CST Practice Test

The Certified Surgical Technologist exam is taken by graduates of CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology programs seeking certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. This page offers practice question sets, along with clear details on PSI test center delivery, registration fees, testing durations, and retake limits. All review materials are generated using artificial intelligence tools to assist your independent study alongside official testing resources.

CST Exam at a Glance

What changed for CST in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions changed to 175 questions (150 scored) (previously 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 25 unscored pretest)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee changed to Full testing fee each attempt (previously Full testing fee each attempt ($230 AST member / $340 non-member)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Computer-based at PSI test centers, year-round (previously Computer-based at PSI test centers (on-campus WBT for students)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to Graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (previously Graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited (or military) surgical technology program).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Renewal changed to $40 renewal fee (CE credits) or re-exam $440 AST member / $540 non-member; $100 late fee (previously 30 CE (4 live) + $40 fee; or re-exam $440/$540; $100 late fee).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to On test day for post-graduates; on-campus candidates after graduation requirements are met (previously Same day (post-grads) to 48 business hours (PSI); on-campus after graduation).^[1]

What the CST is and how it works

According to National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, “The CST examination consists of 175 multiple choice questions, 150 of which are scored. The 25 pretest items (unscored) are randomly distributed”^[1]

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to evaluate surgical technology knowledge. To qualify for the examination, candidates must be a graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program. State employment mandates and credential requirements vary across jurisdictions, so candidates should confirm their regional legal guidelines directly with official regulatory bodies.

Testing is computer-based and administered year-round by appointment at PSI test centers nationwide. Candidates have a 4-hour time limit to answer 175 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which are scored. Post-graduate candidates receive their score report on test day at the facility, while on-campus examinees receive scores after all graduation requirements are officially satisfied.

Examination fees are $230 for AST members and $340 for non-members. Candidates who do not pass may submit an application immediately with no waiting period, but testing is limited to a maximum of 3 attempts within 1 calendar year. Each attempt requires the full testing fee. For credential maintenance, individuals pay a $40 renewal fee using continuing education credits, or choose renewal by examination for $440 for AST members or $540 for non-members, with a $100 late fee assessed when deadlines pass.

Worked examples: how to reason through CST questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which instrument is used for clamping blood vessels?

1. Scalpel
2. Hemostat
3. Retractor
4. Needle holder

Answer: B. Hemostat

Explanation:

Option B is correct because a hemostat, also known as a clamping forceps, features transverse serrations and a ratcheting mechanism designed to occlude blood vessels and maintain hemostasis. Option A is incorrect because a scalpel is an incising instrument used to cut tissue rather than clamp vessels. Option C is incorrect because a retractor is designed to pull back tissues and expose the operative field. Option D is incorrect because a needle holder is constructed specifically to grasp and guide suture needles through tissue. The general rule to remember is to categorize surgical instruments by functional design: cutting, clamping, retracting, and suturing.

Example 2

Question: What is the primary purpose of professional ethics & legal compliance in the context of Certified Surgical Technician?

1. To ensure consistent quality and professional accountability
2. To reduce organizational costs exclusively
3. To eliminate the need for ongoing training
4. To replace established industry guidelines

Answer: A. To ensure consistent quality and professional accountability

Explanation:

Option A is correct because professional ethics and legal compliance establish standard operating conduct, safeguarding patient welfare while maintaining professional accountability and consistent care standards. Option B is incorrect because surgical ethics and compliance prioritize patient safety rather than focusing exclusively on reducing organizational operating expenses. Option C is incorrect because legal and ethical frameworks mandate continuing competency and education instead of eliminating training requirements. Option D is incorrect because professional ethics reinforce and uphold established healthcare regulations rather than replacing them. The general rule to remember is that ethical and legal principles always center on patient safety, duty of care, and accountability.

Example 3

Question: When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Perioperative Patient Care, what should a CST professional prioritize?

1. Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
2. Strict adherence to written procedures without exception
3. The most cost-effective solution available
4. The preference of the client or stakeholder

Answer: A. Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation

Explanation:

Option A is correct because preserving patient safety and fulfilling ethical obligations take precedence during unexpected clinical events, requiring prompt consultation with surgical supervisors or experienced team members. Option B is incorrect because rigid adherence to routine procedures during unusual circumstances can compromise patient outcomes when clinical needs diverge from standard protocols. Option C is incorrect because financial considerations must never supersede clinical safety or patient well-being. Option D is incorrect because perioperative decisions must follow objective clinical safety standards rather than personal preferences of external stakeholders. The general rule to remember is that patient safety and ethical responsibility override all administrative or economic concerns during perioperative care.

How to use these practice tests

Preparation Strategy

Begin your review by aligning your study schedule with the official candidate handbook from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Establish a foundational understanding of core operating room principles by completing practice questions in CST Surgical Asepsis & Sterile Technique and CST Sterilization & Infection Control.

Next, focus on procedural tasks and equipment identification through targeted reviews in CST Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment, CST Intraoperative Procedures, and CST Surgical Pharmacology. As you work through practice sets, write down explanations for questions answered incorrectly. Review the underlying surgical principles rather than attempting to memorize individual question phrasing.

Finally, practice answering questions under timed conditions to adapt to the 4-hour testing limit established for the 175 questions on the computer-based exam at PSI test centers. Conclude your review by checking your registration status and confirming testing center rules directly with the NBSTSA handbook before test day.

Sources & last verified

1. National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting — number of questions, time limit, exam fee, retake fee (official source). “The CST examination consists of 175 multiple choice questions, 150 of which are scored. The 25 pretest items (unscored) are randomly distributed” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
2. National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting — eligibility (official source). “you have to graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.