Nationally Certified Operating Room & Surgical Technologist (NCORST™)
CIP Code: 51.0909 • 1 Exam = Dual Credential • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70%
Overview
NCORST™ validates comprehensive perioperative competence across both roles: Operating Room Technologist and Surgical Technologist. Candidates demonstrate readiness to prepare the OR, maintain asepsis, handle and pass instruments, anticipate surgeon needs, assist with exposure and hemostasis support, manage counts/specimens, operate basic devices, and ensure safe turnover—working with the surgical assistant and circulating nurse.
- Nationally recognized Dual Credential Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $898 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
- Nationally Certified Operating Room Technologist
- Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Surgical Technologist
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 room setup, equipment checks, and draping; maintains sterile field; selects, assembles, and passes instruments and sutures; anticipates procedural steps; assists with retraction and exposure; supports hemostasis at the surgeon’s direction; manages counts with the circulator; handles specimens; documents and communicates with the perioperative team; and supports turnover and patient safety initiatives.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a Surgical Technology/Operating Room Technology or allied health program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited hospital or 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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