FAQs

<p>Please allow up to 2-4 weeks to process your application and receive your Authorization To Test (ATT). You may choose to add a rush processing fee of $85, which will guarantee processing your application in 3-5 business days. Payment must be made by credit/debit card, check or money order.</p>
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How long does it take to process my application?

<p>Visit <a href="https://www.caahep.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAAHEP</a> and <a href="https://www.abhes.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABHES</a> to view currently accredited programs. To confirm past accreditation status at your time of enrollment, call NBSTSA at 800-707-0057.</p>
<p>Note: The program must be accredited&mdash;not just the school&mdash;and not all types of accreditation qualify.</p>

How do I verify if my program was CAAHEP or ABHES accredited?

<div>The examinations are by appointment only. You must apply, be determined eligible, and make an appointment to take the examination with the testing agency at 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, twice a day.</div>

When are the examinations scheduled?

<p>Exams are offered by appointment only, after you're approved to test.</p>
<p>Most testing centers are available 6 days a week, twice daily, with flexible scheduling based on location.</p>

When can I take the exam?

<div>The CST Examination price for those who have never been certified before is $230 for <a href="https://www.ast.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AST</a> members or $340 for non-members.</div>
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<div>The CSFA Examination price is $240 for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ast.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AST</a> members or $350 for non-members.</div>
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<div>The renewal by exam fee for the CST Examinations is $440 for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ast.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AST</a> members or $540 for non-members.</div>
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<div>The renewal by exam fee for the CSFA Examinations is $450 for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ast.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AST</a> members or $550 for non-members.</div>
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<div>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 of $100 and rush-processing fee of $85 if applicable.</div>

What is the cost of the test?

<h4>AST Members</h4>
<ul>
<li>CST&reg; Exam | $230</li>
<li>CSFA&reg; Exam | $240</li>
<li>CST&reg; Renewal by Exam | $440</li>
<li>CSFA&reg; Renewal by Exam | $450</li>
<li>CST&reg; Renewal by CE | $40</li>
<li>CSFA&reg; Renewal by CE | $45</li>
<li>Rush Fee | $85</li>
<li>Wallet Card for First-Time Certificants | $25</li>
<li>Wallet Card with Renewal by CE | $ 10</li>
<li>Late Renewal Fee | $100</li>
</ul>
<h4>Non-Members</h4>
<ul>
<li>CST&reg; Exam | $340</li>
<li>CSFA&reg; Exam | $350</li>
<li>CST&reg; Renewal by Exam | $540</li>
<li>CSFA&reg; Renewal by Exam | $550</li>
<li>CST&reg; Renewal by CE | $40</li>
<li>CSFA&reg; Renewal by CE | $45</li>
<li>Rush Fee | $85</li>
<li>Wallet Card for First-Time Certificants | $25</li>
<li>Wallet Card with Renewal by CE | $ 10</li>
<li>Late Renewal Fee | $100</li>
</ul>
<p>Full payment is due at time of application. If found ineligible, you'll receive a refund minus processing fees</p>

What are the costs associated with CST® and CSFA® certifications and renewals?

<p>Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover (credit or debit).</p>
<p>Third-party cards are allowed&mdash;be sure to complete the cardholder info on the application.</p>

Do you accept credit cards?

<p>No. But you must be an active AST member at the time you apply to receive the discounted rate.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Do I need an active AST membership on exam day?

<p>There is no waiting period to reapply. You may test up to 3 times per calendar year. A new application and payment are required each time.</p>

If I fail, when can I retest?

<div>Please visit the <a href="https://nbstsa-cms.onrender.com/faqs-using-529-plans">529 FAQ page</a>&nbsp;to explore this topic.</div>

Can I use my 529 plan to pay for Certification, Recertification & Continuing Education?

<p>Breaks are permitted but reduce your total test time. Once you leave a question, you cannot return to it after a break.</p>

Can I take a break during the exam? 

<p>A panel of subject matter experts and psychometricians reviews each test item and sets the passing score based on statistical analysis, real world practice analysis and national standards. Scores are reviewed and adjusted periodically to ensure fairness and validity.</p>

How do you set passing scores?

<p>If you have a complaint against NBSTSA certified professionals, please fill out this <a href="https://nbstsa-cms.onrender.com/uploads/NBSTSA_Complaint_Form.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">complaint form</a> and send it to <a href="mailto:mail@nbstsa.org">mail@nbstsa.org</a> with the following subject line: <em>Complaint against NBSTSA certificant</em> or mail it to our address: NBSTSA, 3 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton, CO 80120.</p>

How can I submit a complaint against NBSTSA certified professionals?

<h3>We're here to help. Contact Us.</h3>
<p>You may email us at <a href="mailto:mail@nbstsa.org">mail@nbstsa.org</a> or call us at (800) 707-0057.</p>

FAQs

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