100+ Free TS-C Practice Questions

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Question 1

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According to Spaulding classification, which category requires sterilization because the item enters sterile tissue or the vascular system?

Non-critical

Semi-critical

Critical

Environmental

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TS-C Exam

73%

Overall Pass Rate

NCCT

Scaled 70

Passing Score

NCCT

175

Total Items

150 scored + 25 pretest

4 hours

Exam Time

NCCT

$199

Exam Fee

NCCT

$60,610

Median Salary

BLS 2024

The NCCT TS-C (Tech in Surgery, Certified) exam contains 175 items (150 scored + 25 unscored) over 4 hours and requires a scaled score of 70 to pass. Overall first-time pass rate is 73% (education route 81%, experience route 90.7% per 2024 NCCT data). The $199 exam covers preoperative, perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care across surgical specialties. Surgical technologists earned a median wage of $60,610 in 2024 (BLS), with 6% projected growth through 2034.

Sample TS-C Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your TS-C exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to Spaulding classification, which category requires sterilization because the item enters sterile tissue or the vascular system?

A.Non-critical

B.Semi-critical

C.Critical

D.Environmental

Explanation: Spaulding classifies items by infection risk. Critical items (surgical instruments, implants, needles, scalpels) penetrate sterile tissue or the vascular system and must be sterilized — typically by steam, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, or peracetic acid.

2The standard cycle parameters for gravity-displacement steam sterilization of unwrapped non-porous instruments (immediate-use steam sterilization, IUSS) are:

A.121°C (250°F) for 15 minutes

B.132°C (270°F) for 3 minutes

C.160°C (320°F) for 60 minutes

D.55°C (131°F) for 8 hours

Explanation: AAMI ST79 specifies 132°C (270°F) for 3 minutes for unwrapped non-porous metal instruments using IUSS in a gravity-displacement sterilizer. IUSS is reserved for emergencies — never as a routine substitute for terminal sterilization.

3Which sterilization method is most appropriate for moisture- and heat-sensitive items such as flexible endoscopes and electronics?

A.Gravity-displacement steam

B.Dry heat

C.Ethylene oxide (ETO)

D.Pre-vacuum steam at 132°C

Explanation: Ethylene oxide is a low-temperature gas sterilant compatible with moisture- and heat-sensitive devices. It penetrates lumens and complex packaging but requires long aeration to remove residuals. Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma and ozone are alternative low-temperature methods.

4A biological indicator (BI) used to verify steam sterilization contains spores of:

A.Bacillus atrophaeus

B.Geobacillus stearothermophilus

C.Clostridium difficile

D.Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Explanation: Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard BI for steam and hydrogen peroxide. They are highly heat-resistant, so killing them confirms the sterilizer reached lethal conditions. Bacillus atrophaeus is used for ETO and dry heat.

5Bowie-Dick testing is performed in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers primarily to verify:

A.Spore kill at the end of the cycle

B.Adequate air removal from the chamber

C.Ethylene oxide concentration

D.Temperature inside packs after cooling

Explanation: The Bowie-Dick test is a daily air-removal/steam-penetration test for pre-vacuum sterilizers. Residual air prevents steam contact with all surfaces; a uniform color change on the test sheet confirms adequate vacuum.

6When transporting contaminated instruments from the OR to the decontamination area, the AAMI/AORN-recommended practice is to:

A.Place them on an open tray for rapid access

B.Pre-soak in hot water above 60°C

C.Keep them moist (e.g., enzymatic spray) in a closed, leak-proof, biohazard-labeled container

D.Wipe with alcohol and bag in clear plastic

Explanation: Contaminated instruments must be transported in a closed, leak-proof, puncture-resistant, biohazard-labeled container and kept moist with an enzymatic foam or spray to prevent bioburden from drying. Dried blood is much harder to remove and can compromise sterilization.

7Instruments arriving in the decontamination area should first undergo which step before mechanical washing?

A.Sterilization

B.Lubrication

C.Manual cleaning and inspection of lumens/box locks

D.Wrapping for the autoclave

Explanation: Cleaning always precedes disinfection or sterilization. Manual cleaning under the water surface (to prevent aerosols) of lumens, box locks, serrations, and ratchets removes bioburden that mechanical washers may not reach.

8An enzymatic detergent used for instrument cleaning works primarily by:

A.Killing spores within 30 seconds

B.Breaking down proteinaceous bioburden through proteolytic action

C.Sterilizing lumens via oxidation

D.Coating instruments with a corrosion barrier

Explanation: Enzymatic detergents contain proteases (and often lipases/amylases) that hydrolyze blood, tissue, and other organic soils. They are designed for cleaning, not disinfection or sterilization, and require proper dilution and contact time per the manufacturer's IFU.

