Become a Certified Surgical Technologist

Educational Requirements

Successful surgical technologists say that the best way to become a surgical tech is by earning a degree or certificate through a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Surgical technology degree programs usually take nine months to two years to complete, depending on the school, and are offered by community colleges, vocational schools and universities.

Accredited surgical technology programs make their graduates more competitive in the job market by providing them with a solid medical background, a thorough understanding of surgical procedures and the technical skills required in the operating room. Programs often include courses in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, as well as hands-on training in sterilization techniques, surgery procedures, equipment handling, and patient care and safety. Many programs featured on All Allied Health Schools also provide opportunities for supervised clinical practice, which a student can use to build a resume and gain hands-on experience while earning a degree.

Surgical Technologist Certification

According to the US Department of Labor, the majority of employers seek surgical technologists who have passed a national certification exam, such as the one administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This comprehensive certification exam, a multiple-choice test taken on a computer, is open to anyone who has earned a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited degree from an institution. Exams are offered by appointment throughout the year at testing facilities nationwide. Passing this exam qualifies the tech as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) also offers a national certification exam for surgical technologists. Candidates can qualify to take this exam in one of three ways:

• Complete an accredited degree program
• Finish a 2-year hospital training program
• Gain seven years of experience in the field

Those who pass the NCCT exam are designated as Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C). Don't let these terms confuse you, however. The main difference between TS-Cs and CSTs lies in who is proctoring the surgical technologist certification exam.

After becoming a CST or TS-C, a certificate holder is required to keep the credential up to date. Mandatory renewal of CST certification involves enrolling in continuing education classes or re-taking the certification exam every four years. TS-C certification is renewed in the same manner every five years.

However, your investment in certification will be quickly rewarded. Becoming a CST or TS-C demonstrates to potential employers a candidate's professional competency and dedication to the medical profession, and it boosts your competitive edge when it comes to salary raises and job advancements.

According to an online survey report from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), CSTs and TS-Cs most frequently earned from one to two dollars more per hour than non-certified surgical technologists, and 16.9 percent of the CSTs and TS-Cs surveyed were earning at least five dollars more per hour than their non-certified peers.

Advanced Certification—First Assistant

Some CSTs further specialize in their field with additional education and training. For example, they commonly advance to the position of First Assistant, also known as Surgical Assistant. The NBSTSA offers a national certification exam specifically for First Assistants.

To be eligible for this exam, applicants must have completed a CAAHEP-accredited first assistant or surgical assistant degree program, or be a certified surgical technologist with extensive first assistant work experience. A surgical technologist who earns NBSTSA certification officially becomes a certified first assistant (CFA), further expanding job options and increasing earning potential. The National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) also offers a certified surgical assistant (CSA) credential, which is earned by passing a written, oral and practical certification exam.

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