CSFA Practice Tests

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Master perioperative care and surgical first assistant competencies with comprehensive CSFA practice tests. Get exam-ready with realistic scenarios, detailed explanations, and AI-powered feedback.

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Duration

4 hours

Questions

175 total (150 scored)

Cost

Contact NBSTSA for current fees
Where to register
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Issued by National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Delivered via Computer-based testing centers. NBSTSA accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Verify current exam fees and eligibility requirements on the official NBSTSA website or contact them at (800) 707-0057.

Register on nbstsa.org
01·Overview

Certification overview

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

Exam details

  • Exam Code

    CSFA

  • Duration

    4 hours

  • Questions

    175 total (150 scored)

  • Format

    Multiple choice, computer-based

  • Passing Score

    99 on scored questions

  • Cost

    Contact NBSTSA for current fees

  • Validity

    Multi-year with CE renewal

Prerequisites
  • Graduate from a CAAHEP accredited surgical first assistant program
  • Submit completed application with processing fee
  • Meet NBSTSA eligibility verification requirements
  • Maintain current knowledge of surgical practice standards
02·Domains

Exam domains

Topics on the official blueprint, with their relative weight.

01
Perioperative Care
55% of exam
  • Preoperative assessment and preparation
  • Intraoperative surgical assistance techniques
  • Patient positioning and draping
  • Hemostasis and wound management
  • Postoperative care and complication prevention
  • Surgical team communication and coordination
02
Basic Science
31% of exam
  • Anatomy and physiology relevant to surgical procedures
  • Pathophysiology of surgical conditions
  • Surgical microbiology and infection control
  • Pharmacology of surgical medications and anesthesia
  • Principles of hemostasis and wound healing
  • Medical terminology and documentation
03
Ancillary Duties
14% of exam
  • Instrument and equipment preparation
  • Operating room environmental maintenance
  • Patient safety protocols and standards
  • Sterile field management
  • Supply and inventory management
  • Legal and ethical responsibilities
03·Key topics

What you actually study

Service families and concept clusters that show up across questions.

Surgical Procedures

  • General surgery techniques
  • Cardiovascular procedures
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Specialty surgical disciplines

First Assistant Skills

  • Exposure and retraction techniques
  • Bleeding control and hemostasis
  • Wound closure assistance
  • Instrumentation and handling
  • Anticipatory surgical support

Patient Care

  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Infection prevention
  • Pain management principles
  • Patient communication

Safety and Standards

  • Bloodborne pathogen prevention
  • Operating room safety protocols
  • Incident reporting
  • Professional standards of practice
  • Continuing education requirements
04·Study tips

How to actually pass it

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

Preparation strategy
  • Study the CAAHEP surgical first assistant curriculum thoroughly
  • Practice identifying surgical instruments and their proper use
  • Review anatomy and physiology specific to common procedures
  • Learn hemostasis techniques and wound management principles
  • Study current NBSTSA practice standards and guidelines
  • Take multiple practice exams to assess readiness
  • Focus on perioperative care since it comprises over half the exam
Exam day
  • Read each question carefully before selecting an answer
  • Manage your time across the 4-hour exam window
  • Don't second-guess correct answers without good reason
  • Focus on applying knowledge rather than memorizing facts
  • Remember that 150 of 175 questions count toward your score
  • Stay calm and use deep breathing if you feel stressed
  • Review your answers if time permits before submitting

Enter the OR ready for the CSFA exam.

Realistic surgical scenarios and clinical knowledge assessment with AI-powered feedback. Start free, no card required.

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