CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST 2026
CST EXAM COMPREHENSIVE SURGICAL
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW AND STUDY GUIDE
◉ What does a surgical technologist do?
Answer: Scrub, gown, and glove self and team members.
◉ What is a key responsibility of the CST-CFA First Assistant,
Surgical technologist, and Circulator?
Answer: Communicate effectively with the surgeon to prevent
errors.
◉ What is the role of a Circulator?
Answer: Nonsterile team member who acts as an advocate for the
patient and provides assistance to the sterile surgical team.
◉ What surgical maneuvers do CST-CFA First Assistant and Second
Assistant perform?
Answer: Cutting tissue, maintaining hemostasis, and suturing under
the direction of the primary surgeon.
◉ What is a surgical technologist specialized in?
, Answer: Preparation, handling, and use of instruments.
◉ What does a surgical technologist prepare for use in the surgical
wound?
Answer: Medications and solutions.
◉ What is the role of a preceptor?
Answer: Teaches new employees and surgical technology students
in surgery.
◉ What advanced degree might a surgical technologist pursue?
Answer: A degree in hospital administration and management.
◉ What training is a surgical technologist required to have?
Answer: Disinfection, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of
instrument trays.
◉ How do CST-CFA First Assistant and Second Assistant maintain a
dry surgical site?
Answer: By operating suction devices and appropriate use of
surgical sponge.
CST EXAM COMPREHENSIVE SURGICAL
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW AND STUDY GUIDE
◉ What does a surgical technologist do?
Answer: Scrub, gown, and glove self and team members.
◉ What is a key responsibility of the CST-CFA First Assistant,
Surgical technologist, and Circulator?
Answer: Communicate effectively with the surgeon to prevent
errors.
◉ What is the role of a Circulator?
Answer: Nonsterile team member who acts as an advocate for the
patient and provides assistance to the sterile surgical team.
◉ What surgical maneuvers do CST-CFA First Assistant and Second
Assistant perform?
Answer: Cutting tissue, maintaining hemostasis, and suturing under
the direction of the primary surgeon.
◉ What is a surgical technologist specialized in?
, Answer: Preparation, handling, and use of instruments.
◉ What does a surgical technologist prepare for use in the surgical
wound?
Answer: Medications and solutions.
◉ What is the role of a preceptor?
Answer: Teaches new employees and surgical technology students
in surgery.
◉ What advanced degree might a surgical technologist pursue?
Answer: A degree in hospital administration and management.
◉ What training is a surgical technologist required to have?
Answer: Disinfection, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of
instrument trays.
◉ How do CST-CFA First Assistant and Second Assistant maintain a
dry surgical site?
Answer: By operating suction devices and appropriate use of
surgical sponge.
