Member FAQs
What is Certification?
The national certification exam and credential are offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). It administers the national certification
exams and issues the certification for CSTs and CSFAs.
- Two-Year Certification Cycle - CSTs
Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) must earn 30 CE credits, including 4 defined as live, before their two-year cycle expires to renew their credential.
- Two-Year Certification Cycle - CSFAs
Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFA) must earn 38 CE credits, including 8 defined as live, before their two-year cycle expires to renew their credential.
- Four-Year Certification Cycle - CSTs
Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) must earn 60 CE credits before their four-year cycle expires to renew their credential.
- Four-Year Certification Cycle - CSFAs
Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFA) must earn 75 CE credits before their four-year cycle expires to renew their credential.
After I have all my credits, what other steps do I need to do to
recertify?
Submit a renewal
application to the NBSTSA.
Why can’t I login to the AST website?
Some common reasons why you may not be able to login to your account may be because your email has changed or your membership has expired. To update your login, contact Member Services at [email protected].
Does AST accept college courses for CE credit?
Yes, each college hour
is worth 5 credits. Members need to earn the college credit within their
membership and certification cycle. To see which classes are eligible for credits, check out AST's Continuing Education Policies for the CST and CSFA then click on either 4-year cycle or 2-year cycle.
How do I submit credits?
CSFA Members
Are you a CSFA wondering about your AST membership? Review all the CSFA FAQs.