Surgical Assistant (SA)
The professional certification for Surgical Assistant is a process through which the Board of Surgical Assistants of the United States formally recognizes individuals who meet predetermined and standardized criteria. The certification process involves determining eligibility and a competency assessment exam.
The exam consists of 150 questions, with 140 being scored items and the remaining 10 being evaluation questions for future exams that do not count toward the candidate's score. Candidates will have three (3) hours to complete the computer-based exam. The exam questions are single-select and multiple-choice with four options. All exam content is developed based on practice in the United States and is offered only in English.
All individuals seeking certification must meet the established eligibility requirements.
If you are an International Medical Graduate, you need to meet the following:
Education: Completion of a medical program either in the United States or internationally recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Experience: Completion of residency or advanced training (e.g., surgical rotation during career) plus a minimum of two (2) years of primary or advanced surgical experience.
Required Documents:
Medical graduation degree
Curriculum Vitae (including mention of 2 years of experience in the surgical field; can range from surgical assistant to specialist in a surgical branch)
Valid passport
Once eligibility for the exam is approved, you will receive a notice that your application has been approved along with instructions for taking the exam. Once approved, candidates have access to the on-demand exam, which can be taken on a chosen day. The exam is not available on the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Independence Day.
The exam is conducted on a secure testing platform and is administered through live remote proctoring via computer and cellphone cameras. Candidates may take the exam from their home or office, provided they meet hardware, software, and site requirements to ensure a controlled and secure testing environment. The exam will be monitored by qualified proctors trained by the exam management provider (MonitorEDU). Candidates may also choose to take the exam at a designated location prepared by the designated proctor in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Once your application is approved, study materials covering exam thematic areas will be provided.
The entire process incurs a fee of $1000.00 (one thousand U.S. dollars), and the estimated time for approval and authorization to select an exam day is less than 9 business days. Once the exam is passed, a copy of the certificate will be emailed to you; and the original certificate and identification card will be sent to your postal address, including your registration number. The certificate is signed by the Board of Surgical Assistants of the United States, represented by the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board members:
Paul F. Weeks, M.D.*, ScD/PhD SA-C. Minocqua, WI. Chief Executive Officer.
Eugene D. Donchev, M.D.*, SA-C. Niles, IL.
Jaime A. Olmo, M.D.*, SA-C. Sugar Land, TX.
Daniel Segui, M.D.*, IFAANS, SA-C. Miami, FL.