Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) 2026

CSFA Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test 2026 FREE 1,110+ Questions. — Crush It First Try

CSFA - Certified Surgical First AssistantBy Michael ChenApr 7, 202660 min read
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) 2026
⏱️4 HoursTime Limit
📝175Questions
70%Pass Rate
💵$190Exam Fee
📊ScaledScoring
🖥️CBTFormat
🔄3Max Retakes
🏢PSICenters
📍USABased
🩺YesLicensure
💻YesComputer
🎓YesDegree

The CSFA exam is a rigorous assessment administered by the NBSTSA to validate the skills of surgical first assistants. Achieving CSFA certification opens doors to higher Certified Surgical First Assistant salary potential and expanded career opportunities in hospitals and surgical centers nationwide.

Csfa Practice Test - Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) study guide

CSFA Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

CSFA Advanced Surgical Anatomy

CSFA Exam Questions covering Advanced Surgical Anatomy. Master CSFA Test concepts for certification prep.

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CSFA Aseptic Technique and Sterilization

Free CSFA Practice Test featuring Aseptic Technique and Sterilization. Improve your CSFA Exam score with mock test prep.

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CSFA Hemostasis and Wound Closure

CSFA Mock Exam on CSFA Hemostasis and Wound Closure. CSFA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology

CSFA Test Prep for CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology. Practice CSFA Quiz questions and boost your score.

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CSFA Intraoperative Procedures and Techniques

CSFA Questions and Answers on Intraoperative Procedures and Techniques. Free CSFA practice for exam readiness.

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CSFA Intraoperative Surgical Procedures

CSFA Mock Test covering Intraoperative Surgical Procedures. Online CSFA Test practice with instant feedback.

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CSFA Microbiology and Infection Control

Free CSFA Quiz on Microbiology and Infection Control. CSFA Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

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CSFA Postoperative and Emergency Care

CSFA Practice Questions for Postoperative and Emergency Care. Build confidence for your CSFA certification exam.

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CSFA Postoperative Patient Management

CSFA Test Online for Postoperative Patient Management. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

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CSFA Preoperative Patient Preparation

CSFA Study Material on Preoperative Patient Preparation. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

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CSFA Surgical Anatomy and Physiology

Free CSFA Test covering Surgical Anatomy and Physiology. Practice and track your CSFA exam readiness.

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CSFA Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia

CSFA Exam Questions covering Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia. Master CSFA Test concepts for certification prep.

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CSFA Surgical First Assist Anatomy & Physi...

Free CSFA Practice Test featuring Surgical First Assist Anatomy & Physiology. Improve your CSFA Exam score with mock test prep.

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CSFA Surgical First Assist

CSFA Mock Exam on Surgical First Assist. CSFA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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CSFA Surgical Instruments

CSFA Test Prep for Surgical Instruments. Practice CSFA Quiz questions and boost your score.

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CSFA Exam Flashcards

Quick review for the Certified Surgical First Assistant Exam

🩺What is the primary role of a CSFA during surgery?

The primary role of a CSFA is to assist the surgeon by providing exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions to help the operation proceed smoothly.

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🧼What is the standard time for a surgical hand scrub?

The standard time for a surgical hand scrub is typically 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the specific antimicrobial agent and facility protocol used.

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🩹Which suture material is absorbable?

Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) is a common synthetic absorbable suture used for soft tissue approximation and ligation.

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🩸What is hemostasis?

Hemostasis is the process of stopping bleeding or hemorrhage, which is a critical skill for a Certified Surgical First Assistant.

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🧠Which nerve is at risk during a thyroidectomy?

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is at risk of injury during a thyroidectomy, which can result in vocal cord paralysis.

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✂️What is the use of a Metzenbaum scissor?

Metzenbaum scissors are used for dissecting and cutting delicate tissue, not for cutting sutures or heavy fascia.

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CSFA Certification Study Guide

Our CSFA study guide breaks down the exam into manageable sections. Review key details about the Certified Surgical First Assistant test to ensure you are fully prepared.

What is the CSFA exam?
The CSFA exam is a national certification test administered by the NBSTSA for surgical first assistants to demonstrate advanced surgical skills and knowledge.
Who can take the CSFA test?
Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assistant program or meet other eligibility pathways set by the NBSTSA.
Why get CSFA certified?
Earning the Certified Surgical First Assistant credential validates your expertise and often leads to higher pay and better job prospects.
Is the CSFA exam hard?
The CSFA exam is challenging, covering complex surgical procedures and anatomy, requiring dedicated study and preparation.

CSFA Test Format & Content

Understanding the structure of the CSFA exam is key to success. The NBSTSA CSFA test evaluates your knowledge across three main domains essential for a Certified Surgical First Assistant.

