdocumented disabilities who demonstrate aneed for accommodation(s). In accordance withthe ADAAA, the NBSTSA does not discriminateagainst individuals with disabilities in providingaccess to examination programs.ADAAA confidentiality: The NBSTSA strictlyadheres to a policy of confidentiality and doesnot disclose names of applicants with disabilitiesor information concerning the application oraccompanying documentation. Examinationsadministered with accommodations are notidentified to third party score recipients andare scored no differently than examinations ofother certification candidates. The applicationand guidelines related to examinationaccommodations may be found in the back of thisCandidate Handbook.ADAAA regulations define a person with adisability as someone with a physical or mentalimpairment that substantially limits one or moremajor life activities such as walking, seeing,hearing or learning.The purpose of accommodations is to provideequal access to NBSTSA examinations for allindividuals. Accommodations “match up” with theidentified functional limitation so that the area ofimpairment is relieved with an auxiliary aid or anadjustment to the testing procedure. Functionallimitation refers to the aspects of a disability thatinterfere with an individual’s ability to function;that is, what someone cannot do on a regular andcontinuing basis as a result of their disability.The purpose of documentation is to validate thatan applicant for test accommodations is coveredunder the ADAAA as a disabled individual.Comprehensive information by a qualifiedprofessional is necessary to allow the NBSTSAto understand the nature and extent of theapplicant’s disability and the resulting functionalimpairment that limits access to examinations.Documentation also allows the NBSTSA to provideappropriate accommodations for such a disability.The NBSTSA will provide, without cost tothe candidate, reasonable accommodationsdesigned to facilitate equal access to its certifyingexamination for those candidates whosedocumentation supports such a determination.In no case will accommodations be providedwhich would compromise the examination’sability to test accurately the skills and knowledgeit professes to measure. Similarly, no auxiliaryMILITARY APPLICANTSMilitary applicants stationed overseas mayrequest to test through their base educationoffice, rather than at one of the NBSTSA’sestablished testing centers.The base education center can administer a webbased examination if the military post is morethan 100 miles from a testing center. The NBSTSAwill mail the test results directly to the testingcandidate within six (6) weeks of the examination.To utilize the NBSTSA military base educationcenter applicants must select that optionon the examination application, requestingadministration through the base educationcenter. NBSTSA staff will contact the applicantto determine the base name, geographic location(base and country), the testing officer’s name,mailing address and telephone number. Allapplications must be received by NBSTSA aminimum of 45 days prior to the requestedexamination date.NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYThe NBSTSA accepts all properly completedapplications from qualified applicants regardlessof the applicant’s age, sex, race, religion, maritalstatus, disability or national origin.2021 CST Candidate Handbook5
Section ThreeScheduling your ExaminationAPPOINTMENTWhen you receive your ATT letter and ATTnumber, you may contact PSI by one of thefollowing methods. Be prepared to confirm adate and location for testing and to provideyour ATT number as your unique identificationnumber for scheduling.It is recommended that candidates call toschedule their test upon receipt of their ATT letterfrom the NBSTSA, even if they do not want totest immediately. The examination must be takenbefore the expiration date provided on the ATTletter to avoid forfeiture of examination fees.IDENTIFICATIONSchedule Online: Candidates may schedule anexamination appointment online by using the PSIonline scheduling system.To use this service: Visit schedule.psiexams.com. Follow the simple, step-by-step instructionsto choose your examination program andschedule your examination.To gain admission to the Assessment Center,candidates must present two (2) formsof identification (one must have a currentphotograph). Both forms of identification mustbe current and include the candidate’s currentname and signature. The candidate will alsobe required to sign a roster for verification ofidentity and attendance.ORAcceptable forms of identification include acurrent:1. Driver’s license with photograph2. State identification card with photograph3. Passport with photograph4. Military identification card with photograph5. Permanent resident card (green card) withphotograph6. Social Security card, employment ID card,student ID cards and any type of temporaryidentification are NOT acceptable as primaryidentification, but may be used as secondaryidentification.Schedule by Phone: Candidates may schedule anexamination appointment by calling PSI at:1-833-256-1425. This number is answered from: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CST) Monday–Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on SaturdaysThe examinations are administered byappointment only Mon–Sat at 9 a.m. and 1:30p.m. Individuals are scheduled on a first-come,first-serve basis.If you call PSI by3:00 p.m. Central Timeon.Saturday or MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridayUpon availability,your examination may bescheduled esdayCandidates are prohibited from misrepresentingtheir identities or falsifying information to obtainadmission to the Assessment Center.When the appointment is made, the candidatewill be given a time to report to the AssessmentCenter. Please make a note of it since aconfirmation letter will not be sent. Candidateswill only be allowed to take the examination forwhich the appointment has been scheduled.No changes in examination type will be madeat the Assessment Center. UNSCHEDULEDCANDIDATES (WALK-INS) WILL NOT BEADMITTED to the Assessment Center.If you do not have the required identification, PSItesting center staff will deny admission to thetest and all testing fees will be forfeited, since anappointment was reserved for you.6The name on the primary and secondaryidentification must match the name on yourAuthorization To Test letter (ATT).EXAMINATION DAY REPORTING TIMEPSI staff members