SurgicalTechPrep Blog
Study smarter. Pass the CST exam.
Study guides, procedure breakdowns, and exam strategy to help you pass the NBSTSA CST exam on your first attempt.
CST Practice Question Walkthrough: Draping Sequence and Technique Questions
A worked example of how to answer draping technique and sequence questions on the CST exam.
May 14, 2026
CST Exam Study Schedule Template: A Weekly Framework You Can Customize
A flexible weekly study schedule template surgical technology students can adapt to any CST exam preparation timeline.
May 6, 2026
30-Day CST Study Plan: A Focused Month-Long Schedule for the NBSTSA Exam
A structured 30-day study calendar for surgical technology students preparing for the CST exam on a tight timeline.
April 28, 2026
CST Exam Day Checklist: What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
A practical checklist of what NBSTSA candidates should bring to the testing center on CST exam day, and what gets you turned away.
April 20, 2026
What Happens After You Pass the CST Exam: Next Steps for New Certificants
A guide to the practical next steps after passing the CST exam, including receiving your credential, updating employers, and planning renewal.
April 18, 2026
Common CST Exam Myths Debunked: What Candidates Get Wrong About the Test
A debunking of common myths and misconceptions about the CST exam that circulate among candidates, based on how the exam actually works.
April 10, 2026
NBSTSA vs. Other Surgical Technologist Credentialing Bodies: Understanding the Landscape
An overview of NBSTSA and other credentialing organizations in surgical technology, and why the CST credential is the most widely recognized.
April 2, 2026
Comparing CST Exam Prep Books and Question Banks: Which Study Resources Are Worth It
A framework for evaluating CST exam prep books and online question banks to determine which resources are worth your study budget and time.
March 25, 2026
How NBSTSA Develops and Validates CST Exam Questions: A Look Behind the Test
An explanation of how NBSTSA develops, reviews, and statistically validates CST exam questions before they count toward your score.
March 17, 2026
Domain 3 Postoperative Patient Care: A CST Exam Content Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of the postoperative content tested on the CST exam, including wound care, dressings, and equipment care.
March 9, 2026
Domain 2 Intraoperative Patient Care: A CST Exam Content Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of the intraoperative content tested on the CST exam, including counts, instrumentation, and hemostasis.
March 1, 2026
Domain 1 Perioperative Patient Care: A CST Exam Content Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of what the Perioperative Patient Care domain covers on the CST exam and how to study for it effectively.
February 21, 2026