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Question 1

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The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. What is the minimum recommended duration for an antimicrobial surgical scrub?

30 seconds

2-5 minutes

10 minutes

15 minutes

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TS-C Exam

175

Scored Items

NCCT Detailed Test Plan

Unscored Pretest Items

NCCT Detailed Test Plan

4 hours

Exam Duration

NCCT Candidate Information

Passing Score (Scaled)

NCCT Certification Standards

$199

Exam Fee

NCCT 2025-2026

49%

Largest Domain (Intra-Op)

NCCT Content Outline

NCCT's TS-C exam consists of 175 scored items plus 25 unscored pretest items delivered over 4 hours. A scaled score of 70 is required to pass. The exam emphasizes perioperative care with approximately 49% on intraoperative procedures, 33% on preoperative preparation, and 18% on postoperative care.

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 198+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. What is the minimum recommended duration for an antimicrobial surgical scrub?

A.30 seconds

B.2-5 minutes

C.10 minutes

D.15 minutes

Explanation: According to CDC guidelines and AORN recommendations, an antimicrobial surgical hand scrub should last 2-5 minutes depending on the product used. Most commercial scrub solutions specify 3-5 minutes of scrub time. The 30-second option is insufficient for reducing microbial counts, while 10-15 minutes is excessive and can cause skin damage without additional benefit.

2When opening a sterile wrapped instrument set, the circulator should open the wrapper flaps in which order?

A.Near flap, then sides, then far flap

B.Far flap first, then sides, then near flap toward self

C.All flaps simultaneously

D.Side flaps first, then near, then far

Explanation: The correct sequence for opening sterile wraps is: far flap first (away from body), then left and right side flaps, then the near flap (toward self) last. This prevents the circulator's unsterile arms from reaching over the sterile contents. The near flap protects the sterile field during the opening process.

3What is the primary purpose of performing surgical counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments?

A.To document supplies used for billing purposes

B.To prevent retained surgical items in the patient

C.To verify that all equipment is functioning properly

D.To track inventory for ordering supplies

Explanation: The primary purpose of surgical counts is patient safety — specifically to prevent retained surgical items (RSI) such as sponges, needles, and instruments inside the patient. Wrong counts may indicate a retained item, requiring immediate investigation including wound exploration and possibly radiographic imaging.

4Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient undergoing gallbladder surgery?

A.Supine with arms tucked at sides

B.Supine with arms extended on armboards

C.Lithotomy position

D.Prone position

Explanation: Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is typically performed with the patient in supine position with arms tucked at sides. This provides optimal access to the right upper quadrant while preventing nerve compression injuries that can occur when arms are abducted on armboards. Lithotomy is for pelvic procedures; prone is for posterior spine or rectal procedures.

5The surgical skin prep solution should be applied using which technique?

A.From the periphery toward the incision site

B.From the incision site outward to the periphery

C.In a back-and-forth scrubbing motion

D.Only on the intended incision line

Explanation: Surgical skin prep is applied from the intended incision site outward toward the periphery in ever-widening circles. This technique moves microorganisms away from the cleanest area (the incision site) toward the less-clean peripheral skin. The prep area should extend well beyond the anticipated incision boundaries.

6A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for surgery. Which action should the surgical technologist take FIRST?

A.Apply petroleum jelly to the patient's skin before prepping

B.Ensure a latex-free cart is available and remove all latex-containing items from the room

C.Administer prophylactic antibiotics preoperatively

D.Place a warning sign only on the patient's chart

Explanation: For patients with latex allergy, the priority is establishing a latex-safe environment. This includes removing all latex-containing items (gloves, drains, catheters, tourniquets) and ensuring latex-free alternatives are available. Simply posting a warning sign is insufficient. Petroleum jelly is not a standard intervention, and antibiotics are unrelated to latex allergy.

7During the surgical time-out, the surgeon states the procedure is a "left nephrectomy." The consent form indicates "right nephrectomy." What is the surgical technologist's responsibility?

A.Proceed with surgery since the surgeon has final authority

B.Document the discrepancy and continue

C.Immediately speak up and halt the procedure until the discrepancy is resolved

D.Assume the consent form contains the error and proceed with left nephrectomy

Explanation: The Universal Protocol requires ALL team members to stop and voice concerns identified during the time-out. Wrong-site surgery is a "never event" and every team member shares responsibility for preventing it. The surgical technologist must immediately speak up when discrepancies are noted. The procedure cannot continue until site, procedure, and patient are verified.

