Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) Certification Exam 2025–2026 | 200 Exam-Focused Questions with Verified Answers & Explanations | Central Sterile Test Bank Covering Instrument Decontamination, Cleaning & Inspection, Sterilization Methods, Infection P

Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) Certification Exam 2025–2026 |
200 Exam-Focused Questions with Verified Answers & Explanations |
Central Sterile Test Bank Covering Instrument Decontamination, Cleaning
& Inspection, Sterilization Methods, Infection Prevention, Quality
Assurance & Hospital Compliance
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of sterilization in sterile processing?
• A) To enhance the appearance of instruments
• B) To eliminate all micro-organisms from instruments
• C) To prevent rusting of metal instruments
• D) To reduce the size of instruments
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary aim of sterilization is to eliminate all forms of microbial life,
including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, ensuring that instruments are safe for
patient use.


Question 2:
Which of the following is the most common method of sterilization used in
healthcare settings?
• A) Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
• B) Steam sterilization (autoclaving)
• C) Dry heat sterilization
• D) Radiation sterilization
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Steam sterilization, or autoclaving, is widely used due to its efficacy, speed,
and low cost, making it the most common method in healthcare environments.


Question 3:
What is the minimum temperature and time required for steam sterilization?
• A) 120°C for 30 minutes
• B) 135°C for 15 minutes
• C) 121°C for 15-30 minutes
• D) 140°C for 5 minutes

,CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The standard minimum requirement for steam sterilization is 121°C for a
minimum of 15 minutes, ensuring effective sterilization of surgical instruments.


Question 4:
Which of the following devices is used to ensure that the sterilization process has
been effective?
• A) Biologics
• B) Chemical indicators
• C) Physical monitors
• D) Mechanical agents
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Chemical indicators change color or appearance when exposed to certain
conditions (e.g., temperature and time), confirming that the sterilization process has
occurred successfully.


Question 5:
Which of the following actions is essential before sterilization of instruments?
• A) Disassembly of the instruments
• B) Manual scrubbing only
• C) Proper cleaning and decontamination
• D) Air-drying the instruments
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Proper cleaning and decontamination are crucial steps before sterilization
to ensure all biological matter, including blood and tissue, is removed, allowing for
effective sterilization.
Question 6:
What is the recommended practice for handling contaminated instruments?
• A) Hand wash them immediately
• B) Place them in a biohazard container
• C) Leave them unprotected until processed
• D) Dry them with a cloth

,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Contaminated instruments should be placed in a designated biohazard
container to prevent exposure to pathogens.


Question 7:
What is the function of a steam sterilizer?
• A) To dry instruments thoroughly
• B) To kill all microorganisms using steam under pressure
• C) To rust-proof instruments
• D) To cool down instruments quickly
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A steam sterilizer, or autoclave, functions by using moisture and pressure to
kill all microorganisms effectively.


Question 8:
Which of the following should be used to monitor the effectiveness of a
sterilization process?
• A) Time and temperature gauges
• B) Biological indicators
• C) Labels on equipment
• D) Capacity of the sterilizer
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Biological indicators provide a reliable measure of sterilization effectiveness
by containing spores that are killed during the process.


Question 9:
What process is indicated by the use of a Bowie-Dick test?
• A) Cleaning effectiveness
• B) Steam penetration
• C) Instrument integrity
• D) Drying efficiency

, CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The Bowie-Dick test determines the steam sterilizer's ability to penetrate
materials and eliminate air trapped in packages.


Question 10:
How often should sterilizers be tested for efficacy?
• A) Daily
• B) Weekly
• C) Monthly
• D) Annually
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sterilizers should be tested weekly to ensure they are functioning correctly
and effectively sterilizing instruments.


Question 11:
What type of PPE is necessary when handling contaminated instruments?
• A) Safety goggles only
• B) Gloves, masks, and gowns
• C) Only gloves
• D) No PPE is required
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Comprehensive PPE, including gloves, masks, and gowns, protects the
technician from exposure to hazardous materials.


Question 12:
What is the purpose of instrument lubrication?
• A) To enhance appearance
• B) To prevent rust formation
• C) To enable smooth operation and reduce wear
• D) To facilitate sterilization