will give you a specificreporting time when you schedule theexamination. Please allow sufficient time tofind the testing center. Make sure you have allNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Section ThreeScheduling your Examinationnecessary documents before you report forregistration. A candidate who arrives 15 minutesor more after their scheduled testing time willNOT be admitted. Candidates who arrive late areconsidered absent and forfeit all examinationfees paid.INCLEMENT WEATHER, POWER FAILUREOR EMERGENCYThere are six (6) acceptable reasons for laterescheduling or failing to appear:1. Serious illness - either the candidate orimmediate family members2. Death of an immediate family member3. Disabling accident4. Court appearance or jury duty5. Unexpected military duty call-up6. Extenuating circumstancesIn the event of inclement weather or unforeseenemergencies on the day of an examination, PSIwill determine whether circumstances warrantthe cancellation and subsequent rescheduling ofan examination. The examination is not typicallyrescheduled if the Assessment Center personnelare able to open the Assessment Center. Ifpower to an Assessment Center is temporarilyinterrupted during examination administration, theexamination will restart where it was interruptedand the examination will continue.Candidates must submit documentation inaddition to a written request outlining theiremergency for review by NBSTSA and PSI.Candidates will be notified as to whether or notthey are approved to retake the examination.Candidates may be responsible forprocessing fees.Candidates may contact the PSI Weather Hotlineat 800-380-5416 (24 hours/day) prior to theexamination to determine if PSI has been advisedthat the Assessment Center is closed. Everyattempt is made to administer the examination asscheduled; however, should an examination becancelled at an Assessment Center, all scheduledcandidates will receive notification regardingrescheduling or reapplication procedures. IfPSI is unable to honor the appointment, theexamination will be rescheduled to the firstavailable appointment of your choice (withinthe specified ATT eligibility period). Candidatesare asked to provide a primary phone numberduring the registration process so examinationadministrators can contact them in case of anunforeseen problem at the center.A candidate may reschedule an examinationappointment at no charge ONE (1) TIME by callingPSI at 1-833-256-1425 at least 48 hours prior tothe scheduled testing session. Candidates shouldkeep in mind that the rescheduled examinationdate must fall within their six (6) monthexamination eligibility period.In the event of an unforeseen personal emergency,variances from the policy may be consideredwhen the candidate submits a written statementof the reason(s) they were unable to take theexamination as scheduled or meet the 48 hourcancellation deadline. Candidates must contactNBSTSA office within five (5) business days of themissed exam. The written statements should beaccompanied by supporting documentation andreach the NBSTSA headquarters no later than 30business days after the scheduled examination.After your identification has been confirmed, youwill be directed to a testing carrel. You will beinstructed on-screen to enter your social securitynumber or ATT number. Your photograph will betaken and remain on the screen throughout yourexamination session. This photograph will alsoprint on your score report. Prior to attempting theexamination, you will be given the opportunity topractice taking an examination on the computer.The time you use for this practice examinationEXAMINATION APPOINTMENTRESCHEDULING/FAILURE TO REPORTOR TO SCHEDULE AN EXAMINATIONA candidate who wishes to reschedule his/herexamination appointment, but fails to contactPSI at least 48 hours prior to the scheduledtesting session will forfeit the total testingfee and will need to reapply with the NBSTSAand submit the appropriate examination fee toreceive a new Authorization To Test letter (ATT).TEST ADMINISTRATION2021 CST Candidate Handbook7
Section ThreeScheduling your Examinationis NOT counted as part of your examinationtime or score. When you are comfortable withthe computer testing process, you may quit thepractice session and begin the timed examination.EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS/MISCONDUCTquestions by any means, in whole or in part.Candidates are not permitted to discussexamination contents or remove examinationmaterials from the testing sites at any time. Doingso may subject the individual to severe civil andcriminal penalties. No textbooks, notes or study materials of anykind are allowed in the testing room. No personal items, valuables or weapons areallowed in the Assessment Center. Only keysand wallets may be taken into the testingroom. The NBSTSA/PSI are not responsible foritems left in the reception area. Use of cellularphones or other electronic devices is strictlyprohibited and will result in dismissal from theexamination. Pencils will be provided during check-in. Youwill be provided with scratch paper to useduring the examination. You must sign andreturn the scratch paper to the supervisor at thecompletion of testing, or you will not receivea score report. No documents or notes of anykind may be removed from the examinationroom. If you need a second piece of scratchpaper, you need to ask the test proctor foranother piece of paper and turn in the one youused before. No questions concerning the content ofthe examination may be asked during theexamination. The examination is four (4) hours in length.You may take a break whenever you wish, butyou will not be allowed additional time to makeup for time lost during breaks.EXAMINATION SECURITYThe NBSTSA and PSI maintain examinationadministration and security standards thatare designed to assure that all candidates areprovided the same opportunity to demonstratetheir abilities. The Assessment Center iscontinuously monitored by audio and videosurveillance equipment for security purposes.All examination questions are the copyrightedproperty of the NBSTSA. It is forbidden underfederal copyright law to c
Certification as a surgical technologist or surgical first assistant demonstrates that the individual meets the national standard for knowledge that underlies surgical technologist and surgical first assistant practices. Certified individuals possess mastery of a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique and
