200+ Free CST Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CST 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
$230–$340
Exam Fee (member / non-member)
NBSTSA 2025 Candidate Handbook
45.3%
Largest Domain (Intra-Operative)
NBSTSA content outline
NBSTSA's CST exam consists of 175 total questions (150 scored + 25 unscored pretest items) delivered in 4 hours at Pearson VUE test centers. The 2025 candidate handbook shows passing requires 98 correct of 150 scored items (65.3%). Intra-Operative Procedures is the dominant domain at 45.3% of scored content, followed by Pre-Operative Preparation (12.7%) and Anatomy/Physiology (12%). Exam fees are $230 for AST members and $340 for non-members.
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.
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
98/150 scaled (65.3% of scored items)
Exam Fee
$230 AST members / $340 non-members (NBSTSA / Pearson VUE)
CST Exam Content Outline
Pre-Operative Preparation
Patient assessment, surgical positioning, skin prep, sterile field setup, surgical counts, PPE donning, and draping procedures
Intra-Operative Procedures
Aseptic technique, instrument handling and passing, wound closure, hemostasis, specimen handling, medication management, and procedural assistance across surgical specialties
Post-Operative Procedures
Wound dressing application, patient transfer, room turnover, instrument decontamination, and post-op documentation
Ancillary Duties / Administrative
Professional practice, documentation, ethical standards, informed consent, scope of practice, and workplace compliance
Equipment Sterilization & Maintenance
Steam sterilization, EO gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma, biological indicators, Bowie-Dick test, Spaulding classification, HLD, and instrument care
Anatomy & Physiology
Surgical anatomy landmarks (Calot's triangle, Hesselbach's triangle, femoral triangle, Circle of Willis), body systems, and their implications in surgical procedures
Microbiology
Pathogenic organisms, SSI prevention, sterility principles, chain of infection, sterilization resistance hierarchy, and antiseptics vs. disinfectants
Surgical Pharmacology
Common surgical drugs (epinephrine, heparin, thrombin, succinylcholine, ketamine, neostigmine, dantrolene), medication labeling on the sterile field, and anesthesia support
How to Pass the CST Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 98/150 scaled (65.3% of scored items)
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Exam fee: $230 AST members / $340 non-members
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CST Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How long is the CST exam and where is it taken?
The CST exam is 4 hours long and is delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. Candidates must complete a CST-accredited program or an alternative eligibility pathway before applying.
What is the largest domain on the CST exam?
Intra-Operative Procedures is by far the largest domain, accounting for approximately 45.3% of scored questions. Focus the majority of your study time on aseptic technique, instrument handling, wound closure, hemostasis, and specialty procedures.
How should I prepare for the CST exam in 2026?
Use weighted preparation: (1) master aseptic technique and the 10 principles, (2) drill surgical counts at all 4 time points, (3) memorize Spaulding's classification and sterilization cycles, (4) learn key anatomical landmarks for major surgical specialties, and (5) run timed 150-question mixed sets to build exam-day pacing.
What is the career outlook for surgical technologists?
BLS projects 5% employment growth for surgical technologists from 2023-2033, with median pay of $58,740 (May 2024). Surgical technologists work in hospital ORs, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics nationwide.