Surgical technologists have an important role on surgical teams, helping to prepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, and prepare patients for procedures. If you’re interested in this healthcare career, certification may be an essential part of your training and preparation. In this guide, we’ll go over how to get certified as a surgical tech and why certification can be a valuable step.
What Surgical Tech Certifications Can You Get?
There are different surgical tech certification options available, but two of the most common are the Certified Surgical Technologist credential and the Tech in Surgery certification.
Certified Surgical Technologist
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is a nationally recognized credential. It’s issued through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To earn this credential, you must meet eligibility requirements and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist exam.
Tech in Surgery Certification
Another option is the Tech in Surgery certification, or TS-C, offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). There are different pathways for earning this credential. You may be eligible if you’re a current student or graduate of an authorized postsecondary surgical technology program. You may also qualify for this certification if you’re:
- A full-time surgical technologist with 3 years of verifiable experience within the past 5 years
- A current high school student or graduate of a Tech in Surgery program from an authorized high school
- A military member who completed a Tech in Surgery program during service
- An instructor with 3 years of teaching experience in surgical technology within the past 5 years and 3 years of experience as a surgical technologist
Like the CST certification, the TS-C requires you to pass a certification exam.
Why Get Certified as a Surgical Tech?
These certifications show you meet recognized standards for surgical technologists. By passing an exam and earning a credential, you can prove your knowledge of sterilization techniques, operating room procedures, surgical instruments, and patient care. It can show prospective employers your ability to assist with surgical operations in fast-paced operating rooms.
Certification may also be encouraged or required, depending on where you plan to work. Some states have laws requiring specific education, certification, or registration for surgical technologists. Even if it’s not required, employers may prefer to hire surgical technologists with an industry-recognized certification.
How to Get a Surgical Tech Certification
The process you follow for becoming certified may vary slightly, depending on your education, experience, and the credential you want to earn. Generally speaking, however, these are the steps you can take to pursue a surg tech certification:
1. Complete a program
To earn the CST credential, you must graduate from an accredited surgical technology program. This step also makes you eligible to sit for the TS-C exam. A surgical technology program can help you learn relevant skills, such as managing operating rooms, prepping patients for procedures, and helping doctors during surgeries.
The classes you’ll take depend on the program, but you can expect to take courses in anatomy and physiology, surgical techniques, operating room fundamentals, and surgical procedures. During your program, you’ll also complete hands-on clinical experience under supervision. This experience can help you get more comfortable with preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative patient care, along with sterilization techniques and surgical instruments.
2. Apply for certification
Once you meet the surgical tech certification requirements for eligibility, you can apply for certification. For the CST credential, the application process involves creating an account with the NBSTSA, scheduling your exam, and paying a fee. You can also mail in an application if you prefer, but processing may take longer.
3. Study for the exam
After scheduling your exam, it’s time to study. Review the exam format and familiarize yourself with the content areas you’ll be tested on. Again, these vary depending on the certification, but the CST exam includes 175 questions, including 150 scored questions, in these areas:
- Perioperative care, including preoperative preparation, intra-operative procedures, and postoperative procedures
- Administrative and personnel duties
- Equipment sterilization and maintenance
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Surgical pharmacology
The TS-C exam has a similar format with 150 scored questions and 25 unscored questions. This exam covers areas like environmental safety, surgical procedure set-up, patient safety, sterile technique, surgeon support, and postoperative tasks.
4. Pass the exam
Every certifying organization sets its own standards for passing an exam and becoming certified. The NBSTSA requires you to answer at least 98 questions correctly to earn a passing score on the Certified Surgical Tech exam. If you take the TS-C exam, NCCT uses a scaled scoring system with a pass or fail result.
If you don’t pass the exam on the first try, you’ll likely be able to retake it. You can take the CST exam again up to 3 times per year, with no waiting period in between. For the TS-C credential, you’ll need to wait at least 30 days before retaking the exam.
5. Maintain your credential
Once you’ve earned a surg tech certification, you may need to take steps to maintain it. The NBSTSA requires you to complete continuing education credits and apply for renewal every two years. If you hold the TS-C credential, the NCCT requires annual recertification with continuing education hours. These requirements can help you not only maintain your certification, but also keep your skills current and up-to-date.
Start Your Journey in Surgical Technology at ACC
Knowing how to get certified as a surgical tech can help you plan your education and future career path. This process can vary depending on the certification you earn, but it generally involves completing a surgical technology program, passing an exam, and maintaining your credential through continuing education.
If you’re interested in beginning your journey in surgical technology, American Career College offers a Surgical Technology program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
At the end of the program, you can sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist exam through the NBSTSA. You’ll also be eligible for the TS-C exam. Students receive hands-on clinical training and access to career services resources throughout the program. In as few as 20 months, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a surgical technology associate degree and pursue certification in this field.
Ready to get started? Reach out today to request more information about ACC’s Surgical Technology program!
