WHERE DO I BEGIN?

Our new website makes your certification or re-certification application submission fast and easy. Please read all information at each step in the process. Reading and following the instructions will ensure your application is processed in a timely manner. Incomplete or incorrect applications will delay the processing of your application.

Apply for ABSA Certification
Apply for ABSA Recertification
Apply to Re-test Failed Exam

Exciting news for Surgical Assistants in Tennessee!

On March 13, 2025, a legislative bill was passed to include the Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) credential, awarded by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA), as an approved certification for licensure in the state of TN.

TAKE OUR PRACTICE EXAMS

Use of the practice exams is optional and not intended to be the best or only means of exam preparation.  Candidates should review the exam content outline and develop a preparation plan that best meets their needs.

FREE 10-Question Practice Exam

40-Question Practice Exam

WHAT IS SURGICAL ASSISTING ALL ABOUT?

Surgical assisting involves the active participation of a qualified individual who assists the surgeon in performing surgical procedures safely and efficiently.
A surgical assistant provides direct assistance to the surgeon throughout the procedure, including exposure and visualization of the operative site, tissue handling, hemostasis, and wound closure, as appropriate to their training and qualifications.

Surgical assistants may include physicians and other healthcare professionals who have completed appropriate training and meet applicable credentialing requirements.

The surgical assistant works under the direction of the operating surgeon and does not independently perform medical or surgical procedures.

THE ABSA (877-617-8345)

The American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA), was founded in 1987, by Paul F. Weeks, MD, ScD/PhD as a national credentialing organization, for surgical assistants. The ABSA administers a national / international certification examination, for surgical assistants, covering all surgical disciplines and all areas of perioperative medicine. The examination evaluates candidate knowledge of surgical anatomy, procedures and techniques, diagnostic studies, emergency situations, OSHA regulations and general patient safety.

We acknowledge that the role and function of a surgical assistant is to assist the surgeon, in the performance of a surgical procedure. It is understood and acknowledged that certification as a surgical assistant through the ABSA (SA-C) does not allow for any independent performance of any medical or surgical procedures, within the United States of America or its territories.

Our mission

As a leading provider of surgical assistant examination and credentialing, the ABSA strives to develop and maintain quality standards for the surgical assistant, thereby promoting safety and protection of the public. These standards include furtherment of knowledge, education and ethical conduct of the surgical assistant, through the continuation of the credentialing process and the promotion of pre and post educational training. The ABSA shall not discriminate, at any time, among applicants as to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, handicap, marital or other protected status.


The primary purpose of the American Board of Surgical Assistants is to protect the public through the establishment and maintenance of standards for the Surgical Assistant–Certified (SA-C) certification program. The role and function of a surgical assistant is to assist the surgeon in the performance of a surgical procedure. The ABSA has established certification requirements for surgical assistants practicing in the United States or its territories.

“XX Years of Excellence to the Surgical Community”

1987 to Present

We hope you will find our web site informative and a pleasure to navigate