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.

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.

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.

Preparation Level:

The difficulty of the CST exam is often a reflection of how well-prepared a candidate is. Those who invest time in comprehensive study and practice are likely to find the exam more manageable than those who do not.

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.

An official score report will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks after the exam is taken. To pass the exam, you will need to answer at least 102 of the 150 scored questions correctly.

Cost of Surgical Tech Certifications

The initial cost of the CST exam is $190 for Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) members and $290 for non-members. Recertification costs $25 every 2 years.

If you take the CST exam at a testing center, you will know in minutes whether you passed. If you take the exam on campus, your program director will let you know your results.

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.

How long is a CST good for? ›

CST certification needs to be renewed every two years. Methods for renewal include earning and submitting the required continuing education (CE) credits to AST and submitting a renewal application to the NBSTSA or retaking and passing the national certifying examination through the NBSTSA.

The CST certification offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) allows future surgical technologists to demonstrate their clinical skills and educational background. The exam has 175 questions. Applicants must correctly answer at least 98 questions to pass the CST examination.

1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.

Challenges in the Field

The operating room can be fast-paced and high-pressure, especially during critical surgeries. Staying focused and level-headed in these situations is essential for the well-being of the patient. If you thrive in a high-octane atmosphere, this might be a great fit for you.

What Should You Expect During the CST Exam? The CST is administered by computer and you will have four hours to answer all 175 questions. The questions are divided into three main sections: peri-operative care, additional duties, and basic science.

The current certification rate for National Board Certification is 71%. This rate is made up of over 24,300 educators who have achieved National Board Certification since 2017, out of over 34,200 candidates who have completed the assessment during that same time period*.

The overall pass percentage: 76%. NBCMI candidates can take the written exam either on-site or online through ProctorU. During 2022, the National Board granted a total of 537 Hub-CMI credentials.

A standard score of 95, equal to approximately 71% correct, is required to pass the CMSRN exam.