Certified Surgical Technologist 2026

Certified Surgical Technologist Question and Answers

          A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who works as part of the surgical team. Individuals can get the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certificate from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by passing a thorough test.

        A certificate program that includes specific education and training is required to become a surgical technologist. Surgical Technologists are certified after passing the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting and completing a CAAHEP-accredited program or another programmatically-accredited surgical technology program.

        Surgical technicians work together with and help surgeons, nurses, and other members of the health care team throughout a surgical procedure.

The average yearly pay for surgical technicians is $53,590, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The average hourly compensation for a Surgical Technologist is $26, however the range is often between $23 and $28.

        Yes, with additional experience and education, you can advance your career such as becoming first surgical assistants or registered nurses.

In Florida, the average Certified Surgical Technologist salary is $50,536.

• GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL (FOUR YEARS)- First, students must obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most postsecondary surgical technologist programs need this.
• EARN AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE (TWO YEARS)- Aspiring surgical technologists should participate in an accredited training program at a community college.
• GET HANDS-ON PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – While finishing an educational program, it is encouraged that you gain as much hands-on experience as possible through internships, job shadowing, or other means. When time comes to look for a career, these experiences can make a tremendous impact in terms of practical knowledge as well as professional relationships. 
• PREPARATION FOR CERTIFICATION EXAMS- Graduates should prepare for one of the national certification tests offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting after graduation. While not all states require certification, having it demonstrates dedication to the profession and considerably boosts the chances of finding work.

        A surgical technologist must have several years of operating room experience, meet the prerequisites and educational requirements to apply to and complete an accredited surgical first assistant program, and then pass the exam to become a certified surgical first assistant (CSFA).

• Educational Program – Aspiring surgical technologists can choose from a variety of authorized programs that can lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree. Individuals can complete certificates and diplomas from vocational and trade schools in about a year.
• Military Experience – Individuals who have completed a surgical technologist training program within the United States Armed Forces within the last five years are eligible to take the certification exam.
• Work Experience – Those pursuing a surgical technologist certification without a degree or certificate must have at least three years of surgical technologist work experience. You must have three years of full-time experience working under the supervision of a licensed physician, registered nurse (RN), or primary care practitioner and must complete it within the last 5 years.

• We recommend that you note areas in which you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Study those topics, or even attend a class or seminar. Remember that the CST exam is a broad knowledge-based assessment that does not focus on a single subject or surgical specialization.
• Review your candidate handbook, which includes a content area outline, recommended reference list, and example questions.
• Take the CST Practice Examinations because it can also help you to prepare and pass the examination.

      As a Surgical Technologist at HCA, you are in charge of aiding with the delivery of high-quality surgical care. During surgical procedures, you will be responsible for collaborating with the circulating perioperative nurse. You are in charge of all major surgical specialty areas, such as obtaining and preparing sterile supplies and equipment, as well as preparing/maintaining the sterile field. You shall adhere to current AORN and regulatory standards, as well as the System’s policies and procedures.

The duties of a Surgical technologist include aiding with surgeries in an operating room. They collect and organize all required tools for these surgeries and monitor a patient’s vital signs throughout surgery.

Responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist:

• Creating hygienic operating rooms for procedures.
• Sterilizing of Equipments.
• Keeping enough surgical materials on hand.
• Preparing patients for surgery by cleaning and disinfecting incision areas.
• Assisting in surgery by passing instruments and other materials.
• Tracking surgical supplies.
• Keeping current with surgical technology, medical terminology, and procedures.
• Working effectively with surgeons, surgical assistants, nurses, and the surgical team.
• Assisting in the provision of excellent patient care.

Here are 10 Best Surgical Technology Programs Accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES in the Nation for 2026

1. Gwinnett Technical College – Lawrenceville, GA 
2. Southwestern College – San Diego, CA 
3. East Central Community College – Decatur, MS
4. Owens Community College – Toledo , OH
5. Skyline College – San Bruno, CA 
6. Pearl River Community College – Hattiesburg, MS 
7. Lord Fairfax Community College – Middletown, VA 
8. Bevill State Community College – Sumiton, AL 
9. Savannah Technical College – Savannah, GA
10. San Juan College – Farmington, NM

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Surgical Technologists:

Surgical trainees and educators can prepare for TAGME certification with our free TAGME surgical training assessment practice test — covering training supervision, assessment methods, and postgraduate medical education standards.

Canadian medical laboratory science graduates can prepare for CSMLS board certification with our free CSMLS Medical Laboratory Technologist certification practice test — covering clinical biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, and transfusion medicine.

TAGME technologist candidates often also prepare with our NBME practice test 2026 for the clinical science and medical knowledge tested in surgical technology and allied health credentialing.

Cardiovascular OR nurses also strengthen their clinical knowledge with our NCLEX practice test 2026 covering critical care and perioperative nursing concepts.

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Offices of Physicians
• Employment Services
• Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals