FAQ's

Q: Can I fax you my application?
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
Q: Is the examination on a computer?
Q: When are the examinations scheduled?
Q: How many questions are on the examination?
Q: How long will I have to take the examination?
Q: Do I need to have a current AST membership card on the day I take the examination?
Q: What is the cost of the test?
Q: How long does it take for the examination application review process?
Q: Can I give the doctor I work for the Experience Verification Form to complete for my surgical first assistant skills?
Q: If I fail my examination how soon can I retest?
Q: What do I need to take to the test center?

Q. Can I fax you my application?
A. No. We can only accept original signatures as part of the application package.

Q. Do you accept credit cards?
A. Yes. We are now proud to accept MasterCard or Visa. Signed Payment forms for credit cards may not be faxed. Credit card authorization cannot be accepted over the phone.

Q. Is the examination on a computer?
A. Yes. The test is computer based and allows you to change your answers, skip questions, and mark questions for review. Knowledge of computers and typing are not required to successfully take the examination. You will have your pass/fail results within 5 minutes of completing the examination.

Q. When are the examinations scheduled?
A. The examinations are by appointment only. You must apply, be found eligible, and make an appointment to take the examination with the testing agency in a location near you. Examinations are no longer scheduled on specific dates. Each testing center has its own schedule for testing; however, most of the centers are available 6 days a week.

Q. How many questions are on the examination?
A. The CST certifying examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.
The CFA certifying examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.
Each question has four choices listed, only one of which is correct. The answer to each question can be derived independently of the answer to any other question.

Q. How long will I have to take the examination?
A. You will have four hours to complete each exam.

Q. Do I need to have a current AST membership card on the day I take the examination?
A. No. You must be a member when you apply to receive the student discount.

Q. What is the cost of the test?
A. The CST Examination is $190.00 for AST Members or $290 for non-members. The full testing fee must be paid in advance to the NBSTSA. If an applicant is found to be ineligible the examination application fee will be refunded minus the processing fee and rush processing fee if applicable. The CFA Examination is $190.00 for AST Members or $290.00 for non-members. The full testing fee must be paid in advance to the NBSTSA. If an applicant is found to be ineligible the examination application fee will be refunded minus the processing fee and rush processing fee if applicable.

Q. How long does it take for the examination application review process?
A. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the NBSTSA to process your application.

Q. Can I give the doctor I work for the Surgical Experience Verification form to complete for my surgical first assistant skills?
A. Yes. The Surgical Experience Verification forms may be given directly to the Surgeon or Department Supervisor that has witnessed at least 350 cases and two full years of Surgical First Assistant experience during the last four. Remember the CFA application requires two and the forms must be notarized.

Q. If I fail my examination how soon can I retest?
A. Surgical Technologist candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the examination are able to re-test after six weeks. Surgical Technologist candidates may only test three times during any calendar year. Surgical First Assistant Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the examination are able to re-test after three months. The Supervisor’s Verification Forms are kept on file for two years. All applicants will be required to submit the testing fee each time they test.

Q. What do I need to take to the test center?
A. Two forms of Identification are required. Both must be current (not beyond the expiration date) and one must have a current photograph. Both forms must bear your name and your signature. You must present one of the following as the primary form of identification: Passport, driver's license with photograph, state identification card with photograph, military ID card with photograph. Acceptable forms of secondary ID include student ID card, employer ID card, social security card and any type of temporary identification. Candidates may not misrepresent their identities or falsify information to obtain admission to the Assessment Center.