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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.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
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Study Materials & Exam Prep — CST Exam
Prepare for your CST Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Practice Tests for the CST Exam (Certified Surgical Technologist)
Exam Edge offers realistic timed practice tests for the CST Exam (Certified Surgical Technologist) with detailed answer explanations — ideal complement to a study guide.
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Click any state to see full requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions →
| State | License Req. | CST Req. | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | Yes | No state-mandated CE hours for renewal | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | Yes | No | — | $35 | high | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | Yes | — | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | No | — | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | No | Yes | 16 | — | high | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | No | Yes | 30 | — | high | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | No | Yes | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | No | Yes | 15 | — | high | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | Yes | 24 | $125 | high | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Yes | 30 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | No | — | $70 | high | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | No | — | — | high | March 2026 |
Surgical technologists often work alongside other licensed professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.