8Which nerve is MOST at risk when a patient is positioned in the lithotomy position?

A.Ulnar nerve

B.Common peroneal nerve

C.Radial nerve

D.Median nerve

Explanation: The common peroneal (fibular) nerve is most at risk in lithotomy position because it wraps around the fibular head and can be compressed against the stirrups or leg holders. Compression can cause foot drop. Proper padding at the lateral knee is essential. The ulnar nerve is at risk when arms are tucked; radial and median nerves are less commonly affected.

9A chemical indicator inside a sterile peel-pack has not changed color. What is the appropriate action?

A.Use the item since external indicators show it was processed

B.Check the expiration date; if valid, use the item

C.Do not use the item; set aside for reprocessing or discard

D.Open the package and visually inspect the contents

Explanation: An internal chemical indicator that fails to change color indicates that sterilization conditions may not have been achieved inside the package. The item should NOT be used. Internal indicators confirm that sterilizing agents (steam, gas, etc.) penetrated to the package interior. Never use items with failed chemical indicators.

10When donning a sterile gown and gloves using the closed gloving method, which statement is correct?

A.The scrubbed person's hands remain inside the gown sleeves until gloves are donned

B.The scrubbed person touches the outside of the glove with bare hands

C.A circulator pulls the gloves onto the scrubbed person's hands

D.The scrubbed person dons gloves first, then the gown

Explanation: In closed gloving, the scrubbed person's hands never exit the gown cuffs until gloves are on. The hands remain inside the sleeves, and the person pulls the gloves onto their own hands using the sleeve cuffs to maintain sterility. The circulator only assists by holding the glove package open, not touching the gloves directly.

About the TS-C Exam

The TS-C credential from NCCT validates competency for surgical technologists in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. The exam covers patient preparation, sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, wound management, equipment sterilization, and professional practice.

Questions

175 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

70% scaled score

Exam Fee

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

TS-C Exam Content Outline

33%

Preoperative Care and Preparation

Patient assessment, surgical positioning, skin preparation, sterile field setup, surgical counts, PPE donning, and patient safety verification

49%

Intraoperative/Perioperative Procedures

Aseptic technique, instrument identification and passing, wound closure, hemostasis, specimen handling, draping, and surgical procedures across specialties

18%

Postoperative Care and Preparation

Wound dressing application, surgical counts at closure, patient transfer, room turnover, and instrument decontamination preparation

How to Pass the TS-C Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% scaled score
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

1Master the principles of aseptic technique - know when sterility is maintained versus compromised

2Practice surgical counts at all time points: baseline, before cavity closure, at skin closure, and at relief

3Learn common surgical instruments and their uses: hemostats, forceps, retractors, needle holders, scissors

4Understand wound classification: Clean, Clean-Contaminated, Contaminated, Dirty/Infected

5Know positioning safety: nerve injury prevention (peroneal, ulnar, brachial plexus), pressure points, and padding

6Study sterilization methods: steam, EO gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and high-level disinfection

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the TS-C exam?

The NCCT TS-C exam contains approximately 175 scored multiple-choice items plus 25 unscored pretest items, totaling 200 questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the examination.

What score do I need to pass the TS-C exam?

A scaled score of 70 is required to pass all NCCT certification examinations including the TS-C. Scaled scoring accounts for slight variations in exam difficulty across different forms.

How much does the TS-C exam cost?

The TS-C exam fee is $199 as of 2025-2026. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or late registration. Check the NCCT website for current pricing.

What are the eligibility requirements for TS-C?

Candidates must complete an approved surgical technologist training program OR have at least 3 years of full-time experience as a surgical technologist. Recent graduates must submit proof of graduation within 60 days.

What is the largest content area on the TS-C exam?

Intraoperative/Perioperative Procedures is the largest domain at approximately 49% of exam content. Focus on aseptic technique, instrument handling, wound closure, and surgical procedures.

How should I prepare for the TS-C exam?

Focus study on intraoperative procedures (49%), then preoperative care (33%), then postoperative care (18%). Master aseptic technique principles, surgical counts, instrument identification, and sterile field maintenance.