CSFA
NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
The CSFA certifies surgical technologists who provide direct surgical assistance during operative procedures.
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CSFA Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) |
| Governing Body | NBSTSA |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 99 of 150 scored items correct |
| Exam Fee | $240 AST member / $350 non-member |
| Category | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | NBSTSA official website ↗ |
CSFA Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area |
|---|
| Preoperative Preparation |
| Intraoperative First Assisting Techniques |
| Postoperative Care and Wound Management |
| Professional Issues and Ethics |
Domain areas are sourced from the NBSTSA content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ I. Perioperative Care - 55% (83 items): Preoperative Preparation 8, Intraoperative Procedures 67, Postoperative Procedures 8
- ✓ II. Ancillary Duties - 14% (21 items): Administrative and Personnel 6, Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance 15
- ✓ III. Basic Science - 31% (46 items): Anatomy and Physiology 36, Microbiology 5, Surgical Pharmacology 5
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CSFA
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CSFA is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CSFA format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CSFA Frequently Asked Questions
What does CSFA stand for?
CSFA stands for NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). It is administered by NBSTSA.
Who administers the CSFA?
The NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is administered by NBSTSA. For official information, visit the NBSTSA website.
How many questions is the CSFA?
The CSFA consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 4 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CSFA?
The passing score for the CSFA is 99 of 150 scored items correct, as set by NBSTSA. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CSFA exam cost?
The CSFA exam fee is $240 AST member / $350 non-member. This fee is set by NBSTSA and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CSFA are scored?
175 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored; 25 pretest (unscored) items are randomly distributed throughout the exam. Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CSFA scored?
Raw passing score: 99 correct out of the 150 scored questions (NBSTSA states 'a scaled score of 99 on scored questions means you've passed'). Always confirm the current standard with NBSTSA before testing.
What should I know about the current CSFA exam blueprint?
Same 175/150 structure and 4-hour limit as the CST, but a materially different weighting: Basic Science is 31% for CSFA vs 20% for CST, and Anatomy and Physiology alone is 36 items vs 18 on the CST.
How difficult is the NBSTSA CSFA exam?
The NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant exam is considered advanced in difficulty, reflecting the expanded clinical scope of the first assisting role. It covers surgical anatomy, operative exposure techniques, hemostasis, tissue handling, and assistive procedures across multiple surgical specialties. Pass rates are not widely published for this advanced credential.
What are the eligibility requirements for the NBSTSA CSFA?
Candidates must hold an active CST credential and complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assisting program. Additionally, specific case volume requirements documenting first assisting experience must be met. The CSFA is not available to those who have not first established competency as a CST.
How long should I study for the NBSTSA CSFA exam?
Most candidates need 3–5 months of focused preparation after completing the required educational program. Study resources covering advanced surgical anatomy, first assisting techniques, and specialty-specific surgical procedures are the primary preparation focus.
What career value does the NBSTSA CSFA provide?
CSFA-credentialed surgical first assistants work alongside surgeons in complex cases including cardiovascular, orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures. Compensation is significantly higher than CST-only roles, with CSFA professionals typically earning $70,000–$110,000+ depending on specialty and setting. The credential opens doors to advanced surgical support roles previously limited to physician assistants and RNFAs.
What is the NBSTSA CSFA retake policy?
Standard NBSTSA retake policies apply, a 60-day waiting period after failure, with limited attempts within an eligibility window. Candidates should confirm current NBSTSA CSFA-specific retake requirements before scheduling.
How long is the NBSTSA CSFA credential valid?
The CSFA is valid for four years and requires renewal through CE or re-examination, similar to the CST credential. Both credentials must be maintained concurrently since CST is a prerequisite for CSFA.
What continuing education is required for NBSTSA CSFA renewal?
CSFA renewal requires accumulating approved continuing education credits over the four-year certification period. First assisting-specific content, advanced surgical anatomy, and specialty surgical techniques are the most relevant CE areas for CSFA renewal.
How does the CSFA scope of practice compare to an RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant)?
The CSFA is available to surgical technologists who have completed additional first assisting training, while the RNFA is a credential for registered nurses specializing in first assisting. Both roles assist surgeons intraoperatively, but RNFAs are RNs with broader nursing scope and RNFA-specific education. Employment opportunities and employer preferences between CSFA and RNFA vary by institution and state regulations.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), a Allied Health & Medicine certification, administered by NBSTSA. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by NBSTSA. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the NBSTSA official website ↗ .