| The AS-C exam was developed by the National Center for Competency Testing, Inc. (NCCT). The NCCT has been a certification test developer since 1989. NCCT is an independent, third party testing agency owing no allegiance to any group or organization. This position allowed the NCCT to remain totally unbiased in developing the AS-C™
exam.
The NCCT is an agency run by professional educators who are committed to providing the highest quality certification examinations in the industry. NCCT offers certifications primarily in the medical arena. Over one hundred thousand people now successfully carry NCCT credentials into hospitals, surgery centers and physician offices every day throughout all fifty states and abroad.
In addition, the NCCT is recognized by the United States Department of Human Resources in the Public Health Division, and the United States Department of Labor. The NCCT is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The NCCT supports national skill standards for allied health professionals and has developed and disseminated information promoting the National Skills Standards Board (NSSB) in Washington, D.C. In addition, their operating room certification for surgical technologists is prominently listed in the U.S. government’s Department of Labor Statistics ‘Occupational
Outlook Handbook’.
In developing the AS-C exam, over 300 directors of surgery were surveyed nationwide to determine how they might improve on what was currently available in certification for first assistants. The survey results showed that these directors wanted a certification exam that embodied both practicality and theory – with an emphasis on ‘practicality’. This survey became the bedrock of AS-C certification.
As a result, the AS-C exam places weight on the unique needs of the intraoperative phase of surgery while at the same time thoroughly addressing pre- and post- operative considerations.
The AS-C exam is a voluntary testing program and a reliable instrument used to assess qualified health care professionals’ qualifications, qualifications, competencies and knowledge in the field of assistant at surgery. It is an evaluative process that demonstrates that rigorous education and experience requirements have been met. At this time, Assistant at Surgery - Certification is voluntary and is not required by law for employment in the field, although some agencies may use AS-C certification as a basis for employment, job promotions, salary increases, or other career considerations.
- Surgical Patient Care
- Surgical Skills
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Procedure Considerations
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