Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Surgical Assistant
CIP Code: 51.0910 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness to assist surgeons across the perioperative continuum. Certified Surgical Assistants provide exposure, hemostasis, suturing and stapling support, patient positioning, draping, instrument handling, counts and documentation, and post-op dressing under the direction of the surgeon and circulating nurse.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $898 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Scope & Safety
This role functions under surgeon supervision within facility policy and state allowances. Independent performance of procedures beyond assisting scope (e.g., autonomous surgery, orders, diagnosis) is not included. Training emphasizes sterile technique, counts, electrosurgical safety, and patient positioning/injury prevention.
Job Description
A Surgical Assistant participates in pre-op setup, patient positioning and prepping, maintains exposure, achieves hemostasis (clamps, ties, cautery at direction), performs basic suturing and stapling, handles and passes instruments, assists with specimen handling, applies dressings, documents counts, and communicates with the perioperative team to ensure safety and efficiency.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a surgical assisting/technology or allied health program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited hospital or surgical center; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable perioperative (OR) experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook. Facility and state permissions may be required for specific assisting tasks.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile Technique, Asepsis & OR Safety | 15% | ~19 |
| Patient Positioning, Prep & Draping | 15% | ~19 |
| Exposure & Tissue Handling | 15% | ~19 |
| Hemostasis (clamping, tying, cautery assistance) | 20% | ~25 |
| Suturing & Stapling Fundamentals | 15% | ~19 |
| Counts, Specimens, Documentation & Communication | 20% | ~25 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $898 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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