Surgical Tech Certification: Overview and FAQ
Wondering if you should pursue surgical tech certification? These credentials — Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) — demonstrate that you’ve mastered essential operating room skills, such as maintaining a sterile field and handling surgical instruments.
Certification also gives you a competitive edge in the job market, opening doors to stronger career opportunities and potential for higher pay. If you’re thinking about becoming a certified surgical tech, we’ll walk you through the credential choices available, how to earn them, and the advantages they bring to your career.
Surgical Tech Certification Programs
Surgical technologist certification is a professional credential that shows you’ve completed the necessary education, gained the required experience, and passed a rigorous exam set by a recognized certifying organization. Think of it as a stamp of expertise that tells employers you’re skilled and ready to work in the operating room. While certification isn’t always required to find employment, it is legally mandated in some states.
In the U.S., two surgical tech certifications are most commonly recognized by employers and professional organizations:
- CST certification offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- TS-C certification offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Both certifications are nationally recognized and can enhance your qualifications as a surgical technologist. The choice between them may depend on your educational background, work experience, and the specific requirements of employers in your area.
Surgical Technologist Certification Requirements
Becoming a certified surgical tech means completing specific education, undergoing hands-on training, and passing a professional exam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you earn those prestigious letters after your name.
1. Become a Surgical Tech
If you are not yet a surgical tech, your first step is to complete a formal education and training. You can choose from certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs, depending on your goals and schedule. To enroll, you’ll typically need at least a high school diploma, GED, or any other higher education degree.
Curious how long it takes to complete your training? Most surgical tech programs last between 12 and 24 months, depending on the type you choose. Keep in mind that some require prerequisites — such as anatomy, physiology, or medical terminology — which can add extra time before you officially begin.
Tip: Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), recommended by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), or approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
2. Choose a Certification
Once you’ve completed your formal training, the next step is deciding which certification you want to pursue. Here’s an overview of your credential options:
CST Certification
Still wondering, What is a CST certification? This credential is the most widely recognized credential for surgical technologists, with more than 78,000 professionals nationwide holding it. Here are some reasons professionals may choose to pursue this credential:
- Widespread recognition: This certification is nationally recognized and often required by employers across the U.S., enhancing job prospects and credibility in the field.
- Accreditation: This credential is accredited by the NCCA, ensuring rigorous standards and quality.
- Professional development: Earning this credential opens up opportunities for ongoing learning and growth through the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).
TS-C Certification
Considering joining the more than 6,000 professionals who hold the TS-C credential? Here are some reasons to pursue this credential:
- Flexible eligibility: This certification offers various routes to eligibility, including completion of an NCCT-approved program, military training, or experience under a registered nurse, providing flexibility for diverse backgrounds.
- Self-paced learning: Many programs leading to TS-C certification offer self-paced learning, accommodating working individuals and those seeking flexible study schedules
- Recognized by employers: While some employers may prefer or require CST certification, the TS-C credential is also recognized and valued in the healthcare industry.
3. Meet Eligibility Requirements
Next, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements to sit for either exam. These requirements vary depending on which certification you choose:
If you are pursuing CST certification, here are your eligibility pathways:
- Graduate pathway: Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the CAAHEP or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- Military training pathway: Graduation from a U.S. military surgical technology program.
If you’re pursuing TS-C certification, your eligibility pathways include:
- Graduate pathway: Completion of a postsecondary program from an NCCT-authorized school within the past 5 years, including U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
- Military pathway: Completion of a surgical tech program or its equivalent during U.S. military service within the past 5 years.
- Experience pathway: Accumulation of 3 years of verifiable full-time experience as a tech in surgery within the past 5 years.
- High school pathway: Graduation from a tech in surgery program from an NCCT-authorized high school within the past 5 years.
- Instructor pathway: Accumulation of 3 years of current verifiable teaching experience in surgical technology at an NCCT-authorized organization within the past 5 years, as well as 3 years of verifiable experience as a TS-C.
4. Prepare for the Exam
After meeting eligibility, it’s time to prepare for your certification exam. CST and TS-C exams cover similar surgical tech skills but vary in their specific content focus.
