How to Become a Surgical Technologist

5 steps to become a surgical technologist

1. Finish high school

   Biology, anatomy and chemistry are helpful preparation.

2. Complete an accredited program

   Choose a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited certificate or associate program so you can sit for the CST exam.

3. Complete clinical cases

   Programs require a set number of supervised surgical cases in real operating rooms.

4. Pass the CST exam

   Earn certification and meet any state registration requirements.

5. Specialize and advance

   Specialize in a surgical service, become a lead tech or train as a surgical first assistant.

Education and training requirements

Most surgical technologists complete a postsecondary certificate (about 12 to 18 months) or an associate degree (about two years) from a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, including supervised clinical cases.

Certifications and licenses

• CST (NBSTSA): Certified Surgical Technologist from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
• TS-C (NCCT): Tech in Surgery – Certified from the National Center for Competency Testing.
• BLS / CPR: Required by most employers.
• CSFA: Certified Surgical First Assistant: an advanced credential with additional training.

Skills to build now

Start with aseptic technique and sterile field maintenance, surgical instrument identification, and surgical counts, and practice anticipating needs and focus and stamina. Learning the surgical technologist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.

Where the career can lead

1. Surgical Technologist: Maintain the sterile field and assist the surgical team.
2. Specialty or Lead Surgical Tech: Focus on cardiac, neuro or orthopedic surgery, or lead a team.
3. Certified Surgical First Assistant: Assist directly with exposure, hemostasis and closure.
4. RN, OR Educator or Sterile Processing Manager: Move into nursing, education or perioperative leadership.

Get a head start

Our self-paced Surgical Technologist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.

Common questions about getting started

Do surgical technologists need certification?

Some states require certification or registration, and many employers prefer or require the CST regardless of state law.

How long does it take to become a surgical technologist?

Most people need about 12–24 months of training. Most surgical technologists complete a postsecondary certificate (about 12 to 18 months) or an associate degree (about two years) from a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, including supervised clinical cases.

Do you need a degree to be a surgical technologist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

What certifications are available for surgical technologists?

Common credentials include CST (NBSTSA), TS-C (NCCT), BLS / CPR, and CSFA. Several states require surgical technologists to be certified or registered. Many employers require the CST regardless of state rules.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2055 (Surgical technologists).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
• O*NET OnLine summary for Surgical technologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.