🏥Perioperative Care / Domain 1

Focuses on preoperative and postoperative patient care duties.

Pre-opPostSafetyAssessment
  • Topics: Patient assessment, positioning, catheterization.
  • Questions: Approx. 35 questions
🔪Intraoperative Procedures / Domain 2

The largest section covering surgical techniques and assistance.

SurgeryInstrumentsHemostasis
  • Topics: Surgical specialties, tissue handling, exposure.
  • Questions: Approx. 70 questions
🔬Basic Science / Domain 3

Tests foundational scientific knowledge required for surgery.

AnatomyPhysiologyMicrobiologyPharm
  • Topics: Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology.
  • Questions: Approx. 45 questions
🧪Aseptic Technique / Core Skill

Critical procedures to maintain a sterile field.

SterilityScrubbingGowningDraping
  • Topics: Sterilization methods, contamination control.
  • Questions: Integrated throughout
📋Administrative Duties / Professional

Documentation and legal responsibilities.

EthicsLegalRecordsConsent
  • Topics: Informed consent, incident reporting, scope of practice.
  • Questions: Integrated throughout
🚑Emergency Situations / Critical

Handling surgical complications and emergencies.

HemorrhageTraumaArrest
  • Topics: Cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia response.
  • Questions: Integrated throughout

Focus heavily on anatomy and surgical procedures, as these make up the bulk of the CSFA exam questions. Use a comprehensive CSFA study guide to review specific surgical steps.

CSFA Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correctPASS

Certified Surgical First Assistant Salary

💰

$75,000

Median Annual Salary

🎓Entry Level
$45,000
$3,750/mo0-2 Years
👨‍⚕️Mid-Level
$65,000
$5,416/mo2-5 Years
🏥Experienced
$80,000
$6,666/mo5+ Years
✈️Traveling CSFA
$100,000+
$8,333+/moVariable
Lead Tech
$90,000
$7,500/mo7+ Years

How to Become a Certified Surgical First Assistant

The path to becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant involves education and training. Follow these steps to complete an accredited surgical first assistant program and earn your certification.

🎓
STEP 1

Education

Find an accredited surgical first assistant program that meets educational standards. Many CSFA programs online offer flexibility.
🏥
STEP 2

Clinical

Gain hands-on experience by completing required surgical cases and clinical hours.
📝
STEP 3

Exam

Submit your application and fees to the NBSTSA to schedule your exam.
📜
STEP 4

Certify

Use a CSFA study guide and practice tests to prepare for the 175-question exam.

CSFA Certification Cost

Understanding the CSFA exam cost and associated fees is important for planning. Below is a breakdown of the typical expenses for CSFA certification.

💵$190AST Member Fee Exam fee for members
💳$290Non-Member Fee Exam fee for non-members
🔄$40Renewal Fee For AST members
📚$50+Study Materials Books & Practice Tests
🏫$5k+Program Tuition Varies by school

The cost of CSFA certification is an investment in your career that pays off quickly through higher Certified Surgical First Assistant salary potential.

Certified Surgical First Assistant - Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) study guide

CSFA Testing Contacts

Contact the NBSTSA or testing agencies for official information regarding the CSFA exam.

🏢

NBSTSA

Certifying Body

Website: nbstsa.org

Services: Exam Application

Contact: 800-707-0057

📝

PSI

Exams Testing Partner

Website: psiexams.com

Services: Scheduling

Contact: 855-340-3710

🎓

CAAHEP

Accreditation

Website: caahep.org

Services: Accredited Programs

Contact: 727-210-2350

👥

AST

Association

Website: ast.org

Services: Membership

Contact: 303-694-9130

CSFA Test Day Checklist

Ready to Pass Your CSFA Exam?

Get unlimited access to free CSFA exam questions and comprehensive study guides. Start your journey to becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant today.

CSFA Renewal Requirements

🔄

Cycle

4 Years

📚

CE Credits

75 Hours

💵

Fee

$40

Keep track of your CE credits to avoid lapsing. Re-taking the CSFA exam is required if your certification expires.

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Questions and Answers

About the Author

Michael ChenCPA, EA, MS Taxation

Enrolled Agent & Tax Certification Preparation Expert

NYU School of Professional Studies

Michael Chen is a Certified Public Accountant, IRS Enrolled Agent, and holds a Master of Science in Taxation from NYU School of Professional Studies. With 16 years of individual, corporate, and estate tax practice experience, he coaches candidates through the EA Special Enrollment Examination, CPA tax sections, VITA certification, and state tax preparer licensing programs.