Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam Preparation Course

Course Description

This course is intended for individuals preparing to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national certification exam.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the exam structure, test sections, and preparation strategies. The course is suitable for:

  • Graduates of CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology programs
  • Individuals currently working as Surgical Technologists in Operating Rooms, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Labor & Delivery, or Endoscopy units in Massachusetts

Before You Enroll

  1. Confirm Program Accreditation

Before enrolling, verify that your surgical technology program was CAAHEP or ABHES accredited at the time you attended.
To confirm accreditation, call NBSTSA at 800-707-0057.

Please note: It must be the program itself that holds accreditation, not just the institution as a whole.

Note: If you completed the Surgical Technology program at BHCC, you may enroll in this course. The BHCC program is accredited.

  1. Register with NBSTSA

Before scheduling the CST exam, you must:

  • Create an account with the NBSTSA
  • Submit the required documentation (proof of attending an accredited program)
  • Pay the exam fee: $190 for AST members or $290 for non-members

Visit NBSTSA.org for more information.

Course Details

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Schedule: One evening per week
  • Total hours: 16
  • Delivery: Online, real-time instruction

A course link will be emailed to enrolled students. The course covers preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures, test format, question types, and the structure of the CST exam.

Students are expected to have a solid understanding of medical terminology and anatomy & physiology prior to enrollment.

Technology Requirements

To participate, students must have:

  • A computer with high-speed internet
  • A webcam or built-in camera
  • Built in audio

Course Materials

The required textbook is not included in the tuition.
Textbook: Secrets of the CST Exam Study Guide by Mometrix
Available through the BHCC Bookstore or online retailers.

How to Register for the CST Exam

  1. Join AST / Create an account at NBSTSA.org
  2. Submit the application and required documents
  3. Choose the appropriate application path: First Time or Retake Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can enroll in the prep course?

Anyone who graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Surgical Technology program.

2. How much time should I dedicate to preparation?

This course is 16 hours of guided instruction. Weekly self-study is essential and highly recommended. This course is meant to supplement—not replace—independent exam preparation.

3. What foundational knowledge should I have?

Students should be familiar with aseptic techniques, surgical procedures, and case management. Lacking this background may limit your ability to succeed on the exam, even if you complete the course.

4. What happens after I finish the prep course?

Once you complete the course, you can register for the exam through the NBSTSA. Please note that BHCC does not handle test registration.

5. How do I determine if I’m eligible to test?

Only NBSTSA can determine exam eligibility.
Review eligibility criteria by visiting the Eligibility to Test page on the NBSTSA website.

6. Where can I find information about exam process and fees?

Visit the CST Examination Process and Fees page on the NBSTSA site.

9. What book is used for the prep course?

After registering, students must purchase Secrets of the CST Exam by Mometrix.
This study guide is designed to help students understand what to expect and how to best prepare for each section of the exam. It is written in clear language and includes tips, review content, and practice materials.