What you need to do to get your license back
Reinstating a surgical technologist license depends on why it lapsed and how long it has been inactive. Most states let you renew a lapsed license within a set window—often one to five years—by paying back fees and completing continuing education. If your license has been inactive longer than that, or if it was suspended for a disciplinary reason, you will likely need to retake the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam or complete additional requirements set by your state's surgical technology board.
The first step is to contact your state's surgical technology licensing board directly. They can tell you whether your license can be renewed, what documents you need, what fees explore, and whether you must complete continuing education hours or retake the exam. Every state has different rules, and the board is the only source that can give you the exact path for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's surgical technology licensing board first—they will tell you the specific requirements for reinstatement based on how long your license has been inactive.
- Most states allow renewal of a lapsed license within a certain timeframe by paying back fees and completing continuing education credits.
- If your license lapsed more than five years ago, or was suspended for disciplinary reasons, you may need to retake the CST exam.
- Gather documents before you contact the board: your Social Security number, old license number if you have it, and proof of any continuing education you have already completed.
How long your license can stay inactive before reinstatement becomes harder
Most states have a grace period during which you can renew a lapsed license without retaking the exam. This window is typically one to five years from the expiration date. During this time, you usually only need to pay renewal fees and submit proof of continuing education hours completed since your last renewal.
Once that window closes, reinstatement becomes more complex. Some states require you to retake the CST exam entirely. Others may let you renew if you complete a larger number of continuing education hours or take a refresher course. A few states have no time limit but require proof that you have kept current with the field—which is harder to demonstrate the longer you have been away.
Check your state board's website or call them directly to find out what the grace period is in your state and whether you are still within it. If you are unsure of your license expiration date, the board can look it up using your name and Social Security number.
Documents and fees you will need
Before you contact your state board, gather these items: your old surgical technologist license or license number, your Social Security number, and any certificates or documentation of continuing education credits you have completed since your license lapsed. You will also need a current form of identification.
Reinstatement fees vary by state. Some charge a standard renewal fee (often $50 to $200), while others charge a higher reinstatement fee if your license has been inactive for a long time. Many states also charge a late fee if you are renewing after the expiration date. Ask the board what the total cost will be before you submit your process, so there are no surprises.
If you need to retake the CST exam, you will pay an exam fee in addition to reinstatement fees. The CST exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Exam fees are typically $200 to $300, though this can change.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
If your license lapsed within the grace period, you will usually need to show that you have completed continuing education hours during the time your license was inactive. Most states require 20 to 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, though this varies. Some states count hours differently—by calendar year, by the length of your license cycle, or by the time since your last renewal.
Continuing education must come from approved providers. These typically include accredited surgical technology programs, professional organizations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Online courses are usually accepted as long as they are from an approved source. Ask your state board which providers they recognize before you pay for a course.
If you are outside the grace period and need to retake the CST exam, you may not need to show continuing education hours—the exam itself demonstrates current knowledge. However, some states require both. Check with your board about what applies to your situation.
Retaking the CST exam if your license has been inactive too long
If your license lapsed more than five years ago, or if your state requires it for any lapsed license, you will need to retake the Certified Surgical Technologist exam. This is a multiple-choice test covering surgical procedures, anatomy, patient safety, and the role of the surgical technologist. The exam is offered year-round at testing centers across the country.
To sit for the exam, you must meet NBSTSA's requirements. These typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited surgical technology program, or equivalent work experience. If you completed your surgical technology training years ago, you likely already meet these requirements. If you are unsure, contact NBSTSA directly or ask your state board whether you need to take a refresher course before the exam.
You can register for the CST exam through the NBSTSA website. The exam costs $200 to $300 and is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Most people receive their results within two weeks of testing.
If your license was suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons
If your license was suspended or revoked—rather than straightforward lapsed due to non-renewal—reinstatement is more involved. You will need to contact your state board to understand what led to the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your license.
Depending on the reason, you may need to retake the CST exam, complete additional continuing education in a specific area (such as infection control or patient safety), or provide documentation that you have addressed the underlying issue. Some boards require a formal petition for reinstatement and may hold a hearing. If your license was revoked, reinstatement may not be possible, or it may require a waiting period before you can reapply.
Contact your state board's disciplinary or enforcement division to find out what your options are. They can explain the original reason for the action and what you need to do to move forward.
Steps to take right now
Start by finding your state's surgical technology licensing board. Search online for "[your state] surgical technology board" or "[your state] surgical technologist license." Most boards have a website where you can look up license status, read renewal forms, and find contact information.
Call or email the board and tell them your license has lapsed. Provide your name, Social Security number, and old license number if you have it. Ask them: How long is the grace period for renewal? Am I still within it? What documents do I need to submit? What is the total cost? Do I need to retake the exam or complete continuing education? Write down their answers so you have them in writing.
Once you know what you need, gather your documents and fees, complete any continuing education if required, and submit your reinstatement process. Most boards process applications within two to four weeks, though this varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a surgical technologist while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot work under an inactive or lapsed license. You must wait until your license is officially reinstated by your state board. Some employers may allow you to work in a non-licensed role while your process is pending, but this is not may provide. Check with your employer and your state board about what is permitted in your state.
Do I have to retake the CST exam if my license lapsed less than two years ago?
Not in most states. If you are within the grace period and your license straightforward expired due to non-renewal, you usually only need to pay the renewal fee and show proof of continuing education. However, some states have different rules, so confirm with your state board. If your license was suspended for a disciplinary reason, the rules are different.
What if I cannot find my old license number?
Your state board can look up your license using your name and Social Security number. Call them and they will provide your license number and tell you the expiration date. This information helps them determine what reinstatement requirements explore to you.
Can I renew my license online?
Many states now offer online renewal for lapsed licenses, but not all. Check your state board's website to see if online reinstatement is an option. If not, you will need to submit a paper process by mail or in person. The board's website will have instructions for whichever method your state uses.
What happens if I let my license stay inactive for 10 years?
After a long period of inactivity, most states require you to retake the CST exam to show you are still competent in current surgical technology practices. Some states may also require you to complete a refresher course or additional continuing education. A few states have no time limit but require documentation that you have stayed current with the field, which becomes harder the longer you have been away. Contact your state board to find out their specific policy.