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.
How Many Hours Should You Study for the CST Exam? A Realistic Answer
A data-informed look at how many total study hours CST candidates typically need, and why the number varies by starting point.
May 7, 2026
60-Day CST Study Plan: A Balanced Two-Month Preparation Schedule
A 60-day study calendar that balances content review, active recall, and full-length practice testing for the CST exam.
April 29, 2026
CST Exam Time Management: How to Pace Yourself Across Every Question
How to allocate your minutes across the CST exam so you finish every domain without rushing the final section.
April 21, 2026
Splenectomy: Open and Laparoscopic Surgical Overview
An overview of splenectomy surgery for trauma and elective indications, comparing open and laparoscopic approaches and key vascular considerations.
April 19, 2026
Nissen vs. Partial Fundoplication: Comparing Antireflux Surgery Techniques
A comparison of Nissen (360-degree) fundoplication with partial fundoplication techniques like Toupet and Dor for treating GERD.
April 11, 2026
Adrenalectomy: Surgical Overview for Open and Laparoscopic Approaches
An overview of adrenal gland removal surgery, comparing laparoscopic and open surgical approaches and key anatomical considerations.
April 3, 2026
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Surgical Technologist's Overview of Congenital Heart Repair
An overview of pediatric cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects, including cardiopulmonary bypass considerations unique to small patients.
March 26, 2026
Cochlear Implant Surgery: A Surgical Technologist's Overview of the Procedure
An overview of cochlear implant surgery, including mastoidectomy access, electrode array insertion, and the surgical tech role.
March 18, 2026
Complex Ventral Hernia Repair With Component Separation: A Surgical Overview
An overview of component separation technique for complex ventral hernia repair, including mesh placement considerations and instrumentation.
March 10, 2026
Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplant Surgery: An Overview for Surgical Technologists
An overview of pancreas transplantation and islet cell transplant procedures used to treat severe diabetes, and the surgical tech role in each.
March 2, 2026
Carotid Endarterectomy: Surgical Overview and the Surgical Tech's Role in Stroke Prevention Surgery
An overview of carotid endarterectomy surgery, including shunting considerations, neuromonitoring, and the surgical tech role.
February 22, 2026
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Surgery: A Surgical Technologist Overview
An overview of spinal cord stimulator implant surgery, including the trial phase, permanent implantation, and instrumentation considerations.
February 14, 2026