Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Surgical Technologist
CIP Code: 51.0909 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness for the perioperative environment. Certified Surgical Technologists prepare the OR, maintain sterile technique, handle and pass instruments, anticipate surgeon needs, assist with hemostasis and retracting, manage counts and specimens, support device operation, and ensure safe turnover—working closely with the surgical assistant 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
Role focuses on sterile technique, field maintenance, instrumentation, and intraoperative support under licensed supervision and facility policy. Independent diagnosis, prescribing, or autonomous procedures are outside scope.
Job Description
Performs OR setup and draping; maintains sterile field; selects, assembles, and passes instruments and sutures; anticipates steps and surgeon needs; assists with retraction and exposure; manages counts with the circulator; handles specimens; troubleshoots basic equipment; supports turnover and documentation; and upholds infection prevention and patient safety standards.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a Surgical Technology or allied health program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited hospital/ASC; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable perioperative (OR) experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook. State/facility permissions may apply for specific intraoperative 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 | 18% | ~22 |
| OR Setup, Draping & Patient Positioning | 16% | ~20 |
| Instrumentation, Sutures & Supplies | 20% | ~25 |
| Intraoperative Skills (exposure, hemostasis support) | 18% | ~22 |
| Counts, Specimens & Documentation | 14% | ~17 |
| Equipment, Devices & Safety | 14% | ~17 |
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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