Comparison

Surgical Technologist Mastery vs ExplORer Live

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Surgical Technologist Mastery

Prepare for your CST exam with over 1,800 practice questions and detailed explanations. This app features adaptive learning, expert support, and in-depth performance analysis to help you study smarter and pass your certification.

Highlights
  • 1,800+ exam-like practice questions
  • Detailed explanations and images
  • Adaptive learning engine
  • How-to videos on techniques
  • Community discussions with experts
  • In-depth performance analysis
  • Offline study capability
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Pass your CST® exam with the Surgical Technologist Exam Prep Mastery—the #1 CST prep. Features 1,800+ exam-like questions, detailed explanations, adaptive learning, in-depth metrics and more! Start free today and get 10 practice questions every single day. No credit card required. 1,800+ Exam Like Questions & Study Tools • 1,800+ CST-style practice questions with detailed explanations and images • 30+ high-yield review chapters with comprehension check-ins • How-to videos covering suturing techniques, instrument use, and more • Study content aligned with the NBSTSA CST exam blueprint Adaptive Learning Engine • AI-driven algorithm adjusts question difficulty based on your answers • Personalized learning to help you study smarter • Focuses on your weak areas to help you study more efficiently • Keeps you challenged without feeling overwhelmed Discussion & Expert Support • Access community discussions after every question • Ask questions and get answers from experts • Learn from shared insights and real experiences • Never feel stuck, support is just a tap away In-Depth Performance Analysis • Instant feedback and detailed progress reports • Identify strengths and focus on weak areas • Track your readiness with clear insights Built for Surgical Technologist Students • Designed by experts who understand the CST exam inside and out • Custom quizzes to zero in on your problem areas • Study anytime, anywhere—even offline • Perfect for students, grads, or working techs needing a refresher Our Unmatched 300% Money-Back Guarantee • Pass your exam or get triple your money back — seriously! • We’re confident in our product and dedicated to your success • Study worry-free with zero financial risk • Our Customer Success Team supports you every step of the way AST® is a registered trademark of the Association of Surgical Technologists. CST® is a registered trademark of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. This app and its content are not endorsed, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Association of Surgical Technologists or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Get access to all questions when you subscribe: • 1 Month auto-renewing payment of $23.99 • 6 Month auto-renewing payment of $99.99 • 12 Month auto-renewing payment of $149.99 This app offers three auto-renewing subscription options to help you pass your exam. Auto-renew may be turned off by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Upon confirming your purchase, you'll be billed immediately. Your subscription will automatically renew unless you turn off the auto-renewal feature at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. After purchase, you can manage your subscription and deactivate auto-renewal through your Account Settings. Note that any unused portion of a free trial, if offered, will be forfeited when you buy a subscription. Privacy Policy - http://builtbyhlt.com/privacy Terms of Conditions - https://hltmastery.com/eula About Higher Learning Technologies (HLT Mastery): We’re a U.S.-based leader in educational technology, dedicated to helping students pass their exams with confidence and ease. Join millions who’ve trusted Mastery apps to launch their careers. Check out our entire Mastery app suite for continued success. Customer Support: Your CST exam success matters to us. Talk to a real person at support@hltcorp.com or (319) 246-5271.

About

ExplORer Live

This cloud-based platform streamlines complex surgical procedures with customizable, step-by-step instructions. It enhances operating room efficiency for hospitals and aids medical device companies in market introduction. Accessible by all team members, it optimizes surgical workflows.

Highlights
  • Cloud-based platform
  • Workflow management
  • Customizable instructions
  • OR efficiency
  • Market introduction support
  • Team accessibility
Features
Read full description

ExplORer Surgical is a mobile-friendly, cloud-based software platform which provides workflow management for even the most complex surgical procedures. For medical device companies, ExplORer enables you to streamline the introduction of your device into the market. For hospitals, ExplORer helps ensure OR efficiency. With fully-customizable, step-by-step instructions and a platform accessible by all team members, ExplORer can help make your surgical processes more efficient.

Screenshots

Surgical Technologist Mastery4 screens
ExplORer Live4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ExplORer Live at none against Surgical Technologist Mastery's 7. ExplORer Live also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). Surgical Technologist Mastery's advantage is ratings volume (3.2K vs 11) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Surgical Technologist Mastery sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. ExplORer Live asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Surgical Technologist Mastery holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Surgical Technologist Mastery has 3.2K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Surgical Technologist Mastery versus ExplORer Live: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSurgical Technologist MasteryExplORer Live
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (3.2K ratings) — better4.6 (11 ratings)
Positive reviews78.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3.2K — better11
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscriptionFree — better
Best chart rank#150 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size91 MB209 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperHigher Learning TechnologiesExplORer Surgical Corp.

Customer experience

Surgical Technologist Mastery

All ratings3,156 ratings
Positive96.7%
Neutral2.0%
Negative1.3%
Written reviews41 reviews
Positive78.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.0%

ExplORer Live

All ratings11 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.1%

Bugs and requests

Surgical Technologist Mastery

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Subscription cancellation issues
  • Compatibility problems on certain devices

Requested features

2 requests
  • Quick review feature like the book
  • Improved customer support responsiveness

ExplORer Live

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Surgical Technologist Mastery

Subscriptions6
  • Surgical Tech Exam - 1 Month$17.991 Month
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$23.991 Month
  • Surgical Tech Exam - 6 Months$74.996 Months
Show 3 more
  • 6 month subscription3 Days trial$99.996 Months
  • Surgical Tech Exam - 12 Months$111.991 Year
  • Surgical Technologist - Yearly3 Days trial$149.991 Year
One-time1
  • Expansion Pack$64.99
None

ExplORer Live

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Surgical Technologist Mastery free?
Surgical Technologist Mastery is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ExplORer Live free?
ExplORer Live is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Surgical Technologist Mastery or ExplORer Live?
Surgical Technologist Mastery is rated higher. Surgical Technologist Mastery averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.2K ratings, while ExplORer Live averages 4.6 from 11 ratings.
Do Surgical Technologist Mastery or ExplORer Live have ads?
Neither Surgical Technologist Mastery nor ExplORer Live shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Surgical Technologist Mastery or ExplORer Live?
Surgical Technologist Mastery ships an update every 3 weeks, and ExplORer Live every 3 weeks. Most recently, Surgical Technologist Mastery was updated on October 26, 2026 and ExplORer Live on October 24, 2026.

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