🌍 Globally Certified Surgical Technologist (GCST™) — GHCWCA
Job Description: Surgical Technologist
A Surgical Technologist is a core member of the OR team who maintains the sterile field, manages instruments and supplies, assists the surgeon, and supports patient safety throughout pre-, intra-, and post-operative phases.
Credential Overview: GCST™ — Globally Certified Surgical Technologist (GHCWCA)
The GCST™ credential validates international-level competency in sterile technique, instrumentation, perioperative workflows, and patient safety. Global alignment includes AORN/ACORN & WHO Safe Surgery guidelines and ISO/IEC 17024 principles for personnel certification, supporting cross-border workforce mobility. ghcwca.org
🧪 Exam Content & Weights (GCST™)
- Preoperative Preparation (sterile field setup, instrumentation, case planning) — 20%
- Intraoperative Procedures (aseptic technique, assistance, equipment use) — 30%
- Postoperative Care (specimen handling, instrument care, wound closure support) — 15%
- Patient Safety & Infection Control (sterilization, universal precautions, surgical counts) — 15%
- Anatomy & Surgical Pathophysiology (systems anatomy, common surgical procedures) — 10%
- Professional Standards & Ethics (ethics, patient rights, communication, teamwork) — 10%
Format: 150 MCQs · Time: 3 hours · Passing: 72%+ . ghcwca.org
🔍 National vs. Global Comparison: GCST™ vs. NBSTSA CST vs. NCCT TS-C vs. NHCWA NCORST
| Aspect | GCST™ (Global — GHCWCA) | NBSTSA CST (U.S. National) | NCCT TS-C (U.S. National) | NHCWA NCORST (U.S. & Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition | International recognition across multiple health systems. ghcwca.org | Widely recognized in the U.S.; NCCA accredited. | Recognized in the U.S. by many employers/programs. | Recognized in the U.S. and accepted in Canada . |
| Global Alignments | AORN/ACORN, WHO Safe Surgery, ISO/IEC 17024. ghcwca.org | Not globally aligned (U.S. focus). | Not globally aligned (U.S. focus). | Limited global alignment; North American portability emphasized. |
| U.S. Alignments | Built to map to U.S. OR practices while maintaining global standards. ghcwca.org | CE tracked via AST; strong institutional recognition. NBSTSA+1 | U.S. acceptance with multiple eligibility routes. NCC T Inc.+1 | U.S. employer/training recognition; NCORST details published by NHCWA. nhcwa.org+1 |
| Scope of Practice | Designed for global competency and mobility. | U.S. domestic OR roles. | U.S. roles; varied entry pathways (education or experience). NCC T Inc. | U.S. & Canada entry/mobility (institutional/ provincial rules apply). |
| Mobility & Portability | High international portability. | Primarily U.S. | Primarily U.S. | Strong within U.S. & Canada (outside NA varies). |
| Exam & Renewal | GCST exam per content above; renewal aligns to global CE/safety updates. ghcwca.org | Recertify every 2 years by submitting 30 CE credits to AST or by re-exam. | Annual CE required (commonly 14 hours) + fee. | CE-based renewal; NCORST notes 80 CE hours/year + 80 hours paid work. nhcwa.org |
| Training Focus | International best practices & compliance. ghcwca.org | U.S. accredited-program emphasis. | Flexible routes (program, experience, instructor, military). | Practical training; broad school/employer use. nhcwa.org |
✅ Key Takeaways
- GCST™ (Global): U.S. and Globally aligned (AORN/ACORN, WHO, ISO/IEC 17024) with a transparent exam blueprint and weights—built for international mobility. ghcwca.org
- NBSTSA CST (U.S.): NCCA-accredited “gold standard” in many U.S. settings; CE tracked through AST in two-year cycles (30 credits) or re-exam.
- NCCT TS-C (U.S.): Multiple eligibility routes; annual CE recertification model.
- NHCWA NCORST (U.S. & Canada): Recognized across the U.S. and accepted in Canada; note specific provincial/employer requirements. nhcwa.org+1