Surgical Technologist Mastery vs CSTSetup
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
CSTSetup
This app provides surgical technologists, students, and educators with a comprehensive library of surgical setups, instrument details, and case log verification. Master hundreds of procedures, identify over 2,700 instruments, and ensure your clinical experience counts towards your logbook.
- Hundreds of surgical setups
- 2,700+ instrument library
- Instrument identification and details
- Surgical case log evaluator
- Procedural blueprints
- Instrument handling cautions
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Step into the operating room with absolute confidence. CSTSetup is the ultimate clinical companion designed exclusively for surgical technologists, students, and OR educators. Whether you are navigating your first clinical rotations, prepping for the CST exam, or preparing for an unfamiliar specialty, CSTSetup puts the entire back table right in your pocket. Key Features: 1. Master Hundreds of Surgical Setups Never walk into a case blind. Access step-by-step procedural blueprints and instrument lists for hundreds of surgical procedures. Explore our free General Surgery setups, or upgrade to Pro for Cardiac, ENT, Neurology, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology, and more. Each setup provides a detailed breakdown of the exact instruments and supplies you need so you can stay steps ahead of the surgeon. 2. The Ultimate 2,700+ Instrument Library Ditch the heavy textbooks. Utilize our smart global search to instantly identify over 2,700 surgical instruments featuring high-fidelity images, alternate names, and handling cautions. The database is intuitively organized by functional categories—such as Grasping & Holding, Retracting & Exposing, and Cutting & Dissecting—allowing you to quickly build visual recall and muscle memory. 3. Surgical Case Log Evaluator Stop second-guessing your clinical requirements. Use our free, built-in evaluator to instantly verify if a procedure will count toward your final logbook. Simply select your accreditation type (AST, NCCT, or CC4SA), input the procedure, and check off the specific tasks you performed in the OR. The app immediately evaluates your input and calculates whether your participation qualifies for a First Scrub, Second Scrub, or Observation role. It is the perfect, quick-reference verification tool to ensure you know exactly how a case counts before you submit it to your program director. Take control of your clinicals and your career. Download CSTSetup today and transform your device into the most powerful tool in your operating room.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: CSTSetup at freemium against Surgical Technologist Mastery's subscription. CSTSetup also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Surgical Technologist Mastery's advantage is ratings volume (3.2K vs 1) and chart position (#183 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Surgical Technologist Mastery sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month and CSTSetup sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
CSTSetup holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Surgical Technologist Mastery has 3.2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Surgical Technologist Mastery ships an update every 3 weeks, CSTSetup every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Surgical Technologist Mastery | CSTSetup |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (3.2K ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 78.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3.2K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Subscription | Freemium — better |
| Best chart rank | #183 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 91 MB | 58 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Higher Learning Technologies | CSTSetup |
Customer experience
Surgical Technologist Mastery
CSTSetup
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
CSTSetup
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Surgical Technologist Mastery
- Surgical Tech Exam - 1 Month$17.991 Month
- Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$23.991 Month
- Surgical Tech Exam - 6 Months$74.996 Months
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- 6 month subscription3 Days trial$99.996 Months
- Surgical Tech Exam - 12 Months$111.991 Year
- Surgical Technologist - Yearly3 Days trial$149.991 Year
- Expansion Pack$64.99
CSTSetup
- CSTSetup Monthly Pro$12.991 Month
- CSTSetup Yearly Pro$155.991 Year
Questions
Is Surgical Technologist Mastery free?
Is CSTSetup free?
Which has better reviews, Surgical Technologist Mastery or CSTSetup?
Do Surgical Technologist Mastery or CSTSetup have ads?
Which is updated more often, Surgical Technologist Mastery or CSTSetup?
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