200+ Free CSFA Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CSFA Exam
175
Total Exam Questions
NBSTSA 2025 Candidate Handbook
150 scored
Scored Items (25 unscored pretest)
NBSTSA 2025 Candidate Handbook
98/150
Passing Score (65.3%)
NBSTSA 2025 Candidate Handbook
4 hours
Exam Duration
NBSTSA 2025 Candidate Handbook
$300-400
Exam Fee
NBSTSA 2025 Candidate Handbook
55%
Perioperative Care Content
NBSTSA content outline
NBSTSA's CSFA exam consists of 175 total questions (150 scored + 25 unscored pretest items) delivered in 4 hours at Pearson VUE test centers. Passing requires 98 correct of 150 scored items (65.3%). Perioperative Care dominates at 55% of content, split between Intraoperative Procedures (45.3%), Preoperative (6%), and Postoperative (3.7%). Basic Science accounts for 31% (Anatomy/Physiology 20.7%, Microbiology 3.3%, Pharmacology/Anesthesia 3.3%), while Ancillary Duties covers 14% (Admin/Personnel 4%, Equipment 10%).
About the CSFA Exam
The CSFA credential validates advanced perioperative competency for surgical first assistants. The exam covers preoperative patient preparation, intraoperative first assisting techniques including hemostasis and wound closure, postoperative care, administrative duties, equipment sterilization, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and surgical pharmacology/anesthesia.
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
98/150 scored (65.3%)
Exam Fee
$300-400 (NBSTSA / Pearson VUE)
CSFA Exam Content Outline
Preoperative Preparation
Patient assessment, surgical positioning, skin preparation, sterile field setup, surgical counts, and preoperative documentation
Intraoperative Procedures
First assisting techniques, exposure and visualization, hemostasis, tissue handling, wound closure, suturing, stapling, and procedural assistance across surgical specialties
Postoperative Procedures
Wound dressing, patient transfer, postoperative documentation, and discharge planning
Administrative/Personnel
Professional practice, documentation, ethical standards, informed consent, scope of practice, and workplace compliance
Equipment Sterilization/Maintenance
Sterilization methods, biological indicators, instrument care, and equipment troubleshooting
Anatomy & Physiology
Surgical anatomy, body systems, and physiological implications in surgical procedures
Microbiology
Pathogenic organisms, SSI prevention, sterility principles, and infection control
Pharmacology/Anesthesia
Common surgical medications, anesthesia agents, and emergency pharmacology
How to Pass the CSFA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 98/150 scored (65.3%)
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Exam fee: $300-400
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CSFA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CSFA exam?
The NBSTSA CSFA 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 CSFA 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.
What are the prerequisites for CSFA certification?
Candidates must have completed a surgical first assistant program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, OR be a certified surgical technologist (CST) with additional first assistant training and case documentation. Check the NBSTSA handbook for current eligibility pathways.
What is the largest domain on the CSFA exam?
Intraoperative Procedures is by far the largest domain, accounting for approximately 45.3% of scored questions. Focus the majority of your study time on first assisting techniques, hemostasis, tissue handling, wound closure, and specialty procedures.
How should I prepare for the CSFA exam in 2026?
Use weighted preparation: (1) master first assisting techniques and tissue handling, (2) study advanced hemostasis methods, (3) learn wound closure techniques including suturing and stapling, (4) understand anesthesia considerations and emergency medications, and (5) review surgical anatomy for all major specialties.
What is the career outlook for surgical first assistants?
Surgical first assistants are in high demand with competitive salaries. CSFAs work alongside surgeons in hospital ORs, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics. The role offers advancement opportunities and typically higher compensation than surgical technologist positions.