What you need to do to get your surgical tech license back

Reinstatement means explore to your state's surgical technology board to restore a license that has lapsed or been inactive. You will not retake the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam if your license lapsed during a grace period — most states let you renew within one to three years of expiration without retesting. If your license has been inactive longer than that, or if it was suspended or revoked for cause, you may need to complete continuing education, pass the CST exam again, or meet other conditions set by your specific state board.

The exact path depends on why your license is no longer active and how long it has been inactive. A lapsed license (you straightforward did not renew) is faster to restore than a suspended one (the board took action). Start by contacting your state's surgical technology board or the licensing body that oversees your profession — this is usually housed within your state's Department of Health or Department of Professional Regulation.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state surgical technology board first to learn whether your license lapsed during a grace period or has been inactive too long to renew without retesting.
  • A lapsed license renewed within the grace period typically requires only payment of back fees and proof of current CPR certification, not retesting.
  • Licenses inactive beyond the grace period usually require you to complete continuing education hours and pass the CST exam again before reinstatement.
  • Suspended or revoked licenses have additional requirements set by the board and may require documentation of why the suspension or revocation occurred.

How to find your state's surgical technology board

Your state board is the only body that can reinstate your license. Search online for "[Your State] surgical technology board" or "[Your State] Department of Health surgical technologist licensing." If you cannot find a dedicated surgical technology board, look for your state's Department of Professional Regulation or Department of Licensing — surgical technology is often grouped with other allied health professions.

When you contact the board, have your name, date of birth, and any license number you remember ready. The staff can tell you when ready whether your license is in lapsed, inactive, suspended, or revoked status. They will also tell you the exact requirements for your situation — these vary significantly by state, and some states have different rules depending on how long your license has been inactive.

Reinstatement within the grace period

Most states allow you to renew your surgical tech license for a set time after it expires — usually one to three years — without retaking the CST exam. This is called renewing within the grace period. To reinstate during this window, you typically need to pay the renewal fee (which may include a late fee), provide proof of current CPR certification, and submit a renewal process.

The renewal fee varies by state but is usually between $100 and $300. Some states charge an additional late fee if you are renewing after the expiration date. You will need to show that your CPR certification is current or obtain a new one before submitting your process. Once you submit the completed process with payment and proof of CPR, the board will process it and issue your reinstated license, usually within two to four weeks.

Reinstatement after the grace period has ended

If your license has been inactive longer than your state's grace period, you will likely need to complete continuing education hours and retake the CST exam. The number of continuing education hours required varies — some states ask for 20 to 30 hours, others for 40 or more. These hours must come from approved providers, which usually include accredited surgical technology programs, professional conferences, and online courses offered by organizations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).

After you complete the required continuing education, you will need to register for and pass the CST exam again. The exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). You will pay an exam fee (typically $200 to $300) and schedule a test date at a testing center. Once you pass, you submit your exam results along with proof of continuing education to your state board, pay the reinstatement fee, and your license will be restored.

Reinstatement of a suspended or revoked license

A suspended license means the board temporarily removed your right to practice, usually for a specific violation or failure to meet requirements. A revoked license means the board permanently removed it, typically for serious violations. Reinstatement of either requires meeting conditions set by the board at the time of suspension or revocation.

These conditions might include completing additional continuing education in a specific area, passing a jurisprudence exam (a test on your state's laws and regulations for surgical technologists), undergoing a background check, or providing documentation that the reason for suspension or revocation has been resolved. Contact your state board to request the specific reinstatement requirements for your case. Some boards publish reinstatement guidelines online; others will mail or email them to you.

Documents and fees you will need

The exact documents depend on your situation, but most reinstatement applications require a completed process form (provided by your state board), proof of current CPR certification, and payment of the reinstatement fee. If you are reinstatement after the grace period, you will also need proof of completed continuing education hours and your passing CST exam score.

Reinstatement fees typically range from $75 to $250, depending on your state. Late fees, if applicable, are usually an additional $25 to $100. If you need to retake the CST exam, budget another $200 to $300 for the exam fee. Some states allow you to submit your process and fees online; others require mailed or in-person submission. Your state board will tell you which method they accept.

Timeline for reinstatement

If you are renewing within the grace period with no exam required, expect reinstatement within two to four weeks of submitting your complete process. If you need to complete continuing education and retake the CST exam, the timeline is longer. Continuing education can often be completed in a few weeks if you take online courses, but scheduling the CST exam may add another four to eight weeks depending on testing center availability in your area.

From the moment you submit your completed reinstatement process to the board, processing typically takes two to four weeks. Plan for a total timeline of one to four months if you need to complete continuing education and retake the exam, or two to four weeks if you are renewing within the grace period. Contact your state board if your process is not processed within the stated timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the CST exam if my license just expired?

Not if you renew within your state's grace period, which is usually one to three years after expiration. You will only need to pay the renewal fee, provide proof of current CPR, and submit the renewal process. If your license has been inactive longer than the grace period, retesting is required.

What if I cannot find my old license number?

You do not need it to explore for reinstatement. Contact your state board with your full name and date of birth, and they can look up your license record. Provide this information on your reinstatement process, and the board will match it to your file.

Can I work as a surgical tech while my reinstatement process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally work as a surgical technologist without an active license. Wait until your reinstatement is complete and you receive your new license before returning to practice. Working without a license can result in fines or legal action.

What if my license was suspended for not paying child support or taxes?

Your state board will tell you what must be resolved before reinstatement. You may need to provide proof from the relevant agency that the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place. Contact your state board to learn the specific documentation they require.

How much does reinstatement cost in total?

Costs vary by state. A straightforward renewal within the grace period costs $100 to $300. If you need to retake the CST exam, add $200 to $300 for the exam fee, plus the cost of continuing education courses, which can range from free to several hundred dollars depending on the provider.