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Surgical Technologist License in North Carolina

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Surgical Technologist license in NC. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$200

Processing Time

3-5 Weeks

Exam Required

CST Exam (NBSTSA)

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Surgical Technologist license in North Carolina.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Surgical Technologist training program in North Carolina.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your NC application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the CST Exam (NBSTSA).

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the North Carolina licensing board and pay the $200 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 3-5 weeks in NC. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Surgical Technologist in North Carolina starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the NC licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the CST Exam (NBSTSA). After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the North Carolina state board.

Requirements

The North Carolina licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring Surgical Technologist professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the CST Exam (NBSTSA). NC also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Surgical Technologist in North Carolina starts at $200 for the application fee. NC requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in North Carolina can add up to $63 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Surgical Technologist in North Carolina

Base License Fee$200
Estimated Total$200

Renewal Process

Your Surgical Technologist license in North Carolina must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee in NC is $125. North Carolina requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in NC can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — Surgical Technologist in NC

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. North Carolina requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Surgical Technologist professionals in North Carolina continues to grow. NC offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in North Carolina provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Surgical Technologist professionals in NC report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Surgical Technologist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My North Carolina Surgical Technologist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts NC Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts NC Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts NC Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize NC Surgical Technologist license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) NoneCO does not recognize NC Surgical Technologist license. Full re-application required.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts NC Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for NC license holders.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for NC license holders.

Where to File Locally in North Carolina

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Raleigh

1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

(919) 202-3600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Charlotte

600 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

(704) 336-2241

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Greensboro

300 W Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 373-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Durham

101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701

(919) 560-4000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Winston-Salem

101 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 727-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official North Carolina Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the North Carolina state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.