4 automatically recorded for the AST member. The member has the option of printing a certificate of completion for their own records. c) An AST CE Credit Letter indicating the number of CE credits that were accepted will be mailed to the CST or CSFA. This letter should be kept on file with personal CE records. d) CE credits earned at the AST Annual Surgical Technology Conference and Surgical Technology Educators Conference will be automatically recorded for the member. A separate AST CE Credit Letter will be mailed to the CST or CSFA and should be kept on file with personal CE records. e) It is recommended to have all CE credits submitted to AST six months prior to the certification expiration date. Nonmember a) The AST CE Reporting Form with verifying documentation is required to be submitted one-time per certification cycle. It is recommended that the form and documentation is submitted six months prior to the recertification date. The $400 nonmember CE processing fee must also be submitted with the form. b) Include the verifying documentation of all CE credits reported on the AST CE Reporting Form, for example, certificates of attendance and certificates of completion. c) The AST CE Reporting Form and documentation can be mailed or scanned and sent as an email attachment to AST (see page 14 for mailing address and email address). d) After the CE credits are processed, an AST CE Credit Letter indicating the number of CE credits that were accepted will be mailed. A copy of the AST CE Credit Letter must be submitted with the NBSTSA CST or CSFA Renewal Application to the NBSTSA. It is recommended that the original copy of the AST CE Credit Letter be kept on file with personal CE records. Important Note If membership lapses for more than 90 days, the CE credits earned while a member are maintained by AST and can be applied towards recertification. However, CE credits earned as a non-member are subject to the non-member CE processing fee of $400 when submitted to AST. Appeal Process To appeal a decision concerning the denial of CE credit(s) a written letter, hard copy, or email, must be submitted to the AST Continuing Education Department. If the original decision is upheld, a second appeal may be made to the AST Education & Professional Standards Committee who will make the final decision. Decisions regarding CE credits from non-approved CE programs and courses are not appealable. DEFINITIONS Continuing Education CE is a formal, planned, and structured learning experience that is identifiable and can be measured through the awarding of CE credits, the purpose of which is to enhance the competency of the CST and CSFA to foster the development of the professions.
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