Renewal Options

 

Importance of Renewal

Commitment to professional development, continuing education, and ongoing credentialing is a hallmark of professional practice. The decision to renew a CST or CSFA credential is an important component in the delivering of the best care possible for the surgical patient. The credentialed surgical technologist or surgical first assistant is a valuable and contributing member of the surgical team.   NBSTSA commends all of their Certified Surgical Technologists and Certified Surgical First Assistants for their ongoing commitment to the renewal of their professional credentials.

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Overview of Renewal Options

NBSTSA renews certification every four years. The date certification expires is printed clearly on your card and certificate.

Individuals renewing certification, before their expiration date, must submit the CST or CSFA renewal application to NBSTSA and pay the established recertification fee. Upon satisfying renewal requirements, NBSTSA recertifies the individual and issues a new certification card and certificate.

Individuals can use the following methods to renew certification:

  • Retake and pass the national certifying examination
  • Earn & Submit Continuing Education credits

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Testing Fees for Renewal

CURRENT OR PREVIOUS CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
renewing certification by examination.
Current AST/ASA Members:
Processing Fee Examination Fee Total Fee
$60 $339 $399
Non-Members:
Processing Fee Examination Fee Total Fee
$60 $439 $499

CURRENT OR PREVIOUS CERTIFIED SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT
renewing certification by examination.
Current AST/ASA Members:
Processing Fee Examination Fee Total Fee
$60 $339 $399
Non-Members:
Processing Fee Examination Fee Total Fee
$60 $439 $499

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Renewal By Continuing Education Credits

CST’s must earn 60 credits to renew their credential.

CSFA’s must earn 75 credits to renew their credential.

Please remember renewing your credential is a two-step process: 1) submit CE credits to AST and 2) submit the appropriate renewal form to the NBSTSA with the renewal fee. If you have any questions please contact AST (800-637-7433 or www.ast.org) or NBSTSA (800-707-0057).

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Late Renewal

Individuals renewing their credential beyond the expiration date (late renewal) may do so by one of the following methods:

  • Retake & pass the national certifying examination & pay all appropriate fees.
  • May renew by credits and pay all appropriate late fees.

Contact the NBSTSA for the late renewal by credit fee structure. IMPORTANT: Individuals who's certification has lapsed will be issued a new certification number upon satisfying renewal requirements.

It should be noted that if credits were not completed (meaning that the correct amount were not earned within the renewal cycle) then the policy does not apply, and the certification examination must be taken for renewal.

Policy for late renewal

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Renewal Rationale

  • Rapid changes in the operative arena necessitate ongoing and frequent assessment of continuing competence of the surgical technologist and surgical first assistant.
  • Similar to standards established in comparable medical/ nursing / and allied health professions the NBSTSA has determined that a four year re-certification cycle is appropriate in the assessment of continuing competence of the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).
  • Effective January 1, 2009 all candidates successfully acquiring certification as a surgical technologist or surgical first assistant through the NBSTSA will be required to demonstrate continuing competence and credential renewal via a four year re-certification cycle.
  • Continuing competence and credential renewal for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) may be accomplished via submission of continuing education credits or re-examination.

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NBSTSA Renewal Statistics: Certified Surgical Technologists and Certified Surgical First Assistants

2011 Renewal Statistics

CSFA Renewal Statistics

452 possible renewal candidates in 2011.  Of these, 415 renewed.  The national renewal percentage for 2011 is 91%.

CST Renewal Statistics

7,206 possible renewal candidates in 2011.  Of these, 5,637 renewed.  The national renewal percentage for 2011 is 78%.

 

2010 Renewal Statistics

CSFA Renewal Statistics

359 possible renewal candidates in 2010. Of these, 342 renewed. The national renewal percentage for 2010 is 95%.

CST Renewal Statistics

5,567 possible renewal candidates in 2010. Of these, 4,243 renewed. The national renewal percentage for 2010 is 76%.