9When assembling a tray for sterilization, instruments with box locks (e.g., hemostats) should be:

A.Tightly closed to protect the tip

B.Open or on the first ratchet so steam can contact all surfaces

C.Wrapped individually in foil

D.Submerged in saline

Explanation: Hinged instruments must be open (or on the first ratchet) during sterilization. Closed jaws trap air and bioburden in the box lock and prevent steam or sterilant from contacting all surfaces. AAMI ST79 explicitly requires this.

10The maximum recommended weight for a wrapped instrument set undergoing steam sterilization (per AAMI ST79) is:

A.10 lb (4.5 kg)

B.17 lb (7.7 kg)

C.25 lb (11.3 kg)

D.40 lb (18.1 kg)

Explanation: AAMI ST79 recommends instrument sets not exceed 25 lb (11.3 kg) to allow adequate steam penetration, drying, and to reduce ergonomic injury. Heavier sets risk wet packs and sterility failure.

About the TS-C Exam

NCCT certification for surgical technologists who set up the sterile field, pass instruments, and assist surgeons during operative procedures. The TS-C is an alternative to the NBSTSA CST credential and is accepted by employers nationwide.

Questions

175 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Scaled 70

Exam Fee

$199 (NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing))

TS-C Exam Content Outline

27%

Preoperative Care and Preparation

Sterilization (steam, ETO, peracetic acid, HLD), Spaulding classification, instrument prep, room turnover

14%

Perioperative Care and Preparation

Skin prep, surgical scrub, gowning/gloving, draping, patient positioning, time-out

41%

Intraoperative Care and Preparation

Sterile field maintenance, instruments, counts, electrosurgery, specimens, surgical specialties

18%

Postoperative Care and Preparation

Dressings, decontamination, room break-down, documentation, ethics, professional standards

How to Pass the TS-C Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled 70
Exam length: 175 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: $199

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TS-C Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the AORN sponge, sharp, and instrument count standards — counts and discrepancies appear repeatedly on the exam

2Master Spaulding classification (critical, semi-critical, non-critical) and pair each with the correct sterilization or disinfection level

3Drill instrument identification with photos — clamps (Kelly, Crile, Kocher, Allis), scissors (Mayo, Metzenbaum), retractors (Deaver, Richardson, Weitlaner), and needle holders

4Know the OR fire triangle (oxidizer, ignition, fuel) and electrosurgery safety rules — these are high-yield perioperative safety items

5Use our AI tutor on every question you miss — surgical content is detail-heavy and explanations cement memory better than re-reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCCT TS-C exam pass rate?

The NCCT TS-C overall first-time pass rate is approximately 73%. Pass rates vary significantly by eligibility pathway: education route 81% (69.6% in 2024 data), experience route 90.7%, military route 100%, and high school route 37.8%. To pass, you need a scaled score of 70. Most candidates pass on their first attempt with 60-100 hours of focused preparation.

How is the TS-C different from the CST exam?

Both certify surgical technologists, but they are issued by different bodies. The CST is offered by NBSTSA (a separate organization tied to AST), while the TS-C is offered by NCCT. The TS-C accepts more eligibility pathways — including military training, current high school career-tech students, and 3+ years of work experience — whereas the CST primarily accepts CAAHEP/ABHES program graduates. Both credentials are accepted by most U.S. hospitals.

How many questions are on the NCCT TS-C exam?

The TS-C exam contains 175 items total: 150 scored questions plus 25 unscored pretest questions. Approximately 92% are standard 4-option multiple-choice items, and 8% are alternative-format items such as drag-and-drop, multi-select, and hotspot. You have 4 hours to complete the exam.

What does the TS-C exam cost in 2026?

The NCCT TS-C exam fee is $199. This includes one attempt at the exam. NCCT also offers practice exams and Practice Exam PLUS bundles separately. Candidates who fail must wait 30 days before retaking and pay the full fee for each attempt (up to 4 attempts within 12 months).

How long should I study for the NCCT TS-C exam?

Plan for 60-100 hours of study over 8-12 weeks. Spend the most time on the Intraoperative section (~41% of the exam) — instrument identification, AORN counts, electrosurgery, fire safety, and procedure-specific knowledge across general, orthopedic, neuro, cardiac, OB/GYN, GU, and ENT specialties. Aim for 80%+ on full-length practice exams before scheduling.

Who is eligible to take the NCCT TS-C exam?

NCCT offers five eligibility routes: 1) Current high school student in a surgical tech career-tech program, 2) Current postsecondary student enrolled in an approved program, 3) Graduate of an NCCT-approved or CAAHEP/ABHES program, 4) Experience route — 3+ years full-time surgical tech work in the last 5 years, 5) Military route — completion of Armed Forces surgical tech training (Army 68D, Navy HM-8404, Air Force 4N1X1C). Each route has supporting documentation requirements.

What is the job outlook for surgical technologists?

BLS projects employment of surgical technologists to grow 6% from 2024-2034, faster than average. The 2024 median annual wage was $60,610, with the top 10% earning more than $84,000. Demand is driven by an aging population, increasing surgical volumes (especially outpatient ambulatory surgery centers), and expanding minimally invasive and robotic surgery programs.