How the plan sets your priorities
Rate how each subject area went on your last attempt. If your score report shows results by subject area, use them; the planner doesn't need exact scores. So the planner asks you instead: the subject areas you mark as hard start your plan, mixed ones are strengthened, and confident ones get lighter review. Your answers are a self-assessment, not an official result.
Each subject area starts from its share of the exam in the official outline, multiplied by its priority: 3× to start, 2× to strengthen, 1.5× if you leave it blank, and 1× to maintain. A quarter of your time is mixed practice across all subject areas. This is Passy’s planning method; it doesn’t estimate a score or a chance of passing.
Retake rules for the CST
No waiting period: a candidate who fails may reapply at once, up to 3 attempts per calendar year, with a new application and the retake fee ($300 on NBSTSA's site) each time.
- maxAttempts is per calendar year, not a lifetime limit.
- The 2025 handbook says candidates pay the total testing fee each time; NBSTSA's application page and FAQ list a discounted $300 retake fee. The website figure is newer.
- Each retake needs a new application to receive a new Authorization to Test.
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Next steps
Check your weakest subject area with the free CST practice set, or use the CST study planner for a first attempt.
Passy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). CST® is a registered credential of NBSTSA, and the name is used here only to identify the exam. Passy practice questions are original study material and contain no NBSTSA exam items, content outline sample questions, or practice exam questions.