Preparing for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam is an important milestone for those pursuing a future in surgical technology. While passing the exam isn’t required to complete the Surgical Technology program at Berks Technical Institute (BTI), graduates may choose to pursue certification to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. This guide offers a study-focused roadmap, aligned with publicly available resources and BTI’s training foundations, to help prospective test takers feel more confident and informed.
Why Does the CST Exam Matter?
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While not a requirement to complete BTI’s Surgical Technology program, earning certification can be an important way for graduates to demonstrate their knowledge in key areas of surgical technology, such as peri-operative care, asepsis, instrumentation, and surgical procedures.
BTI’s curriculum introduces foundational skills and concepts that align with many of the topics covered on the CST exam. However, eligibility to sit for the exam and exam performance depend on many factors, including individual study habits, review of third-party prep materials, and familiarity with the NBSTSA’s guidelines.
What To Expect on the CST Exam
Understanding the structure of the CST exam can help reduce uncertainty and focus your study efforts. The NBSTSA administers a computer-based, multiple-choice exam that includes 175 questions, 150 of which are scored, and 25 are unscored pretest items. According to the NBSTSA, candidates are given four hours to complete the exam, and it is closed-book.
Content Areas and Number of Scored Questions
According to the CST Examination Study Evaluation from the NBSTSA, the 150 scored questions are divided across the following content domains:
| Content Domain | Number of Questions |
| Pre-operative Care | 19 |
| Intra-operative Care | 68 |
| Post-operative Care | 10 |
| Administrative and Personnel Duties | 7 |
| Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance | 16 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 18 |
| Microbiology | 6 |
| Surgical Pharmacology | 6 |
This breakdown shows a strong emphasis on intra-operative and pre-operative care, which together make up over half of the exam. Understanding these proportions can help you prioritize your study plan.
How Hard Is the CST Exam?
The CST exam is designed to test a wide range of surgical technology knowledge under time constraints, making it a rigorous but achievable challenge. According to the NBSTSA’s Certification Statistics, the national first-time pass rate in 2024 was 71.8%. That means nearly three-quarters of first-time test takers passed, a promising number that also reinforces the need for strong preparation.
Factors like time management, familiarity with test content, and use of practice tools can all influence performance. With thoughtful planning and the right study resources, many students find the exam manageable.
CST Exam Study Guide: A Step-by-Step Checklist
Use this checklist to structure your exam preparation in a way that aligns with trusted third-party resources and your training experience:
- Download the 2024 NBSTSA Content Outline to understand what will be tested.
- Use the NBSTSA Study Evaluation Guide to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
- Focus your review on high-weight domains like intra-operative and pre-operative care.
- Create a study schedule based on your personal timeline and content areas needing improvement.
- Practice regularly using flashcards, quizzes, and full-length practice exams.
Study Resources To Help You Prepare
The NBSTSA offers several third-party prep tools, including two forms of online practice exams. According to the NBSTSA CST Exam Prep page, these practice tests can help students get comfortable with the exam format and question style.
Additional tools include:
- Digital flashcards or mobile apps for reviewing terminology and procedures
- CST-focused study groups or forums for peer support
- Reference books like those recommended in the NBSTSA study materials list
- Quizzing platforms like Quizlet for daily review
How Long Should You Study for the CST Exam?
Study timelines vary based on individual schedules and experience, but most candidates benefit from a structured plan lasting 3 to 6 months. This time frame allows you to gradually review all domains while taking practice exams and adjusting focus as needed. Candidates who recently completed BTI’s Surgical Technology program may find that their coursework supports retention of many CST-relevant topics.
FAQs About the CST Exam
Is the CST exam open-book?
No. The exam is closed-book and administered under secure conditions at a certified test center.
How many questions are on the CST exam?
There are 175 questions total, consisting of 150 scored and 25 unscored items.
What score is needed to pass?
The NBSTSA currently sets the passing score at 98 out of 150.
How long should you study for the CST exam?
Three to six months is a common recommendation, depending on your comfort level with the material.
Is being a CST hard?
The role can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring focus, stamina, and strong attention to detail in a high-stakes environment.
How BTI Supports Students Preparing for the CST Exam
BTI’s Surgical Technology program introduces students to the core competencies tested on the CST exam, such as surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and the use of surgical instruments. While BTI does not guarantee certification outcomes, the program offers a hands-on learning environment that may help students feel more prepared when using third-party study tools.
Ready To Explore Surgical Technology at BTI?
If you’re interested in learning foundational surgical skills and exploring opportunities in the healthcare field, BTI’s Surgical Technology program may be a great fit. Our campus is dedicated to helping students gain the training to pursue their goals.
Request more information about BTI’s Surgical Technology program.
Disclaimers:
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. Berks Technical Institute (BTI) does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential, or salary expectations based on the programs offered at BTI. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at BTI.
BTI prepares students to take third-party certification exams. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification exams are not controlled by BTI but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to BTI. Therefore, BTI cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification exams, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. Berks Technical Institute does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Berks Technical Institute. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at Berks Technical Institute.
