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Free CSFA Exam Prep

Certified Surgical First Assistant Examination

Prepare for the CSFA exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Explore More NBSTSA Surgical Technologist Certifications

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Your Study Path

CSFA NBSTSA Surgical Technologist Certifications License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

1

Phase 1You are here

Prioritize pre-op, intra-op, and post-op work in the largest domain.

70
hours
2

Phase 2

Strengthen anatomy, microbiology, and anesthesia interpretation.

45
hours
3

Phase 3

Cover equipment operations and administrative responsibilities.

25
hours
4

Phase 4

Complete timed 4-hour sets and close final gaps.

30
hours
Estimated total study time
170 hours
That's about 17 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the CSFA Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
Education
Graduate route via CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assisting program, or other NBSTSA-recognized CSFA eligibility policy route
Experience
Current/previous certified CSFA applicants may renew by exam under NBSTSA policy
Additional Requirements
  • NBSTSA approval and ATT required before scheduling with PSI
  • Candidates may test up to three times in a calendar year
  • Each retake requires a new application and payment

CSFA Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

10-16 weeks for most candidates

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

PSI

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Unsuccessful candidates may reapply immediately, but are limited to three CSFA exam attempts in one calendar year.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$240 AST member or $350 non-member
Total Estimated Cost$240-$350 per attempt
Why Choose Us

Free CSFA Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: 62% first-time pass rate in 2025 (NBSTSA certification data report).. Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.

260 Practice Questions

Domain-aligned CSFA practice sets with perioperative case-style prompts.

AI-Powered Learning

Focused explanations for procedural sequence, anatomy, and OR decisions.

2026 Updated

Aligned to current NBSTSA exam structure, scoring benchmark, and policy language.

Free Access

Launch CSFA prep free before scheduling your PSI appointment.

Compare:
Kaplan $300+Achievable $200+OpenExamPrep $0

What You'll Study

8 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

CSFA Exam Details

Certified Surgical First Assistant Examination

Administered by National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Official Source
99 correct answers on the 150 scored questions
Passing Score
175
Questions
4
Hours
$240 AST member; $350 non-member
Exam Fee
Study time: 120-200 hours
Prerequisites: Current/previous CSFA credential route or graduation from an approved/accredited surgical first assisting program per NBSTSA policy.
Valid for: Certification must be renewed by NBSTSA expiration date via CE pathway or recertification exam

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) content outline

Perioperative Care55%

Pre-op preparation, intra-op procedures, and post-op responsibilities.

Ancillary Duties14%

Administrative/personnel duties and equipment operation.

Basic Science31%

Advanced anatomy/physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia.

What's Included

8 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

Ran Chen - AI Engineer, CFP®
CFP®
Why It's Free

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

I'm Ran Chen, an engineer with 20+ years of coding experience. I passed my Life Insurance license, EA exam, SIE, Series 6, 63, 65, and finally the CFP® exam.

Through all these exams, one thing became clear: exam prep is expensive. But with AI, we can change that. Quality preparation can now be free for everyone.

About Ran Chen

What's Next After the CSFA?

After passing the CSFA, you can pursue these career paths

CST

Pair first-assist expertise with broad surgical technologist credentialing.

CNOR

Expand into perioperative RN specialization.

FA Program Leadership

Advance into educator, preceptor, or surgical team leadership roles.

Coming Soon

CSFA Exam FAQ

Official National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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Ready to Start Your Free CSFA Prep?

Review the study guide, practice key concepts, and use the free tools at your own pace.