Surgical Assistant Certification Examination

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. Candidates will have three (3) hours to complete the computer-based examination. Examination questions are single select, multiple-choice with four options. The exam covers the topic areas detailed in the content outline. All exam content is developed based on practice in the United States. The SA-C exam is offered only in English.

To successfully pass the exam, a candidate must score a minimum of 70%.

The ABSA’s role is in developing and administering certification examinations to determine the qualifications of candidates for certification. The ABSA does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products. The ABSA Board, certification staff, and certification SMEs do not have involvement in the creation, accreditation, approval, endorsement or delivery of examination review courses, preparatory materials, educational programs, or training programs/products that prepare candidates for the SA-C certification examination.

SA-C Exam Content Outline

SA-C Job Analysis

The ABSA participates in and provides oversight for the development and ongoing maintenance of the certification examination(s). The Board of Directors and COO work in partnership with the ABSA psychometrician to ensure the examination is developed and maintained in a manner consistent with generally accepted psychometric, education testing practices, and national accreditation standards for certification programs. The Board of Directors selects diverse groups of qualified subject matter experts (SMEs) to participate in exam development activities throughout the exam development process.