CA-SA of AST
Professional Resource Center
Everything you need to grow your career, maintain your certification, and stay informed as a surgical technology professional in California.
Featured Resource
NBSTSA — Your Certification Authority
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is the certifying body for the CST credential. CSTs must complete 60 CE credits every 4 years to maintain certification. CA-SA of AST offers approved CE events year-round to help you stay on track.
Category 01
Continuing Education
Quality CE opportunities that fit your schedule — from annual conferences to online webinars.
CA-SA CE Events
We host CE events throughout California every year — each offering certification-approved hours to keep your CST current.
- Annual Spring Conference — up to 8 CE hours
- Regional workshops — 4–6 CE hours each
- NorEx IV Northern Exposure Conference — 6 CE hours
- Specialized skill-building sessions
CE Requirements at a Glance
Understanding your CE requirements is essential for career planning and maintaining your CST credential.
- 60 CE credits required every 4 years
- Credits must be from NBSTSA-approved providers
- Multiple formats accepted — live, online, hybrid
- Documentation required for recertification
Online CE Platforms
Supplement your in-person CE with convenient, self-paced online options from nationally recognized providers.
- AST Education Platform
- NBSTSA Online Courses
- Professional webinars and seminars
- Recorded conference sessions
Category 02
Certification & Recertification
The CST credential is the gold standard in surgical technology — here's everything you need to earn and keep it.
Getting Certified
- Eligibility: Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program or qualifying military training
- Exam: Computer-based test covering perioperative care and surgical procedures
- Study Resources: Review courses, practice exams, and study guides available through AST and NBSTSA
- CA-SA Support: We offer Certification Preparation Workshops throughout the year
Maintaining Your Certification
- Complete 60 CE credits over your 4-year renewal cycle
- Submit renewal application and fee before your deadline
- Maintain accurate documentation of all CE activities
- Alternative path: Retake the CST exam at renewal
Category 03
Legislative Updates & Advocacy
CA-SA actively monitors and advocates on legislation that impacts surgical technologists across California.
Issues We Track
Our Legislative Committee monitors bills and regulations affecting surgical technologists, including:
- Scope of practice legislation
- Certification and licensure requirements
- Healthcare facility staffing regulations
- Occupational health and safety standards
- Education and training program requirements
How to Get Involved
Your voice matters in shaping the future of the profession. Here's how to participate:
- Attend Legislative Advocacy Day at the State Capitol
- Contact your state legislators on key issues
- Join the CA-SA Legislative Committee
- Stay informed via our newsletter and alerts
- Share your experiences with CA-SA leadership
Stay Informed
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive legislative updates and action alerts directly in your inbox.
Subscribe to Newsletter View Advocacy DayCategory 04
Professional Organizations
Connect with the national and state organizations that support and govern the surgical technology profession.
Association of Surgical Technologists
The national professional organization for surgical technologists offering education, advocacy, and resources.
ast.org →National Board of Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting
The national certifying organization for surgical technologists and surgical assistants.
nbstsa.org →Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Accrediting organization for surgical technology education programs nationwide.
caahep.org →Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology
Sets standards for surgical technology and surgical assisting education programs.
arcstsa.org →California Department of Public Health
State regulatory information, healthcare facility licensing, and public health resources.
cdph.ca.gov →California Hospital Association
Resources and advocacy for California's healthcare community and hospital workforce.
calhospital.org →Category 05
Documents & Downloads
Forms, guides, and reference materials for CA-SA members and prospective members.
Membership Application
Join CA-SA of AST and become part of California's surgical technology community.
CE Tracking Log
Use this template to record and organize your continuing education hours for recertification.
Member Newsletter Archive
Stay current with past issues of the CA-SA newsletter covering events, news, and legislative updates.
Legislative Advocacy Guide
A step-by-step guide to contacting your representatives and making your voice heard in Sacramento.