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FAQ's

 

Q: Can I fax you my application?
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
Q: Is the exam on a computer?
Q: When are the exams scheduled?
Q: How many questions are on the exam?
Q: How long will I have to take the exam?
Q: Do I need to have a current AST membership card on the day I take the exam?
Q: What is the cost of the test?
Q: How long does it take for the exam application review process?
Q: Can I give the doctor I work for the Experience Verification Form to complete for my first assistant skills?
Q: If I fail my exam how soon can I retest?
Q: What do I need to take to the test center?

 

 


Q. Can I fax you my application?
A. No. We can only accept original signatures as part of the application package.

 

Q. Do you accept credit cards?
A. Yes. We are now proud to accept MasterCard or Visa. Signed Payment forms for credit cards may not be faxed. Credit card authorization cannot be accepted over the phone.

 

Q. Is the exam on a computer?
A. Yes. The test is computer based and allows you to change your answers, skip questions, and mark questions for review. Knowledge of computers and typing are not required to successfully take the exam. You will have your pass/fail results within 5 minutes of completing the exam.

 

Q. When are the exams scheduled?
A. The exams are by appointment only. You must apply, be found eligible, and make an appointment to take the exam with the testing agency in a location near you. Exams are no longer scheduled on specific dates. Each testing center has its own schedule for testing; however, most of the centers are available 6 days a week.

 

Q. How many questions are on the exam?
A. The ST certifying examination consists of 250 multiple-choice questions.
The FA certifying examination consists of 250 multiple-choice questions.
Each question has four choices listed, only one of which is correct. The answer to each question can be derived independently of the answer to any other question.

 

Q. How long will I have to take the exam?
A. You will have four hours to complete each exam.

 

Q. Do I need to have a current AST membership card on the day I take the exam?
A. No. You must be a member when you apply to receive the student discount.

 

Q. What is the cost of the test?
A. The Surgical Technologist National Certifying Exam fee is $190.00 for AST Members ($45.00 processing fee, $145.00 exam fee). The CST Exam is $290 for non-members ($45.00 processing fee, $245.00 exam fee). The full testing fee must be paid in advance to The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), formerly the LCC-ST. If an applicant is found to be ineligible the exam application fee will be refunded minus the processing fee of $45.00 (see page 5).The First Assistant National Certifying Exam fee is $299.00 for AST Members ($99.00 processing fee, $200.00 exam fee). The CFA Exam is $399 for non-members ($99.00 processing fee, $300.00 exam fee). The full testing fee must be paid in advance to NBSTSA. If an applicant is found to be ineligible the exam application fee will be refunded minus the processing fee of $99.00.

 

Q. How long does it take for the exam application review process?
A. Processing an application for the Surgical Technologist National Certifying Exam takes approximately 4 weeks from the time it is received. Processing an application for the First Assistant Exam depends upon how quickly we receive the verification forms back from the MD’s, RN’s or DO’s and CST or CST/CFA supervisors verifying the first assistant skills. You should allow at least 3 months for this process to be completed. You may speed the process by attaching the completed, and notarized forms to your application.

 

Q. Can I give the doctor I work for the Experience Verification Form to complete for my first assistant skills?
A. Yes. The Supervisor Experience Verification Forms may be sent directly to the candidates so they can give them to their supervisors. We encourage you to maintain contact with your supervisor(s) to assure the forms are returned to us in a timely manner. Remember these forms must be notarized.

 

Q. If I fail my exam how soon can I retest?
A. Surgical Technologist candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the exam are able to re-test after six weeks. Surgical Technologist candidates may only test three times during any calendar year. First Assistant Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the exam are able to re-test after six months. The Supervisor’s Verification Forms are kept on file for two years. All applicants will be required to submit the testing fee each time they test.

 

Q. What do I need to take to the test center?
A. Two forms of Identification are required. Both must be current (not beyond the expiration date) and one must have a current photograph.  Both forms must bear your name and your signature. You must present one of the following as the primary form of identification: Passport, driver's license with photograph, state identification card with photograph, military ID card with photograph. Acceptable forms of secondary ID include student ID card, employer ID card, social security card and any type of temporary identification.  Candidates may not misrepresent their identities or falsify information to obtain admission to the Assessment Center.