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Surgical Technologist — CST/TS
Surgical technologist licensing requires completing an accredited program, passing the national CST or TS-C certification exam, and meeting state-specific registration requirements. About one-third of states require licensure or registration — requirements for certification, continuing education, and program accreditation vary by jurisdiction.
51
Total States
7
Require License
15
Require CST
23 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Surgical technologist licensure involves completing an accredited program, passing a national certification exam, and meeting state-specific registration requirements.
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential is administered by the NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting). It requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program and passing a comprehensive exam covering perioperative care, surgical procedures, and sterile technique.
Surgical technology programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES offer certificate (12 months) or associate degree (24 months) tracks. Programs include coursework in anatomy, surgical procedures, sterile technique, and clinical rotations in the operating room.
Approximately 17 states currently require licensure or registration for surgical technologists. The trend toward state-level regulation is increasing as more states recognize the importance of ensuring competency standards in the operating room for patient safety.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | License Req. | CST Req. | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | Yes | — | $50 | high | Mar 2026 |
| California(CA) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | Yes | No | — | $35 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | Yes | — | $100 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| New York(NY) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | No | — | $50 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | No | Yes | 16 | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | No | Yes | 30 | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | No | Yes | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | No | Yes | 15 | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | Yes | 24 | $125 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Yes | 30 | $75 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | No | — | $70 | high | Mar 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | No | — | — | high | Mar 2026 |
Surgical technologists often work alongside other licensed professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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