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Below is a list of all the classification categories and criteria for each. Find your specific category and review the criteria outlined in the category to determine whether you are eligible for certification. If you meet the criteria for certification please complete the certification application form and we will review your application and determine your eligibility.

The NCCSA strives to get back to all applicants in a timely manner. Our response time is impacted by the completeness of your application and the response time of your references. Please ensure that you have notified your references and your academic institutions that we will be verifying your information.

NCCSA recognizes all Surgical Assistant Programs accredited by CAAHEP and ABHES.

Criteria & Qualifications

Individuals wishing to apply for Certification must qualify in one of the following categories:

A. GRADUATES FROM A CAAHEP (www.caahep.org) ACCREDITED SURGICAL ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Documentation Required:

Certification Application

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Certification Application Fees:

  • Physician / Foreign Medical Graduate $100.00
  • Graduate from NCCSA or ABHES SA Educational Program $100.00
  • New Graduate (graduated within last 12 months) $50

Note: All certification application fees are non-refundable and are due each time you request an eligibility review.

B. MEDICAL GRADUATES (Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Osteopathy / Foreign Medical or Osteopathic graduates)

Documentation Required:

  • NCCSA Certification Application
  • Copy of Medical or Osteopathic degree
  • Skills Affidavit
  • Documentation of 140 surgical procedures in the role of surgeon and/or surgical assistant. A minimum of 20 cases must be performed in general surgery, with the remaining cases divided between at least two specialties. A minimum of 20 cases must be completed in each of the two specialties selected.
  • One letter of recommendation from a surgeon, with whom you have worked (must be dated within one year from date of application)
  • Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) surgical physicians who received a basic medical degree from a medical school located outside the United States and Canada and have a letter of confirmed eligibility by ECFMG.
  • All applicants who entered the U.S. after the age of 12, have a foreign degree and/or English as a second language are required to provide TOEFL exam results. This requirement must be fulfilled before your application will be considered complete and eligible for review. Due to the importance of communication in the English language for both learning and practicing, further demonstration of English proficiency may be requested as a condition of acceptance for applicants exhibiting difficulty with the written or spoken language. To ensure an ability to function at the professional level in this healthcare environment, the following are acceptable TOEFL scores:
    • Internet-based test (preferred): 85
    • Computer-based test: 220
    • Minimum of 25 in the speaking component