CSFA Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
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).
- The CSFA examination contains 175 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- The CSFA examination has a four-hour time limit. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- Passing the CSFA examination requires answering 99 of its 150 scored questions correctly. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- The CSFA examination application costs USD $240 for AST members or USD $350 for nonmembers. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- CSFA candidates must submit another application and payment for each retake, using the published USD $240 AST-member or USD $350 nonmember examination fee. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- Unsuccessful CSFA candidates may reapply immediately but may take no more than three examinations in one calendar year. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- CSFA holders must earn 38 continuing education credits per certification cycle, including eight hours of live instruction. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- The CSFA examination is computer-based. (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)
- New CSFA examination applicants must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assistant program. (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.
CSFA Exam at a Glance
| 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.
Free CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Study Tools
Interactive CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
CSFA Practice Test Questions
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.
CSFA Hemostasis and Wound Closure
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CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology
CSFA Questions and Answers on CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology. Free CSFA practice for exam readiness.
CSFA Surgical Positioning and Draping
CSFA Test Prep for Surgical Positioning and Draping. Practice CSFA Quiz questions and boost your score.
CSFA Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the Certified Surgical First Assistant Exam
🩺What is the primary role of a CSFA during surgery?
The primary role of a CSFA is to assist the surgeon by providing exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions to help the operation proceed smoothly.
START CSFA PRACTICE TEST🧼What is the standard time for a surgical hand scrub?
The standard time for a surgical hand scrub is typically 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the specific antimicrobial agent and facility protocol used.
REVIEW CSFA QUESTIONS🩹Which suture material is absorbable?
Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) is a common synthetic absorbable suture used for soft tissue approximation and ligation.
TRY CSFA MOCK EXAM🩸What is hemostasis?
Hemostasis is the process of stopping bleeding or hemorrhage, which is a critical skill for a Certified Surgical First Assistant.
GET CSFA EXAM PREP🧠Which nerve is at risk during a thyroidectomy?
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is at risk of injury during a thyroidectomy, which can result in vocal cord paralysis.
ACCESS CSFA STUDY GUIDE✂️What is the use of a Metzenbaum scissor?
Metzenbaum scissors are used for dissecting and cutting delicate tissue, not for cutting sutures or heavy fascia.
PRACTICE CSFA TEST NOWCSFA Certification Study Guide
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.
CSFA Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
The cost of CSFA certification is an investment in your career that pays off quickly through higher Certified Surgical First Assistant salary potential.
CSFA Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid ID (Govt Issued)
- ✓NBSTSA Authorization Letter
- ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
- ✓Leave Electronics in Car
- ✓Review Exam Content
- ✓Comfortable Clothing
- ✓Hydrate Before Exam
- ✓Relax and Focus
Ready to Pass Your CSFA Exam?
Get unlimited access to free CSFA exam questions and comprehensive study guides. Start your journey to becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant today.
CSFA Renewal Requirements
Cycle
4 Years
CE Credits
75 Hours
Fee
$40
Keep track of your CE credits to avoid lapsing. Re-taking the CSFA exam is required if your certification expires.
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Questions
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:
- A. Increase suction in the operative field
- B. Notify the anesthesia provider immediately
- C. Apply direct pressure to the aorta
- D. Request additional electrocautery equipment
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:
- A. Cancel the surgical case immediately
- B. Document and alert the entire surgical team to prepare a latex-free environment
- C. Administer prophylactic diphenhydramine
- D. Proceed with surgery using standard gloves
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:
- A. The surgeon requests a higher energy setting
- B. The laser is not actively being used, to prevent accidental activation
- C. The patient's drapes are being positioned
- D. The endoscope lens needs cleaning
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?
- A. Control the robotic arms remotely
- B. Exchange instruments, suction, and provide manual retraction as needed
- C. Monitor the console surgeon's movements
- D. Manage CO2 insufflation pressure independently
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
CSFA Questions and Answers
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- nbstsa.org — Renewal, test delivery, exam format, score release, test dates, time limit, fees, retake policy, eligibility · verified Oct 2026