NBSTSA Policy for Candidate Information Security
Examination security and confidentiality of all examination materials and
data are of utmost concern during every phase of development administration
and storage. The testing center strictly enforces examination security.
The testing company maintains an item bank for the NBSTSA that is secure
and is maintained within their database with indefinite retention. In addition,
candidate data and pass/fail statistics are also maintained in their database.
Internally, the following records are maintained as a paper file and are
also stored electronically within the NBSTSA database:
Candidate application
- Proof of graduation from a properly accredited surgical technology program
- Copy of payment
The most advanced information technology security measures are in place
to prevent undue access to candidate records, both internally and within
the testing company database.
If a potential employer requests proof of certification for a practitioner,
and the NBSTSA does not find such proof either internally or within the
database of the testing company, then the practitioner is asked to provide
the certificate issued for certification and the number issued along with
the certificate. This policy is in place to prevent the proliferation of
fraudulent credentials and to protect the patient.
NBSTSA Policy for Late Renewal
Philosophy
The NBSTSA believes that renewal for certification should be through professional development, as acquired through continuing education credits, rather than by entry-level examination. Professional development allows the practitioner to keep abreast of the rapidly changing technologies necessary for intraoperative practice, strengthening the quality of the credential and increasing patient safety through better overall preparedness.
It should be noted that if credits were not completed (meaning that the correct amount were not earned within the renewal cycle) then the policy does not apply, and the certification exam must be taken for renewal.
IMPORTANT: Individuals whose certification has lapsed will be issued a new certification number upon satisfying renewal requirements.
Penalty Fees
| 0 – 1 month past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $0 penalty fee = $40.00 |
| 1 – 3 months past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $100 penalty fee = $140.00 |
| 3 – 6 months past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $200 penalty fee = $240.00 |
| 6 – 9 months past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $300 penalty fee = $340.00 |
| 9 – 12 months past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $400 penalty fee = $440.00 |
| 12 – 18 months past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $500 penalty fee = $540.00 |
| 18 – 24 months past expiration: | $40 standard renewal fee + $600 penalty fee = $640.00 |
After 24 months, the applicant must re-take the certification examination and pay the fee for renewal by examination. |
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