FAQs

Please allow up to 2-4 weeks for the NBSTSA to process your application and receive your Authorization To Test (ATT).  You may choose to add rush processing for your application for an additional $85 charge. In that case, the total fee must be paid by a credit or debit card or a money order. Rush processing is a guaranteed 3-5 business days in the office before we send your ATT. 

The CAAHEP and ABHES websites only list currently accredited programs. To find out if a program was accredited while you were enrolled, call the NBSTSA office at 800-707-0057. There are different types of accreditations, so do not assume that a program is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited just because you hear the word “accredited”. In addition, be aware that the program itself must hold CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation, not just the school as a whole. 

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.

The CST Examination price for those who have never been certified before is $230 for AST members or $340 for non-members.

The CSFA Examination price is $240 for AST members or $350 for non-members.

The renewal by exam fee for the CST Examinations is $440 for AST members or $540 for non-members.

The renewal by exam fee for the CSFA Examinations is $450 for AST members or $550 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 of $100 and rush-processing fee of $85 if applicable.

Yes. We accept credit or debit MasterCard, Visa, and Discover for both mailed in and online applications. We do allow candidates to pay with cards that are not in their name. If you are paying with a third party credit card, please fill in the card holder’s information as requested in the payment section of the application.

No. You must be an AST member when you apply to receive the AST member discount.  

There is no waiting period, so you may reapply immediately. Candidates may only test three times during one calendar year. Proof of graduation is kept on file, but an application and payment must be submitted each time you wish to test.  

Please visit the 529 FAQ page to explore this topic.