Key Takeaways
- Read every question completely before looking at the answer choices — do not rush to select an answer
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds, then choose from the remaining options
- Be cautious of absolute words like "always," "never," "all," and "none" — these are often incorrect
- Look for qualifying words like "most," "best," "first," and "primary" — these indicate the single best answer
- When two options seem similar, focus on the difference between them — one distinction usually makes one correct
- For priority questions, use the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and patient safety first
- Manage your time: 175 questions in 240 minutes = ~1.4 minutes per question
- Trust your first instinct — research shows first answers are usually correct; change only if you find a clear error
Test-Taking Strategies for the CST Exam
Success on the CST exam requires both content knowledge and test-taking skills. Many candidates who know the material still underperform because they struggle with question interpretation, time management, or test anxiety.
Strategy 1: Read the Question Carefully
Before looking at the answer choices:
- Read the entire question stem — don't skim
- Identify the key words: What is the question actually asking?
- Look for qualifiers: "most appropriate," "first action," "best," "primary," "except"
- Be alert for negative stems: "Which of the following is NOT..." or "All of the following EXCEPT..."
Strategy 2: Eliminate Wrong Answers
For every multiple-choice question:
- Read all four options before selecting
- Cross out (mentally or physically mark) answers you know are wrong
- If you can eliminate 2 options, you have a 50% chance of guessing correctly
- Compare the remaining options — look for the distinguishing detail
Strategy 3: Watch for Absolute and Qualifying Words
| Word Type | Examples | Tendency |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute words | Always, never, all, none, only, every | Usually INCORRECT — few things in medicine are absolute |
| Qualifying words | Usually, most, often, may, generally, sometimes | Usually CORRECT — these reflect real-world clinical practice |
| Priority words | First, initial, primary, most important, best | Signal that you must rank actions and choose the TOP priority |
Strategy 4: Patient Safety Is Always the Priority
When a question asks "What should the surgical technologist do FIRST?":
- Patient safety always comes first
- Use the ABCs: Airway > Breathing > Circulation
- Notify the surgeon for critical findings (incorrect count, break in sterile technique)
- Maintain the sterile field — when in doubt, consider it contaminated
- Never assume — verify patient identity, consent, and site
Strategy 5: Time Management
| Checkpoint | Questions Completed | Time Elapsed |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 1-44 | 0-60 minutes |
| Quarter 2 | 45-88 | 60-120 minutes |
| Quarter 3 | 89-132 | 120-180 minutes |
| Quarter 4 | 133-175 | 180-240 minutes |
- If you are spending more than 2 minutes on a question, mark it and move on
- Reserve 10-15 minutes at the end to review flagged questions
- Answer every question — there is no penalty for guessing on the CST exam
- Your first instinct is usually correct — only change an answer if you find a clear reason
Strategy 6: Understanding Question Types
Recall Questions
Test memorized facts: "What is the temperature of a gravity autoclave cycle?"
- Strategy: Know your facts — there is no shortcut for these
Application Questions
Present a clinical scenario and ask you to apply knowledge: "A patient is positioned in lithotomy. Which nerve is at greatest risk?"
- Strategy: Visualize the scenario — picture yourself in the OR
Analysis Questions
Require you to evaluate multiple factors and make a judgment: "A surgical count is incorrect during closure. What should the surgical technologist do FIRST?"
- Strategy: Prioritize patient safety, follow protocols, and think step by step
A question on the CST exam reads: "All of the following are characteristics of absorbable suture EXCEPT..." The word "EXCEPT" indicates that you should:
A CST exam question asks: "Which action should the surgical technologist take FIRST when a break in sterile technique is observed?" This question is testing:
You are unsure about an answer on the CST exam. You have eliminated two options and are choosing between the remaining two. What is the BEST strategy?