NBSTSA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NBSTSA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What ethical standard governs safety and compliance practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
2. Which of the following is an advantage of NBSTSA certification? → It provides a competitive advantage in the job market.
3. How does NBSTSA certification contribute to a surgical technologist’s professional credibility? → It verifies that the individual meets recognized standards of knowledge and skill.
4. What ethical standard governs industry best practices practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
5. What is the foundational principle of applied methods and techniques in the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certified field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
6. Which of the following is a requirement for maintaining the CST or CSFA certification? → Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
7. What quality assurance measure supports continuing education requirements? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
8. How should challenges in core concepts and principles be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
9. Which instrument is used to clamp, ligate, and divide tubular structures such as vessels and the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy? → Laparoscopic clip applier
10. Which instrument classification describes tools used to hold back tissues and organs to expose the surgical field? → Retractors
11. A Penrose drain is classified as which type of wound drain? → Passive open drain
12. What is the foundational principle of safety and compliance in the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certified field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
13. What ethical standard governs assessment and evaluation practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
14. How should professionals apply safety and compliance in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
15. What quality assurance measure supports safety and compliance? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
16. How should professionals apply core concepts and principles in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
17. What ethical standard governs core concepts and principles practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
18. Electrosurgical units (ESU) use which principle to cut and coagulate tissue? → High-frequency alternating current to generate heat in tissue
19. Which suction device is preferred for removing blood and fluid from a deep abdominal cavity? → Poole suction tip
20. How can NBSTSA certification enhance a surgical technologist’s career opportunities outside of hospital settings? → It opens up opportunities in education, training, and consulting roles.
21. What ethical standard governs professional standards and ethics practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
22. What quality assurance measure supports professional standards and ethics? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
23. What happens if a candidate applies for the NBSTSA exam but does not meet the eligibility requirements? → Their application will be denied, and they must meet requirements before reapplying.
24. Which of the following groups is eligible to apply for NBSTSA certification exams? → Students nearing completion of a CAAHEP-accredited program.
25. What ethical standard governs applied methods and techniques practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
26. How should professionals apply continuing education requirements in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
27. What is the purpose of requiring candidates to graduate from an accredited program? → To confirm the program meets national standards for surgical education.
28. What quality assurance measure supports industry best practices? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
29. What does NBSTSA certification primarily signify about a surgical technologist? → They have demonstrated competence and knowledge in surgical technology.
30. What is the foundational principle of professional standards and ethics in the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certified field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders