Prepare for your CSFA certification with our comprehensive study materials designed to help you pass on your first attempt. The Certified Surgical First Assistant credential demonstrates advanced proficiency in surgical procedures, making it a valuable asset for any operating room team.
Our free CSFA practice exam questions cover essential topics like anatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques. Whether you are reviewing for the NBSTSA CSFA exam or simply refreshing your knowledge, these resources provide the targeted practice you need to succeed.
The CSFA exam is a rigorous assessment administered by the NBSTSA to validate the skills of surgical first assistants. Achieving CSFA certification opens doors to higher Certified Surgical First Assistant salary potential and expanded career opportunities in hospitals and surgical centers nationwide. Practice with the free CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 175 multiple-choice questions; 150 scored | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Time limit | 4 hours | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Passing score | 99 correct answers out of 150 scored questions | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Exam fee | USD $240 for AST members; USD $350 for nonmembers | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Retake fee | Full application payment for each retake: USD $240 member / $350 nonmember | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Retake policy | Maximum 3 attempts per calendar year; immediate reapplication allowed | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Renewal | 38 CE credits per cycle, including 8 hours of live instruction | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Delivery | Computer-based examination | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Eligibility | New applicants: graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assistant program | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Score release | Varies by testing route and graduation verification | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Testing window | Year-round testing by appointment | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Interactive CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Prepare for the CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Quick review for the Certified Surgical First Assistant Exam
Our CSFA study guide breaks down the exam into manageable sections. Review key details about the Certified Surgical First Assistant test to ensure you are fully prepared.
Focus heavily on anatomy and surgical procedures, as these make up the bulk of the CSFA exam questions. Use a comprehensive CSFA study guide to review specific surgical steps.
Estimated score calculation
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Your Score: 105 correct ✓ PASS
The cost of CSFA certification is an investment in your career that pays off quickly through higher Certified Surgical First Assistant salary potential.
Get unlimited access to free CSFA exam questions and comprehensive study guides. Start your journey to becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant today.
To maintain your CSFA certification, you must renew it every 4 years. The NBSTSA requires continuing education to ensure you stay current with surgical advancements.
Keep track of your CE credits to avoid lapsing. Re-taking the CSFA exam is required if your certification expires.
Try these questions from our free CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A patient undergoing open abdominal surgery develops a sudden drop in SpO2 and elevated peak airway pressures. The surgical first assistant should first:
Answer: B. Notify the anesthesia provider immediately
Sudden SpO2 drop with elevated airway pressures suggests a ventilatory emergency requiring immediate anesthesia intervention.
A patient reports a latex allergy during preoperative assessment. The FIRST action by the surgical first assistant should be:
Answer: B. Document and alert the entire surgical team to prepare a latex-free environment
Documenting and alerting the team allows preparation of a latex-free environment, the standard protocol for latex-allergic patients.
The surgical first assistant should ensure that a surgical laser is placed in 'standby' mode when:
Answer: B. The laser is not actively being used, to prevent accidental activation
Placing the laser on standby between uses prevents accidental firing, which could cause tissue burns or retinal injury to OR personnel.
During a robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedure, the surgical first assistant is positioned at the patient's bedside. What is the primary role of the bedside assistant during robotic surgery?
Answer: B. Exchange instruments, suction, and provide manual retraction as needed
The bedside assistant exchanges instruments through non-robotic ports, provides suction, and offers manual assistance the robotic system cannot perform.
Take the full CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant practice test
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exam, administered by the NBSTSA, consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 are scored, and 25 are unscored pre-test questions used for future exam development. You will have a four-hour time limit to complete the entire exam for your 2026 certification attempt.
The CSFA exam is considered challenging due to its comprehensive scope, covering preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care. It requires a deep understanding of surgical anatomy, procedures, and emergency management. The national pass rate fluctuates, so thorough preparation using a 2026 study guide and practice tests is essential for success.
To pass the CSFA exam on your first try, create a structured study plan based on the NBSTSA content outline. Focus on high-yield areas like surgical anatomy and emergency procedures. Consistently taking realistic practice tests is key to identifying weak spots and mastering time management for your 2026 exam date.
As of early 2026, the initial application and examination fee for the CSFA certification is typically set by the NBSTSA. The cost is generally around $600, but it's crucial to verify the exact fee on the official NBSTSA website, as prices can be updated annually. This fee covers both the application processing and one attempt at the exam.
Our platform offers a comprehensive and FREE CSFA practice test designed to simulate the real exam experience. Our 2026 question bank is developed by certified experts and covers all key domains, from preoperative preparation to postoperative management. It's an invaluable tool for assessing your readiness and focusing your study efforts effectively.