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 vs. Perioperative Registered Nurse: How the Roles Differ in the OR
A comparison of the surgical technologist and perioperative registered nurse roles, including training length, scope, and daily responsibilities.
May 26, 2026
Associate's Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree in Surgical Technology: Which Path Makes Sense
A comparison of associate's and bachelor's degree pathways into surgical technology, including cost, time, and career impact.
May 25, 2026
CST vs. CFA: Comparing Surgical Technologist and Certified First Assistant Roles
A side-by-side comparison of the Certified Surgical Technologist role and the broader Certified First Assistant role for students weighing their career path.
May 24, 2026
Wound Classification Mnemonic: Clean, Clean-Contaminated, Contaminated, and Dirty-Infected
A memory framework for the CDC surgical wound classification system tested on the NBSTSA CST exam.
May 23, 2026
OR Team Roles Mnemonic: Remembering Who Does What in the Sterile and Unsterile Fields
A memory framework for distinguishing the roles and responsibilities of each operating room team member for the CST exam.
May 22, 2026
CST Exam Anatomy Mnemonics: Memorizing Layers, Regions, and Landmarks
A set of anatomy mnemonics tailored to the layers, abdominal regions, and surgical landmarks tested on the CST exam.
May 21, 2026
Sterile Technique Mnemonic Devices for the CST Exam
Memory aids surgical technology students can use to recall the core principles of sterile technique tested throughout the CST exam.
May 20, 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
Cranial Nerve Mnemonics for Surgical Technologists Preparing for the CST Exam
How surgical technology students can use classic and updated cranial nerve mnemonics to prepare for anatomy questions on the CST exam.
May 18, 2026
Suture Size Mnemonic Guide: Remembering the Numbering System for the CST Exam
A memory framework for understanding and recalling the USP suture sizing system tested on the NBSTSA CST exam.
May 17, 2026
Surgical Instrument Mnemonics: Memory Tricks That Actually Stick
A collection of mnemonic devices surgical technology students can use to remember instrument categories and functions for the CST exam.
May 16, 2026
CST Practice Question Walkthrough: Electrosurgery Safety Scenario Questions
A worked example of how to reason through an electrosurgical safety question on the CST exam.
May 15, 2026