Top 11 Surgical Technician Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a surgical technician's job market because they demonstrate technical proficiency and knowledge in the field. Certification shows that a surgical technician has been trained and tested on their knowledge, which helps employers to know that they can trust the individual’s competency. Additionally, certifications can help a surgical technician stand out from other applicants and increase their chance of getting hired. Furthermore, certifications provide recognition by professional organizations, which can lead to increased job opportunities. Finally, some employers may require certification in order for a surgical technician to be eligible for certain positions or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the benefits of obtaining certification as a Surgical Technician and how it can help enhance one's career prospects.

What are Surgical Technician Certifications?

Surgical technician certification is a type of certification that demonstrates a professional level of knowledge and skills in the field of surgical technology. This certification is obtained through successful completion of an accredited program and passing a national exam.

Having this certification helps demonstrate to employers that an individual has obtained the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to safely perform their job as a surgical technician. It also shows that they are committed to continuing education in order to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field. In addition, having this certification can help individuals gain access to higher paying jobs in their chosen field. It also may be required for certain positions or promotions within a medical facility. Ultimately, obtaining this certification can help individuals advance their career and improve their overall job prospects in the medical industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the requirements for surgical technician certification in your state or jurisdiction prior to starting any certification process. Different states may have different requirements, so it’s important to understand what is necessary for successful completion of your certification.

Related: What does a Surgical Technician do?

Top 11 Surgical Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Surgical Technicians today.

1. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a professional healthcare worker who specializes in providing support to surgeons and other medical personnel during operations. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, setting up instruments and supplies, and assisting the surgical team during the procedure. CSTs must have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, sterilization techniques, and safety protocols.

In order to become certified as a CST, an individual must complete an accredited surgical technology program and pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam. Most surgical technology programs take between nine months to two years to complete depending on whether it is taken online or in-person.

The NBSTSA exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, microbiology, instrumentation/equipment/supplies/sterilization techniques, patient care/safety protocols/prevention of infection control. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD.

Once an individual has passed the NBSTSA exam they will receive their certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). This certification must be renewed every four years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the NBSTSA exam.

2. Certified Operating Room Technician (CORST)

A Certified Operating Room Technician (CORST) is a professional who has been certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). CORSTs are responsible for providing patient care during surgical procedures. They assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals in the operating room.

In order to become a CORST, individuals must complete an accredited surgical technology program and pass the Certified Operating Room Technician Exam administered by NBSTSA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, instrumentation, sterilization techniques, and patient safety.

The length of time it takes to get CORST certification depends on the individual's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, those with prior experience in the field can expect to take around six months to prepare for the exam while those without prior experience may need up to one year or more.

The cost of taking the CORST exam is $200 USD. This fee covers all testing materials as well as any additional fees associated with registering for the exam.

3. Certified First Assistant (CFSA)

Certified First Assistant (CFSA) is a credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of surgical first assistants. A CFSA demonstrates mastery of the principles, practices, and techniques necessary to function as a first assistant in the operating room.

To become certified as a CFSA, one must have a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a first assistant in the operating room. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, surgical technology fundamentals, and more.

The cost to take the CFSA exam is $325 for NBSTSA members and $450 for non-members. The exam fee includes access to study materials provided by NBSTSA. It typically takes four to six weeks for an applicant to be approved to take the exam after submitting their application and supporting documentation.

Once certified, CFSA holders are required to renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the certification exam.

4. Certified Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)

A Certified Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) is a specialized healthcare professional who is responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of medical instruments and supplies used in healthcare facilities. This certification is awarded by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

To become a CSPT, candidates must have at least two years of experience working in sterile processing or related areas. In addition to experience, applicants must also pass an exam administered by CBSPD. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as infection control, instrumentation, sterilization processes, and more.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the fee is $180 USD. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Once the exam has been passed successfully, individuals will receive their CSPT certification within 4-6 weeks.

5. Certified Endoscopy Technician (CET)

Certified Endoscopy Technician (CET) is a certification for healthcare professionals who specialize in endoscopy procedures. Endoscopy technicians are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining endoscopic equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They also assist physicians in performing endoscopic procedures and provide patient care before, during, and after the procedure.

To become a Certified Endoscopy Technician (CET), applicants must first complete an accredited training program in endoscopy technology. This typically includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience with endoscopic equipment. After completing the program, applicants must pass an exam administered by the Certification Board of Endoscopy Technicians (CBET).

The CBET exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, instrumentation, safety protocols, infection control, patient care, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Once applicants have passed the exam they will be awarded the CET credential from CBET.

The CET credential is valid for five years from the date of issue. In order to maintain their certification status, CETs must complete continuing education credits every five years to demonstrate that they are keeping up with changes in endoscopy technology and techniques.

6. Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist (COST)

A Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist (COST) is a medical professional who specializes in the field of ophthalmology. They are responsible for assisting ophthalmologists during surgical procedures, as well as preparing patients for surgery and providing post-operative care. COSTs must be knowledgeable about all aspects of eye care, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and instrumentation.

In order to become a COST, individuals must first complete an accredited program in ophthalmic technology or a related field such as nursing or medical assisting. This typically takes two years to complete. After completing the program, individuals must pass the certification exam administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The exam consists of both written and practical components.

Once certified, COSTs can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and research laboratories. They may also be employed by pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers to provide technical support and product training.

The cost of becoming a COST varies depending on the type of program chosen and where it is located. In addition to tuition costs for the program itself, there are fees associated with taking the JCAHPO certification exam which range from $200-$400 USD depending on the region.

7. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

A Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide assistance to ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other eye care professionals. The COA is responsible for providing patient care in the office setting, including taking patient histories, performing basic vision tests, assisting with minor surgical procedures, and helping to educate patients about their eye health.

