Earn CE Now

Your certification is important.  Even though you may earn CE credits up to your certification expiration date till 11:59 p.m., AST strongly encourages you to have your fulfillment of approved CE credits on file with AST at least six (6) months before.  This way you will have time to earn CE credits that qualify for renewal of your credential.  Once your credential has expired, the window to earn qualifying CE credits is gone - there is no grace period or no extension.  The only option then is by exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) must earn 60 CE credits before the four-year cycle expires to renew the credential.

Certified First Assistant (CFA) must earn 75 CE credits before the four-year cycle expires to renew the credential.

AST Discount Booklet #2 - 18 Credits for $30 (2008)
A compilation of articles that offers 18 CE credits to members for $30..

To downloadcollection of 18-credit CE articles, please click here. (2 MB)
To download the exams and answer sheets, please click here.

AST Discount Booklet #1 - 21 Credits for$35 (2007)
IThe first compilation of articles offering 21 CE credits for $35.
To download collection of 21-credit CE articles, please click here. (857K)
To download the exams and answer sheets, please click here.

AST Credit Discount Package #3 (Neurosurgical) $15 (2009)
A compilation of 10-credit CE articles, please click here to download articles.(18 MB).
Click here to download the exams and answer sheet.

AST Credit Discount Package #4 (Orthopedic) $15 (2009)
A compilation of 10-credit CE articles, please click here to download articles. (6 MB).
Click here to download the exams and answer sheet.

AST Credit Discount Package #5 (General) $19 (2010)
A compilation of 12-credit CE articles, please click here to download articles. (2.2 MB).
Click here to download the exams and answer sheet.

AST Credit Discount Package #6 (General) $19 (2010)
A compilation of 12-credit CE articles, please click here to download articles. (3.7 MB)
Click here to download the exams and answer sheet.

Visit the AST Online CE Resource site to access journal articles, CE credit discount packages, videotaped lectures from conferences and forums, and PowerPoint presentations in the specialties listed below.

PAY ONLINE AND YOUR CE CREDITS POST AUTOMATICALLY!

• Cardiothoracic
• ENT
• General
• Genitourinary
• Miscellaneous
• Neurology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Ophthalmology
• Oral and Maxillofacial
• Orthopedics
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Peripheral Vascular
• Plastic and Reconstructive

As an AST member you may access your CE Credit information online with your login information at www.ast.org. View your CE Credits and submission history online as well as print your CE Credit history for confirmation for your employer.

Step 1: Submitting CE Credits to AST

All CE credits must be earned while maintaining active AST membership and earned within your current certification cycle set forth by the NBSTSA. CE credits earned outside of the AST membership are subject to the $400 nonmember processing fee. If the CE credits are earned while an AST member, the processing of the credits is included in the AST membership and the processing fee is waived. 

How do I become a member of AST? See Membership Categories to join.

What type of CE credits are approved toward by credential? View the Recertification Simplified - Maintaining the Credential brochure.

What form do I submit with my CE credits? Print the CE Credit Reporting Form.

One important benefit of AST membership is the processing and approval of continuing education (CE) credits toward renewal of your credential. AST archives members's credits and transfers them automatically to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification renewal. (NOTE:  If your credential is due for renewal see step 2 below to complete your recertification.)

Step 2: NBSTSA Renewal Application to Complete Recertification