Preparing for the NBSTSA exam? A printable NBSTSA practice test PDF lets you review questions, test your knowledge offline, and build the exam readiness that timed, screen-based testing demands. Whether you are studying at home, commuting, or revisiting weak areas on paper, a printed practice test remains one of the most effective preparation formats available. This page provides a free PDF download and a structured study guide for the NBSTSA examination. Practice with the free NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (11 questions with answer explanations).
The NBSTSA assessment tests candidates on the core competencies required for certification or qualification in the field. A strong preparation strategy combines repeated practice testing with targeted review of areas where accuracy falls below 70%. Use this PDF alongside the online NBSTSA practice tests on this site for the most complete preparation experience — paper for review and annotation, online for timed simulation with instant scoring.
Candidates are tested across the primary knowledge domains that define competency in the NBSTSA field. Each domain contributes a weighted percentage of the total scored questions. High-weight domains deserve proportionally more preparation time. The exam format is typically multiple-choice, and understanding the question structure — identifying the best answer rather than the first correct-sounding one — is as important as content knowledge.
Common high-priority areas include foundational theory, applied practice, regulations or standards governing the field, and scenario-based reasoning that tests judgment under realistic conditions. Review official exam content outlines from the certifying body to confirm current domain weights before your examination date, as content outlines are updated periodically.
Print the PDF, set a timer proportional to the number of questions, and complete each section without reference materials to simulate real exam conditions. After grading, categorize every incorrect answer by domain to build a targeted error log. Prioritize re-study in your weakest domains, then take an additional timed practice session to confirm improvement. Repeat the cycle until accuracy is consistently above 75% across all domains.
Interactive NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 21, 2026 against National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (CSFA) | 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored) | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Number of questions (CST) | 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 (CSFA) | 99 correct of 150 scored questions | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Passing score (CST) | 98 correct of 150 scored questions | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Exam fee (CSFA) | $350 ($240 for first-time AST members, $160 for military students) | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Exam fee (CST) | $340 ($230 for first-time AST members, $160 for military students) | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Retake fee (CSFA) | $310 per retake | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Retake fee (CST) | $300 per retake | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Retake policy | No waiting period; up to 3 attempts per calendar year | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Validity | 2-year certification cycle | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Renewal | By CE ($40 CST / $45 CSFA) or by re-examination ($540 / $550 for AST non-members); $100 late fee | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Delivery | Computer-based at PSI testing centers; web-based testing on campus or on military bases | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Eligibility (CSFA) | Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assistant program | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Eligibility (CST) | Graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Score release | Within 48 business hours (PSI centers); immediately for post-graduate testers who submitted their own transcripts | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Late registration deadline | Renewal up to 90 days late with a $100 late fee | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Registration deadline | Allow 2–4 weeks for processing; $85 rush fee guarantees 3–5 business days | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
| Testing window | Year-round by appointment; Authorization to Test valid for 6 months | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
Facts verified Oct 21, 2026 against National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Before attempting practice tests, ensure you have reviewed the official study materials for the NBSTSA exam. Most certifying bodies publish a candidate handbook or content outline that lists exactly what knowledge is tested. Read this document first — it tells you not only what to study but also what to ignore. Allocate study time in proportion to domain weights: spend more time on high-weight domains and less on domains you already know well.
Once you have reviewed the content, move to practice testing. Each practice test session should be treated as a diagnostic: the questions you answer incorrectly are more valuable than the ones you answer correctly. Keep an error log organized by domain. After three to four practice tests, patterns in your errors will become clear. These patterns tell you exactly where to concentrate additional study effort.
In the week before the NBSTSA exam, focus on review rather than new learning. Take one full-length timed practice test to confirm readiness, then spend the remaining days reviewing your error log and reinforcing the concepts behind your most common mistakes. Avoid cramming new material in the final 48 hours — consolidation of existing knowledge is more valuable at that stage than attempting to add new content.
After completing this PDF, take full online NBSTSA practice tests at NBSTSA practice test — instant scoring with explanations for every answer. Use both formats together: this PDF for offline review and annotation, the online tests for timed simulation with immediate feedback. Together they give you the most complete NBSTSA exam preparation available on a single platform.
Try these questions from our free NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
During a cesarean section, which uterine incision is most commonly used?
Answer: B. Low transverse (Pfannenstiel) incision
The low transverse uterine incision (also called Kerr incision) is preferred because it has less bleeding and heals with a stronger scar.
Epinephrine is added to local anesthetic solutions for surgical procedures primarily to:
Answer: B. Cause vasoconstriction and prolong anesthetic duration
Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction, which slows systemic absorption of the anesthetic, prolongs its duration, and reduces bleeding at the operative site.
Which section of the small intestine is the first?
Answer: B. duodenum
The small intestine is divided into three distinct sections, and the duodenum is the very first part. It receives partially digested food, known as chyme, from the stomach. The duodenum plays a critical role in digestion by mixing chyme with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.
Which nerve is at greatest risk during a thyroidectomy procedure?
Answer: C. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs close to the thyroid gland and, if damaged, can cause hoarseness or loss of voice.
Take the full NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting practice test