NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Vocabulary Game
Exam terms with clues and explanations by OpenExamPrep.
About the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Vocabulary Game
A free word game for the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Each round shows a clue for one of 20 exam terms across 7 topics. Recall the term, spell it out, then read a short explanation. Rounds pick a random term, so you can keep playing as long as you like.
How to Play
- 1Read the clue and type a term with the right number of letters (3 to 6). Abbreviations count: type the letters only.
- 2Press Check Answer or Enter. Each letter changes color to show how close you are.
- 3You have 6 tries. Stuck? Need a hint? asks the AI tutor for a nudge without giving the term away, and Skip moves to a new term.
- 4After the round, read the explanation, ask the AI to explain it, share your result, or press Next.
- ARight letter, right spot
- AIn the term, wrong spot
- ANot in the term
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Topics in the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Vocabulary Game
Preoperative care
Intraoperative care
Postoperative care
Sterile processing
Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Surgical pharmacology
Sources for these terms (18)
- Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infections in Acute-Care Hospitals: 2022 Update · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, 2017 · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Medical Gowns · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Retained Surgical Items: Definition and Epidemiology · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Surgical Sutures: Performance Criteria for Safety and Performance Based Pathway · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Surgical Staplers and Staples · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Biopsy · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Surgical Mesh Used for Hernia Repair · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Closed suction drain with bulb · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Advanced Medical Innovations Disposable Trocars and Laparoscopic Accessories (510(k) K081398) · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Surgical wound care - open · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Ethylene Oxide "Gas" Sterilization · Source checked 2026-11-02
- A Rational Approach to Disinfection and Sterilization · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Glossary: Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008) · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Circulatory Pathways · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Small & Large Intestine · Source checked 2026-11-02
- Statement on Distinguishing Monitored Anesthesia Care from Moderate Sedation Analgesia · Source checked 2026-11-02
- 21 CFR 878.4014 Nonresorbable gauze/sponge for external use (April 1, 2025 edition) · Source checked 2026-11-03
About the CST Exam
The CST credential validates entry-level surgical technology competency across the full perioperative continuum. NBSTSA's current exam blueprint covers pre-operative preparation, intra-operative procedures, post-operative care, equipment and sterilization, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, surgical pharmacology, and ancillary/administrative duties.
Exam sponsor: NBSTSA / Pearson VUE. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
175 questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
98/150 scaled (65.3% of scored items)
Reported exam pass rate: ~70%. first-time candidates (NBSTSA program data) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CST vocabulary game free?
Yes. The game is free to play with no sign-up. Signing in adds AI explanations for any term.
How does the CST vocabulary game work?
Each round shows a clue for one of 20 CST terms. Guess the term in six tries: green means the right letter in the right spot, yellow means the letter is in the term but in another spot, and gray means it is not in the term. After the round, read the explanation and play the next term.
Where do the CST terms come from?
OpenExamPrep researched each term from the NBSTSA / Pearson VUE content outline and primary sources, listed under Sources on this page. The game is independent study material, not an official exam resource.
How many questions are on the CST exam?
The NBSTSA CST exam contains 175 total multiple-choice questions: 150 scored items and 25 unscored pretest items. You won't know which questions are pretest during the exam, so treat every question as scored.
What score do I need to pass the CST exam?
You must answer 98 of the 150 scored items correctly, which is approximately 65.3%. Results are typically available within 6 weeks of testing.