CST study guide
CST · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®) credential is issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), which describes itself as the premier standard in certification for the surgical technology field. The credential is built for practicing surgical technologists who want to demonstrate a level of training, professional competency, and commitment above that of a non-certified technologist. NBSTSA also issues the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA®) credential, the advanced step for technologists who assist the surgeon directly with tasks such as controlling bleeding and closing incisions. The CST exam samples the full perioperative role: preparing instruments and supplies, establishing and protecting the sterile field, anticipating the surgeon's needs during the procedure, managing counts and specimens, handling post-procedure care, and applying professional and administrative knowledge such as documentation, standards, and patient-safety practices. The CST study guide has 4 sections and about 1,472 words.
01Preoperative Preparation: Verification, Readiness, and the Time-Out
Identify the patient with two independent identifiers (name plus date of birth or medical record number); never use the room number. Cross-check the armband against the chart, the consent form, and the OR schedule.
380 words, about 2 min02Intraoperative Care: Sterile Field, Counts, and Equipment Safety
Only sterile items belong on the field, and the field is sterile only at table level. The gown is sterile from chest to waist and along the sleeves to the cuffs; gloves are pulled over the cuffs.
378 words, about 2 min03Postoperative Care: PACU Monitoring, Handoff, and Complications
Give a structured report (SBAR) covering procedure, anesthesia, estimated blood loss, fluids, drains, counts, implants, allergies, and any intraoperative events. In the PACU, priorities are airway, breathing, circulation, and temperature.
354 words, about 2 min04Administrative and Professional Knowledge: Sterility Assurance, Safety, and Ethics
Surgical conscience means doing the right thing when no one is watching: admitting a break in technique, discarding a contaminated item, and speaking up. Know your state's scope of practice and facility policy, and delegate only tasks within that scope.
360 words, about 2 min