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 Exam Question Count Breakdown: How Many Questions You'll Actually Answer
A breakdown of the CST exam's total question count, scored versus unscored items, and what that means for your pacing strategy.
August 15, 2026
Surgical Technologist Salary by State: What Affects Your Earning Potential
An overview of the factors that influence surgical technologist salary variation across different states and practice settings.
August 7, 2026
Pressure Injury Prevention in the Operating Room: A Practical Guide
How the surgical team identifies and reduces pressure injury risk for patients during surgery, particularly in longer procedures.
July 30, 2026
Tourniquet Time Limits: How Long Is Too Long for the CST Exam
A look at accepted tourniquet time limits for extremity surgery and why prolonged tourniquet time increases patient risk.
July 22, 2026
Monopolar vs. Bipolar Electrosurgery: A Safety Comparison for the CST Exam
A comparison of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery, including how current pathway differences affect patient safety.
July 14, 2026
Verbal Order Safety in the Operating Room: Reducing Communication Errors
How the surgical team manages verbal order safety during a case, and why clear communication protocols matter for medication and instrument requests.
July 6, 2026
The OR Fire Triangle Explained: Oxidizer, Fuel, and Ignition Source
A breakdown of the three elements of the operating room fire triangle and how surgical technologists help control each one.
June 28, 2026
Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to obstetric and gynecologic surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 20, 2026
Urologic Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to urologic surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 12, 2026
Surgical Robotics Instrument Certification: Is It Worth Pursuing After Your CST
An overview of manufacturer robotic instrument certification programs available to certified surgical technologists and whether they are worth the investment.
June 4, 2026
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Surgical Technology Programs: Why It Matters
Why CAAHEP and ABHES accreditation status affects your CST exam eligibility, and how to verify a program before enrolling.
May 27, 2026
A Mnemonic for Remembering Surgical Count Sequence and Timing
A memory framework surgical technology students can use to remember when counts occur and what triggers an additional count on the CST exam.
May 19, 2026