If you’re getting ready for CST certification, here’s some info to help you get ready:
- Content areas: The exam covers perioperative care, ancillary duties, and basic science.
- Study resources: The NBSTSA provides an exam content outline as well as additional resources, such as CST study evaluation, reference textbook list, and practice exams.
Preparing for the TS-C exam? Here’s some information you may find handy:
- Content areas: Exam topics include perioperative care and preparation, preoperative care and preparation, intraoperative care and preparation, as well as end-of-procedure tasks and postoperative care.
- Study resources: The NCCT provides a detailed test plan, practice exams, and interactive review systems.
5. Pay the Exam Fee
Surgical tech certification costs vary based on the certifying body and study materials you choose to invest in. Here’s the breakdown of fees:
- CST certification: $190 for AST members and $290 for nonmembers
- TS-C certification: $199
6. Pass the Exam
The CST exam consists of a total of 175 questions, of which 150 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. Candidates are given four hours to complete the exam, which is entirely multiple-choice. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 98 of the 150 scored questions.
The TS-C exam also includes 175 questions (150 scored and 25 unscored items), and candidates have four hours to complete it. The exam is primarily multiple-choice, though it may include some alternative formats such as drag-and-drop or multi-select questions. The passing score for the exam is generally set at 70%.
7. Maintain the Certification
Earning your surgical technologist certification is a major milestone, but keeping it current is just as important. Here’s what you need to know regarding renewal of your credential:
- CST certification must be renewed every 2 years by completing 30 continuing education credits or retaking the exam, with a renewal fee of $25. If you decide to renew by retaking the exam, you’ll also need to pay a $299 exam fee if you’re an AST member or $399 if you’re a nonmember.
- TS-C certification is renewed annually, requiring 14 contact hours each year and a recertification fee of $89.
Surgical Tech Salary
The average salary for surgical techs in the U.S. is $65,810 per year, though pay varies by location, education, experience, and work setting. Check out surgical tech jobs on IntelyCare for the latest opportunities, salary ranges, and job duties to make informed career decisions.
If you’re open to relocation, explore openings in the top five highest-paying states for surgical techs:
Frequently Asked Questions: Surgical Tech Certification
What certification do you need for surgical tech positions in hospitals and clinics?
Most hospitals and clinics in the U.S. require or strongly prefer candidates to hold either the CST credential, offered by the NBSTSA, or the TS-C credential, offered by the NCCT. While the CST is more widely recognized, both show that you’ve completed formal training and passed a national exam.
Can I get a surgical tech certification online?
Yes, there are online programs that can prepare you for surgical technologist certification. NCCT gives you the option to test remotely, while the CST exam is offered mostly in person — though online proctoring options have been made available in certain cases, such as during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Are there free surgical tech certification options available?
There are no fully free certification programs for surgical technologists. Certification exams and accredited programs require tuition and fees. Some employers, healthcare organizations, or military programs may offer financial assistance or reimbursement for training and exam costs.
What are the benefits of certification for my career?
Certification isn’t just a title — it’s also proof that you’re equipped to provide safe, high-quality patient care while keeping up with the latest advances. Plus, it comes with added benefits like:
- Skill verification: Certification highlights your commitment to the field, strengthening your surgical tech resume and helping you stand out to employers.
- Career advancement: Certification can open doors to leadership roles, such as teaching newly hired surgical techs or managing teams.
- Higher pay: Certified surgical techs may earn more than their noncertified peers.
- Quality of care: Certification reinforces best practices, supporting safer and more effective patient outcomes.
- Professional recognition: Certification can help to earn respect from peers, supervisors, and the wider healthcare teams.
Related Certifications
Want to take your credentials a step further? These additional certifications and courses can give you an edge in the operating room:
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
Apply for Healthcare Jobs With IntelyCare
Your surgical tech certification is your path to more than just a job — it could be the start of a career you’ll love. We’ll match you with roles that align with your skills, lifestyle, and goals. Just tell us your preferences — we’ll handle the rest.