SA-C Practice Tests

ABSA Surgical Assistant Certification

Prepare for the American Board of Surgical Assistants certification exam with realistic practice questions, detailed explanations, and AI-powered feedback. Master perioperative knowledge, surgical anatomy, and clinical skills needed to pass.

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Duration

3 hours

Questions

150 (140 scored)

Cost

$400-$455 USD

Where to register

American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)

Issued by American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). Three eligible pathways: physician/dentist, allied health professional, or certified surgical assistant. See ABSA for current details on eligibility requirements.

01·Overview

Certification overview

The format, prerequisites, and what to expect on exam day.

Exam details

Exam Code
SA-C
Duration
3 hours
Questions
150 (140 scored)
Format
Multiple choice, single-select
Passing Score
70%
Cost
$400-$455 USD
Validity
2 years

Prerequisites

Physician or dentist with medical degree and 2+ years surgical experience, OR
Formal ABSA-approved surgical assistant training plus 2+ years clinical scrub experience and manual skills evaluation, OR
Active certification from another surgical assisting organization with 2+ years clinical experience
Attestation to ABSA Code of Ethics
Pass the SA-C examination
Recertification required by June 30 of expiration year

02·Domains

Exam domains

Topics on the official blueprint, with their relative weight.

Perioperative Knowledge

50% of exam

Preoperative assessment and preparation
Intraoperative surgical techniques (operative phase)
General and specialty surgical procedures (orthopedic, gynecological, urological, and other disciplines)
Postoperative care and recovery protocols

Surgical and Medical Knowledge

39% of exam

Asepsis and sterile technique
Surgical anatomy and structures
Surgical terminology and procedures
Basic life support and emergency response
Surgical instrumentation and equipment
General medical knowledge
Diagnostic studies and imaging

Professional Practice and Ethics

11% of exam

Patient safety and risk management
Emergency protocols and response
Code of ethics and scope of practice
OSHA and HIPAA regulations
Professional responsibilities and accountability

03·Key topics

What you actually study

Service families and concept clusters that show up across questions.

Surgical Procedures

General surgery techniques
Orthopedic procedures
Gynecological operations
Urological procedures
Specialty surgical disciplines

Anatomical Knowledge

Surgical anatomy across body systems
Vascular and neurological structures
Organ systems and relationships
Pathological anatomy
Anatomical landmarks for procedures

Perioperative Phases

Preoperative patient evaluation
Intraoperative support and assistance
Instrumentation and specimen handling
Hemostasis and wound closure
Postoperative follow-up protocols

Clinical Skills

Tying and suturing techniques
Instrument handling and passing
Retraction and exposure management
Bleeding control and hemostasis
Specimen identification and handling

Safety and Compliance

Infection prevention and control
Patient safety protocols
Emergency situation management
Documentation and legal requirements
Professional ethics and boundaries

04·Study tips

How to actually pass it

Practical strategies for the weeks before, and the morning of.

Preparation strategy

Master perioperative phases by studying each stage of surgical procedures separately.
Build anatomical knowledge through detailed study of surgical approach anatomy.
Practice identifying surgical instruments and their proper use and positioning.
Review specialty procedures systematically across different surgical disciplines.
Study case-based scenarios to understand clinical decision-making in surgical settings.
Understand OSHA and safety protocols as they apply to the operating room.
Review the ABSA Code of Ethics and professional standards thoroughly.

Exam day

Carefully read each question to identify the specific surgical phase or scenario being asked about.
Use process of elimination to narrow choices when unsure about surgical procedures.
Pay attention to anatomical details and surgical approach differences between similar procedures.
Do not rush through procedural questions, read all options before selecting.
Remember that perioperative knowledge comprises 50% of the exam; budget your focus accordingly.
Review your marked questions if time permits, checking for reading comprehension errors.
Stay calm during the 3-hour exam; pace yourself to avoid fatigue in the final section.

Pass the ABSA surgical assistant exam with confidence.

Computer-based practice that mirrors the actual SA-C exam format and domains. Start free, no card required.

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