Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Test

The CST exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions. The passing score is determined through a criterion-referenced process and is typically reported as a scaled score of 102 out of 150. You will not know which questions are scored, so it is important to treat every question with equal effort.

The single most important resource is the official CST Exam Study Guide and the detailed content outline provided by the NBSTSA. This outlines every topic you are responsible for. Supplement this with a comprehensive surgical technology textbook, such as the AST's Core Curriculum, and reputable online question banks that offer detailed rationales for answers.

Yes, through the 'Experience Pathway.' You must document a minimum of two years (or 120 cases) of full-time experience as a surgical technologist within the past four years, verified by a supervising surgeon. You must also have completed a didactic component. All requirements must be meticulously verified by the NBSTSA before you are authorized to test.

A dedicated study period of 2-3 months is recommended for most candidates. Create a structured schedule that allows you to cycle through all major content areas multiple times, with increasing focus on your weaker subjects. Consistent, daily review is more effective than cramming.

You may retake the exam. The NBSTSA allows up to four total attempts, with a mandatory 30-day waiting period between the first and second attempts, and a 90-day wait between subsequent attempts. Use the detailed performance report provided after your attempt to target your areas of deficiency for focused remediation.