ABSA Surgical Assistant Certification (SA-C) Study
Guide | 2025 Verified Exam Prep
EXAM OVERVIEW
Feature Details
Certifying Body American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
Credential Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA-C)
Exam Format Computer-based, 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest)
Time Limit 3 hours
Passing Score Minimum 70%
Question Type Single-select, multiple-choice with four options
Exam Language English only
Retake Policy Up to 4 times per year; 30 days between attempts
Renewal Every 2 years; recertification by examination or professional development
Exam Fee $455 ($400 for active military/veterans; includes $100 non-refundable admin fee)
Eligibility Pathways Physician, Allied Health Professional, or Certified Surgical Assistant pathways
SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
, Three Eligibility Pathways
1. Physician Discipline (Medical Doctor, Dentist) Pathway
Education: Completion of a medical program recognized by the World Directory of
Medical Schools (WDOMS)
Experience: Completion of residency or advanced training (e.g., surgical rotation) +
minimum 2 years of primary or advanced surgical experience
2. Licensed & Non-Licensed Allied Health Professionals Pathway
Education: Completion of a formal surgical assistant training program meeting ABSA
criteria (must include specific surgical disciplines)
Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical surgical scrub experience
Manual Skills Assessment: Evaluation by a licensed surgeon demonstrating tying and
suturing competence
3. Certified Surgical Assistant Pathway
Certification: Active certification in surgical assisting from another entity
Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical surgical scrub experience
Manual Skills Assessment: Evaluation by a licensed surgeon (same criteria as Pathway
2)
All Applicants Must:
Attest to comply with the ABSA Code of Ethics
Pass the SA-C examination
Required Training Program Content (Allied Health Pathway)
Applicants must complete a formal surgical assistant training program that covers :
General Surgical procedures and anatomy
Gynecological surgical procedures and anatomy
Orthopedic surgical procedures and anatomy
Neurological surgical procedures and anatomy
Cardiothoracic surgical procedures and anatomy
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Medical Terminology
Surgical Interpersonal Interactions
Guide | 2025 Verified Exam Prep
EXAM OVERVIEW
Feature Details
Certifying Body American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
Credential Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA-C)
Exam Format Computer-based, 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest)
Time Limit 3 hours
Passing Score Minimum 70%
Question Type Single-select, multiple-choice with four options
Exam Language English only
Retake Policy Up to 4 times per year; 30 days between attempts
Renewal Every 2 years; recertification by examination or professional development
Exam Fee $455 ($400 for active military/veterans; includes $100 non-refundable admin fee)
Eligibility Pathways Physician, Allied Health Professional, or Certified Surgical Assistant pathways
SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
, Three Eligibility Pathways
1. Physician Discipline (Medical Doctor, Dentist) Pathway
Education: Completion of a medical program recognized by the World Directory of
Medical Schools (WDOMS)
Experience: Completion of residency or advanced training (e.g., surgical rotation) +
minimum 2 years of primary or advanced surgical experience
2. Licensed & Non-Licensed Allied Health Professionals Pathway
Education: Completion of a formal surgical assistant training program meeting ABSA
criteria (must include specific surgical disciplines)
Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical surgical scrub experience
Manual Skills Assessment: Evaluation by a licensed surgeon demonstrating tying and
suturing competence
3. Certified Surgical Assistant Pathway
Certification: Active certification in surgical assisting from another entity
Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical surgical scrub experience
Manual Skills Assessment: Evaluation by a licensed surgeon (same criteria as Pathway
2)
All Applicants Must:
Attest to comply with the ABSA Code of Ethics
Pass the SA-C examination
Required Training Program Content (Allied Health Pathway)
Applicants must complete a formal surgical assistant training program that covers :
General Surgical procedures and anatomy
Gynecological surgical procedures and anatomy
Orthopedic surgical procedures and anatomy
Neurological surgical procedures and anatomy
Cardiothoracic surgical procedures and anatomy
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Medical Terminology
Surgical Interpersonal Interactions