It typically takes between one and two years of dedicated study and training to become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. Depending on the program you choose, you may need to complete classes in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, optics, pharmacology, ocular diseases/disorders, contact lenses fitting/care/dispensing, ophthalmic instruments/equipment operation/maintenance/repairing as well as clinical experience.

To become a COA you must pass an exam administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient history taking; visual acuity testing; ocular motility testing; lensometry; tonometry; refraction; contact lens fitting; ocular disease diagnosis and treatment; instrumentation use and maintenance; medication administration; patient education; safety protocols; infection control procedures; medical record keeping; legal issues related to eye care practice.

The cost of becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant varies depending on the program chosen but can range from $2,500-$4,000 or more for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include textbooks or other course materials as well as exam fees.

8. Certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist (CCP)

A Certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist (CCP) is a healthcare professional who operates and maintains the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery. The perfusionist is responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital signs, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other factors during surgery. They also manage the equipment used to provide oxygen to the patient’s body while they are on bypass.

The certification process typically takes between two to three years of study and clinical experience in order to become certified. The first step is to complete an accredited perfusion education program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a clinical setting. After completing this program, applicants must pass a written examination administered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). This exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, and safety protocols.

Once certified, perfusionists must maintain their certification by participating in continuing education activities every two years. The cost of certification varies depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, most programs cost around $10,000-$15,000 USD for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books, supplies, exams fees, etc., which can add up quickly.

9. Certified Scrub Technician (CST)

A Certified Scrub Technician (CST) is a professional who has been certified to assist in the scrubbing process during surgical procedures. The CST is responsible for setting up the operating room, passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon and circulating nurse, and providing assistance with patient positioning. The CST also assists in the cleaning and sterilization of instruments, equipment, and supplies used in the operating room.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become a Certified Scrub Technician (CST). To obtain certification, individuals must complete an accredited program such as a certificate or associate’s degree program in surgical technology or a related field. After completing the program, students must pass an exam administered by either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

The cost of becoming a Certified Scrub Technician (CST) varies depending on where you take your training program. Generally speaking, tuition can range from $2,000-$20,000 depending on the type of program you choose. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking exams such as registration fees and study materials.

10. Advanced Surgical Technologist Certification (AST-C)

Advanced Surgical Technologist Certification (AST-C) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of surgical technology. It is awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

To qualify for AST-C certification, an individual must have a minimum of two years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in surgical technology within the past five years. In addition, applicants must pass a written examination demonstrating their knowledge and skills related to advanced surgical technology.

The process of obtaining AST-C certification typically takes about six months from start to finish. To begin the process, individuals must first submit an application to NBSTSA along with all required documentation such as proof of CST certification and completion of continuing education courses. Once approved, applicants will receive an eligibility letter from NBSTSA which will include instructions on how to register for the AST-C exam. The exam itself consists of 150 multiple choice questions and can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center across the United States.

The cost for AST-C certification varies depending on whether or not you are already certified as a CST. If you are already certified as a CST, the fee is $225 USD; if you are not yet certified as a CST, then the fee is $325 USD.

11. National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certification in First Assisting (NBSTSA-FA).

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certification in First Assisting (NBSTSA-FA) is a voluntary certification program administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of first assisting.

To be eligible for the NBSTSA-FA certification, applicants must have graduated from an accredited surgical technology or surgical assisting program, have completed at least one year of full-time experience as a first assistant in surgery, and passed the NBSTSA-FA exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, infection control, patient safety, and surgical techniques.

The NBSTSA-FA exam takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $300 USD. Once an individual has successfully passed the exam they will receive their official NBSTSA-FA certification card within four to six weeks.

The NBSTSA-FA certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To renew your certification you must complete 40 continuing education credits every two years and pay a renewal fee of $150 USD.

Do You Really Need a Surgical Technician Certificate?

Yes, you do need a surgical technician certificate in order to become a certified surgical technician. A certificate is the most important step in becoming a successful surgical technician. The certificate provides proof that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job duties of a surgical technician. It also demonstrates that you have met all of the requirements set forth by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and other governing bodies.

The certification process involves passing an exam administered by either the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). After passing this test, you will receive your official certification as a Certified Surgical Technician (CST). This certification is recognized nationally and internationally, allowing you to work in any state or country.

Having your certificate also gives employers confidence that they are hiring someone who has been properly trained to perform their job duties. It is also beneficial when applying for jobs because it shows potential employers that you take your career seriously and are committed to being an effective member of their team. Additionally, having your CST can open up opportunities for advanced training courses or other professional development opportunities that can help further your career goals.

In conclusion, having a surgical technician certificate is essential if you want to become a certified surgical technician. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to being an effective member of the medical team, but it also opens up many doors for career advancement and growth within the field of surgery technology.

Related: Surgical Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Surgical Technician Certifications

1. How do I become a certified surgical technician?

Answer: To become a certified surgical technician, you must have completed an accredited program in surgical technology and passed the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technician exam.

2. What is the duration of a surgical technician certification?

Answer: The certification is valid for four years after which you must renew it by taking continuing education courses or retake the NBSTSA exam.

3. Are there any prerequisites to becoming a certified surgical technician?

Answer: Yes, some programs may require applicants to have prior healthcare experience, such as working as an EMT or nurse aide, before enrolling in the program. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to pass an entrance exam or complete prerequisite courses like anatomy and physiology before enrolling in the program.

4. What is the salary range for a certified surgical technician?

Answer: According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a certified surgical technician ranges from $29,000 - $60,000 depending on location and experience level.

5. Does having a certification make me more employable as a surgical technician?

Answer: Yes! Having a certification makes you more competitive when applying for jobs since employers know that you are knowledgeable about the field and committed to your profession. Certification also shows potential employers that you are willing to go above and beyond what is required of you as a professional in this field.