The National Registered Surgical Technologist (NRST) certification represents a major step for anyone pursuing a career in surgical technology. Administered by the American Allied Health (AAH) organization, the NRST credential validates essential surgical skills and knowledge, proving you’re ready to work alongside surgical teams in the operating room. Whether you’re currently enrolled in a surgical technologist program or preparing independently, targeted practice with exam-style questions is a critical part of your study plan.
Understanding how questions are formatted, which topics are emphasized, and how to reason through the answers can give you a real advantage on test day. In this guide, we’ll break down 10 practice questions with detailed explanations to help you build both your knowledge and your confidence. These examples reflect the types of scenarios and technical concepts that appear on the actual NRST certification exam.
1. What is the primary role of a surgical technologist during a procedure?
- Administer anesthesia
- Monitor vital signs
- Maintain a sterile field and assist the surgeon
- Transport the patient to recovery
Answer: C. Maintain a sterile field and assist the surgeon
Surgical technologists play a vital role in ensuring patient safety by maintaining sterile technique throughout the procedure. They hand instruments to the surgeon, anticipate needs, and help manage surgical supplies in the sterile field.
Understanding the central function of a surgical tech during surgery is foundational to your career and certification. While other healthcare professionals manage anesthesia and patient transport, the surgical technologist’s primary duty is supporting the surgical team within the sterile environment.
2. Which of the following instruments is used for clamping blood vessels?
- Metzenbaum scissors
- Hemostat
- Scalpel
- Retractor
Answer: B. Hemostat
A hemostat is designed to clamp and control bleeding by compressing blood vessels. It’s a critical tool in nearly every surgical tray and is often one of the first instruments surgical techs learn to identify.
Understanding surgical instruments is a frequent component of the NRST exam. You’ll be tested on not only what the tools are called but what they're used for. Don’t just memorize names—link them to function and surgical context.
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3. What is the correct procedure for opening a sterile package?
- Open the far flap first, then sides, then nearest flap
- Open the nearest flap first to check contents
- Shake the package to loosen its contents before opening
- Open all flaps at the same time
Answer: A. Open the far flap first, then sides, then nearest flap
This technique prevents your arms and body from contaminating the sterile field. It’s a basic yet crucial skill every surgical tech must master.
On the NRST exam, expect to be tested on sterile technique protocols. These questions are often scenario-based, requiring you to visualize and mentally walk through a surgical prep process step-by-step.
4. When should surgical counts be performed?
- Only at the end of surgery
- Only at the beginning of surgery
- Before the procedure, during wound closure, and at skin closure
- Only when instruments are missing
Answer: C. Before the procedure, during wound closure, and at skin closure
Performing surgical counts at these key intervals helps prevent retained surgical items, which is a serious patient safety risk. The surgical technologist often collaborates with the circulating nurse to ensure accuracy.
The NRST exam emphasizes patient safety protocols. Surgical counts, specimen handling, and infection control are heavily tested. Expect questions that test not just your knowledge, but your judgment under pressure.
5. Which of the following best describes asepsis?
- The complete absence of all microorganisms
- A reduction in the number of microorganisms
- The use of antibiotics to kill pathogens
- An infection acquired in the hospital
Answer: A. The complete absence of all microorganisms
Asepsis refers to a sterile environment free from pathogenic microorganisms. This is essential for surgical procedures to prevent infection.
Understanding aseptic techniques and the science behind them will be key to passing the exam. Review terms like surgical asepsis, medical asepsis, and how they relate to tools, handwashing, and draping.
6. During surgery, a break in sterile technique is observed. What should the surgical technologist do?
- Ignore it if the surgery is almost done
- Report it to the circulating nurse immediately
- Leave the operating room
- Continue the procedure and mention it later
Answer: B. Report it to the circulating nurse immediately
Maintaining the sterile field is non-negotiable. Any breach must be addressed immediately to protect the patient. Speaking up is part of your responsibility as a surgical technologist.
Ethical and procedural questions like this test your professional judgment and your commitment to safety. The NRST certification assesses not just technical skills, but decision-making in clinical environments.
7. What type of suture is absorbed by the body over time?
- Non-absorbable suture
- Chromic gut suture
- Silk suture
- Nylon suture
Answer: B. Chromic gut suture
Chromic gut is a type of absorbable suture commonly used for internal tissues. Over time, the body breaks it down, eliminating the need for removal.
You’ll need to recognize both absorbable and non-absorbable materials and know when they’re used. This includes familiarity with suture types, sizes, and needle shapes—all of which may be covered on the exam.
8. What is the most appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for a surgical technologist?
- Lab coat and goggles
- Scrubs, surgical mask, cap, gloves, and sterile gown
- Casual clothing with a mask
- Apron and safety glasses only
Answer: B. Scrubs, surgical mask, cap, gloves, and sterile gown
This combination ensures that both the surgical technologist and the sterile field are protected during procedures. Proper donning and doffing technique is also essential.
PPE is not just a COVID-era term—it’s a staple of surgical prep and infection prevention. Expect exam questions about when to use certain gear, how to don it, and what to do if contamination occurs.
9. Which of the following describes the Trendelenburg position?
- Patient lying flat with feet elevated above the head
- Patient sitting up at a 90-degree angle
- Patient on side with knees bent
- Patient in prone position with arms extended
Answer: A. Patient lying flat with feet elevated above the head
This position is often used during abdominal and pelvic surgeries to improve access and reduce blood flow to the lower body.
You’ll need to know patient positioning by name, by diagram, and by clinical scenario. The NRST exam often asks which position is appropriate for specific types of surgeries or surgical sites.
10. What is the first step in cleaning surgical instruments after a procedure?
- Place them in the sterilizer immediately
- Wipe them with alcohol
- Rinse and soak in an enzymatic solution
- Leave them on the Mayo stand for collection
Answer: C. Rinse and soak in an enzymatic solution
Before sterilization, instruments must be decontaminated and free of organic matter. Enzymatic solutions break down blood and tissue, preparing instruments for proper sterilization.
Instrument processing is a critical competency for surgical techs. The NRST certification will include questions on cleaning, sterilization, and handling of sharps or delicate instruments. Learn each phase of instrument care to avoid mistakes on the exam—and in real life.
Final Tips for NRST Certification Success
These 10 practice questions reflect a mix of technical, ethical, and procedural content areas that are common on the NRST exam. As you prepare:
- Practice regularly: Use flashcards, question banks, and mock exams.
- Simulate exam conditions: Time yourself, eliminate distractions, and build testing stamina.
- Don’t memorize—understand: Know why an answer is correct, not just what the answer is.
- Review weak areas: Focus on topics where you feel less confident and ask instructors or peers for clarification.
Your First Step: A Surgical Technologist Bootcamp
Before you even get to the test prep stage, the best way to prepare for the NRST certification is by completing a comprehensive surgical technologist training program. A structured, accelerated bootcamp ensures you’re taught by experienced professionals and exposed to the full range of skills you’ll need in the OR.
Start Your Journey with Health Tech Academy
Health Tech Academy is a premiere online healthcare bootcamp provider, offering immersive, career-aligned training programs—including a surgical technologist bootcamp designed to prepare you for NRST certification. With a focus on flexibility, hands-on learning, and career mentorship, Health Tech Academy equips aspiring surgical techs with the tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced healthcare environments.
Ready to take the first step toward becoming a certified surgical technologist?
