FAQ

About ABSA

  • What is the ABSA?
    The American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA), was founded in 1987, by Paul F. Weeks, M.D. as a national credentialing organization, for surgical assistants. The ABSA administers a national / international certification examination, for surgical assistants, covering all surgical disciplines and all areas of perioperative medicine. The examination evaluates candidate knowledge of surgical anatomy, procedures and techniques, diagnostic studies, emergency situations, OSHA regulations and general patient safety. We acknowledge that the role and function of a surgical assistant is to assist the surgeon, in the performance of a surgical procedure. It is understood and acknowledged that certification as a surgical assistant through the ABSA (SA-C) does not allow for any independent performance of any medical or surgical procedures, within the United States of America or its territories.
  • Is the ABSA going out of business?
    No, the ABSA is definitely not going out of business! We have just completed our 35th year and we are continuing to expand internationally.
  • Scope of practice?
    To download a Surgical Assistant Scope of Practice / SA Position Description: click here
  • What is included in the fee?
    The fee covers your application, examination and proctoring fees.
  • Is the ABSA CAAHEP accredited?
    CAAHEP is for training programs only; the ABSA is not a training program only a testing and credentialing organization so therefore we are not eligible for CAAHEP accreditation.  

Requirements/Documents needed for ABSA Examination

  • What documentation do I need to submit with my initial application?
    For US & Foreign trained Physicians
    • Medical School Completion (diploma)
    • Curriculum Vitae (resume)
    • Professional Passport Photo (image)
    For Licensed and Non-Licensed Allied Health Professionals
    • Formal Surgical Assistant Training Program Documentation/Completion
    • Curriculum Vitae (resume)
    • Professional Passport Photo (image)
    • Manual/Practical Skills Evaluation
    All documents will need to be scanned into your computer. These documents must be less than 8 Mb each and are uploaded into your application.
  • I am a Surgical Tech. What do I need to do to become eligible to sit for the ABSA Certification Examination?
    You must first complete a formal surgical assistant training program and then submit required documents with your application.

Training Programs/Review Courses

  • What surgical assistiant training program can I complete to be eligible to sit for the ABSA exam?
    A list of training programs ABSA has found to meet the published criteria is available on the ABSA website; however, the list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and candidates may submit training programs for review against the established criteria by contacting [email protected]. ABSA does not recommend or endorse surgical assistant training programs.

State Licensure

Personal Changes

  • I have recently gotten married, what documents do you need to change my name?
    Please send an email titled "Name change" to [email protected] including your previous name, new name, certification number and address. You will need to attach legal documentation of your name change, for the ABSA to make changes. The ABSA will make changes in our system and issue you a new certificate with name change.
  • I have moved, how can I update my address?
    Please send an email titled "updated address" to [email protected] including your name, certification number and your current mailing address. We will update your address in our system.

Examination

  • Is the Examination online?
    Yes, the examination is a Live Remote Proctored Examination (Your Preferred Date & Time, 24/7)
  • What does the Examination consist of?
    The SA-C examination consists of 150 questions, of which 140 are scored items and 10 are pretest items that do not count toward the candidate’s score. The examination covers all surgical disciplines and all areas of perioperative medicine, including instrumentation. The examination evaluates candidate knowledge of surgical anatomy, procedures, techniques, diagnostic studies, emergency situations, OSHA regulations, and general patient safety.
  • What books do I need to purchase to study?

    None. The ABSA does not require you to purchase any study materials, we provide you with an outline to study from and you can determine what materials you will need to help you study. Find more information about the study guide in the Certification Handbook.

  • How long does it take before I know if I am approved to sit for the ABSA Examination?
    The approval process generally takes less than five (5) days, following your application submission. If you are approved to sit for the ABSA Examination you will receive an approval email. If the ABSA needs additional information, you will receive an email, instructing you what information we need.
  • How long does it take to get the results from Examination?
    Immediately after you complete your examination you will receive a Pass/Fail notification, including a score report that you can email to yourself. The ABSA will then email you your official Pass/Fail notification.
  • If I did not pass the ABSA certification Examination, when am I eligible to re-test for certification and what process must I complete?
    You are eligible to retest for the ABSA Examination. You must complete and submit the Re-test application on our website at: www.absa.net and make the Re-test payment. You are eligible to take the ABSA exam a total of 4 times in a 12 month period, however you must wait a minimum of thirty (30) days between exams.
  • How long does the Examination take to complete?
    You have three (3) hours to complete the examination

Recertification

  • What are the requirements for recertification?
    • Minimum 400 clinical surgical procedures or 1500 clinical surgical hours, every two years, in the role of a surgical assistant.
    • Continuing medical education
    • Current in ACLS or CPR or PALS
    or
    • Recertification by Examination
  • Can I use my CEU’s from my surgical tech certification towards my Surgical Assisting Recertification?
    Yes, all forms of medical / surgical education, conferences and in-services are generally acceptable, towards ABSA recertification.
  • Where can I obtain my CEU’s?
    All forms of medical / surgical education, conferences and in-services are generally acceptable, towards ABSA recertification. You can also visit our "Links" page on our web at: www.absa.net, where we have links, to free continuing educational sites.
  • What documentation do I need to submit for my recertification?
    If you are self-employed, the documentation ABSA will need is as follows:
    • Case Log Form (1 page form on our web site)
    • Verification of Continuing Education (hospital in-services, journal readings, etc.. )
    • Verification of current ACLS or PALS or CPR (your card or certificate)
    • Pay-Pal receipt (paying online for recertification)
    If you are employed by a hospital, group or physician, the documentation ABSA will need is as follows:
    • Employment verification form (a one (1) page form on our website that your supervisor will sign stating you meet ALL the requirements listed)
    • Verification of Continuing Education (hospital in-services, journal readings, etc.. )
    • Verification of current ACLS or PALS or CPR (your card or certificate)
    • Pay-Pal receipt (paying online for recertification)
  • Where can I find recertification forms?
    Visit our web at: www.absa.net and click on the "Forms & Required Documents” button.
  • What if I don’t meet the recertification requirements?
    Recertification is mandatory for all certificates. There are two options for recertification. Those who do not meet the professional development and experience requirement may choose to apply to recertify by Examination.
  • When can I submit my recertification documentation?
    You can submit your recertification documentation as early as January of the year your certification expires, not before.

Miscellaneous/Uncategorized

  • I have had no success in finding employment. Where can I look for employment?
    The ABSA is only a testing & credentialing organization; we are not an employment service. If seeking employment, it is suggested that you contact friends, colleagues, employment agencies, or search the internet for surgical assistant jobs.
  • How can I check my certification?
    Click on the "ABSA Verification Database” and enter your certification number and DOB and select “Lookup & Verify.”
  • I am completing a form and they are asking for issuing state?
    ABSA Certification is national / international. We are not a "State" organization. We have advised individuals to enter either Nat'l or Int'l.
  • How can I obtain a duplicate certificate?
    The fee is $10 for duplicate or replacement certificate. Contact our office, by email at:[email protected] and include in the email your name, address, certification number and that you need a duplicate certificate. We will forward the instructions and a PayPal link, on which you will pay.