Administrative & Personnel - Domain Overview
Administrative & Personnel (ANCADM) is the smallest domain on the CST exam, accounting for approximately 4.7% of the total score (7 of 150 scored items). It covers cost containment, electrical and fire safety, interpersonal communication, mentoring and precepting, OR scheduling, supply chain management, and professional development.
What This Domain Covers
- Cost containment principles, including preference card accuracy and supply chain management.
- Electrical and fire safety awareness in the operating room.
- Interpersonal communication techniques, including closed-loop communication and chain of command.
- Mentoring, precepting, and professional development, including continuing education requirements.
- OR scheduling concepts, including block time and turnover time.
- The distinct roles of NBSTSA (certification) and AST (professional association).
Why ANCADM Matters in Practice
While this domain carries the lowest exam weight, its content reflects the professional and organizational skills that support a functional surgical department - skills that become increasingly relevant as you advance in your career, mentor newer staff, and participate in departmental safety and efficiency initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of the CST exam is ANCADM?
Administrative & Personnel makes up approximately 4.7% of the exam, or 7 of the 150 scored questions - the smallest domain.
How much time should I spend studying ANCADM?
Because this is the smallest domain, focus on solid conceptual understanding rather than exhaustive depth, and prioritize larger domains like INTRA in your overall study plan.
What is the difference between NBSTSA and AST?
NBSTSA is the certifying body that administers the CST exam; AST is the profession's membership association, publishing standards of practice and a code of ethics.
Explore the full ANCADM study suite: Glossary, Exam Tips, Exam Day Guide, and Common Mistakes.