CSPT Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Certification
Exam 2026: Professional Practice Test — Sterile Compounding,
Aseptic Technique, Cleanroom Standards, Environmental
Monitoring, Quality Assurance & Medication Safety — 190 Multiple-
Choice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL AND ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
A pharmacy technician is preparing to compound a sterile product in an ISO Class 5
environment. Which of the following represents the MOST critical component of proper
aseptic technique?
A. Wearing sterile gloves at all times during compounding
B. Maintaining unidirectional airflow and avoiding disruption of the critical zone
C. Using only stainless steel compounding equipment
D. Verifying the expiration date of all ingredients before use
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Unidirectional airflow protects the critical zone; disruption introduces
contamination risk. This is the foundation of aseptic technique in sterile compounding.
Question 2
During a routine observation, a supervisor notices a technician reaching across an open
sterile vial in a laminar airflow workbench. What is the PRIMARY concern with this action?
,A. The technician may knock over the vial
B. The movement disrupts the sterile air curtain and creates turbulence
C. The vial may become contaminated by the technician's sleeve
D. The action violates OSHA regulations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Reaching across the critical zone disrupts unidirectional airflow, creating
turbulence that can draw in contaminated particles from outside the sterile field.
Question 3
A technician is performing hand hygiene before entering the cleanroom. According to USP
Chapter <797> standards, which step should be performed FIRST?
A. Apply alcohol-based hand rub
B. Remove all jewelry from hands and wrists
C. Don sterile gloves
D. Scrub with chlorhexidine for 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Jewelry must be removed first because it harbors microorganisms and prevents
proper cleansing of skin surfaces beneath and around it.
Question 4
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of garbing in the anteroom before
entering the cleanroom?
,A. To protect the compounder from hazardous drug exposure
B. To reduce the bioburden introduced into the cleanroom environment
C. To comply with Joint Commission requirements
D. To prevent static electricity buildup
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Garbing reduces human-borne particles and microorganisms, minimizing
contamination risk in the cleanroom. It is a critical infection control barrier.
Question 5
A technician notices a small tear in their sterile glove while compounding. What is the MOST
appropriate immediate action?
A. Continue compounding and replace the glove when finished
B. Apply tape over the tear to seal it
C. Stop compounding, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and don new gloves
D. Apply an additional glove over the torn one
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Any breach in sterile gloves compromises the sterile field. Immediate
remediation is required to prevent contamination of the preparation.
Question 6
When donning sterile gloves for compounding, which technique should be used?
, A. Open gloving technique outside the hood
B. Closed gloving technique at the wrist
C. Open gloving technique inside the hood after hand hygiene
D. Any technique as long as gloves are sterile
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Closed gloving at the wrist prevents skin contact with the outer glove surface,
maintaining sterility. This technique is standard practice in sterile compounding.
Question 7
What is the MINIMUM duration for rubbing hands with alcohol-based hand rub according to
CDC guidelines?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: CDC recommends at least 15 seconds of friction with alcohol-based hand rub to
ensure adequate coverage and antimicrobial action on hand surfaces.
Question 8
Exam 2026: Professional Practice Test — Sterile Compounding,
Aseptic Technique, Cleanroom Standards, Environmental
Monitoring, Quality Assurance & Medication Safety — 190 Multiple-
Choice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL AND ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
A pharmacy technician is preparing to compound a sterile product in an ISO Class 5
environment. Which of the following represents the MOST critical component of proper
aseptic technique?
A. Wearing sterile gloves at all times during compounding
B. Maintaining unidirectional airflow and avoiding disruption of the critical zone
C. Using only stainless steel compounding equipment
D. Verifying the expiration date of all ingredients before use
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Unidirectional airflow protects the critical zone; disruption introduces
contamination risk. This is the foundation of aseptic technique in sterile compounding.
Question 2
During a routine observation, a supervisor notices a technician reaching across an open
sterile vial in a laminar airflow workbench. What is the PRIMARY concern with this action?
,A. The technician may knock over the vial
B. The movement disrupts the sterile air curtain and creates turbulence
C. The vial may become contaminated by the technician's sleeve
D. The action violates OSHA regulations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Reaching across the critical zone disrupts unidirectional airflow, creating
turbulence that can draw in contaminated particles from outside the sterile field.
Question 3
A technician is performing hand hygiene before entering the cleanroom. According to USP
Chapter <797> standards, which step should be performed FIRST?
A. Apply alcohol-based hand rub
B. Remove all jewelry from hands and wrists
C. Don sterile gloves
D. Scrub with chlorhexidine for 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Jewelry must be removed first because it harbors microorganisms and prevents
proper cleansing of skin surfaces beneath and around it.
Question 4
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of garbing in the anteroom before
entering the cleanroom?
,A. To protect the compounder from hazardous drug exposure
B. To reduce the bioburden introduced into the cleanroom environment
C. To comply with Joint Commission requirements
D. To prevent static electricity buildup
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Garbing reduces human-borne particles and microorganisms, minimizing
contamination risk in the cleanroom. It is a critical infection control barrier.
Question 5
A technician notices a small tear in their sterile glove while compounding. What is the MOST
appropriate immediate action?
A. Continue compounding and replace the glove when finished
B. Apply tape over the tear to seal it
C. Stop compounding, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and don new gloves
D. Apply an additional glove over the torn one
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Any breach in sterile gloves compromises the sterile field. Immediate
remediation is required to prevent contamination of the preparation.
Question 6
When donning sterile gloves for compounding, which technique should be used?
, A. Open gloving technique outside the hood
B. Closed gloving technique at the wrist
C. Open gloving technique inside the hood after hand hygiene
D. Any technique as long as gloves are sterile
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Closed gloving at the wrist prevents skin contact with the outer glove surface,
maintaining sterility. This technique is standard practice in sterile compounding.
Question 7
What is the MINIMUM duration for rubbing hands with alcohol-based hand rub according to
CDC guidelines?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: CDC recommends at least 15 seconds of friction with alcohol-based hand rub to
ensure adequate coverage and antimicrobial action on hand surfaces.
Question 8
