Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)
Exam Content Outline
Revised August 2021; Updated May 2022
The CHL Exam Content Outline was created through the 2020-2021 job task analysis and outlines the specific
areas of knowledge necessary to perform the duties of an Healthcare Leader. The Content Outline also details
the percentage weight for each of the four sections which comprise the CHL Exam. The higher the percentage
weight, the more heavily the questions in that area will affect your overall test score.
SECTION 1: PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING
(PERCENTAGE WEIGHT 30%)
I. CHANGE MANAGEMENT
A. Current Sterile Processing techniques, technologies, standards, and regulations
B. Outsourcing, standardization, and restructuring
C. Surgical procedures, equipment, and surgical instrumentation
D. Non-surgical procedures and equipment
E. Contractual obligations related to supplies and instrumentation (e.g., Loaner, Consignment, surgical
instrument repair)
II. WORKPLACE AND EQUIPMENT
A. Workflow processes and design in accordance with local, state, and federal standards and
regulations, and industry standards and recommendations
B. Trends and practices in processing equipment
C. Processing equipment lifespan and Instructions for Use (IFUs)
D. Facility, utility, and safety requirements as it pertains to Sterile Processing operations
III. WORKPLACE SAFETY
A. Tools for monitoring and evaluating workplace safety
IV. WORKFORCE
A. Responsibilities of all Sterile Processing positions
B. HR practices and department capacity planning
C. Strategic planning processes for staff education and recruitment (e.g., orientation and onboarding)
D. Strategic planning processes for staff development, retention, and engagement (e.g., career
advancement)
E. Technology and tools for workforce planning (i.e., management operating systems)
V. FINANCIAL PLANNING
A. Financial planning processes, resources, and opportunities
B. Forecasting tools, technologies, and processes
C. Cost accounting principles that apply to the Sterile Processing department
VI. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
A. Assessment tools to prepare a risk management plan for the Sterile Processing department
B. Hazards within the Sterile Processing department (e.g., chemical exposure, blood-borne pathogens,
ergonomics)
C. Best practices for infection control as it pertains to Sterile Processing
VII. EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PLANNING
A. Components of internal and external emergency / disaster plans
VIII. COMMUNICATION
A. Communication styles and methods (e.g., in-person, email, phone etiquette)
IX. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
A. Cross-functional teams and customer needs (e.g., Plan Do Check Act [PDCA], Root Cause Analysis [RCA])
B. Process improvement techniques and strategies (e.g., LEAN)
PAGE 1 OF 3 MYHSPA.ORG/CERTIFICATION
Exam Content Outline
Revised August 2021; Updated May 2022
The CHL Exam Content Outline was created through the 2020-2021 job task analysis and outlines the specific
areas of knowledge necessary to perform the duties of an Healthcare Leader. The Content Outline also details
the percentage weight for each of the four sections which comprise the CHL Exam. The higher the percentage
weight, the more heavily the questions in that area will affect your overall test score.
SECTION 1: PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING
(PERCENTAGE WEIGHT 30%)
I. CHANGE MANAGEMENT
A. Current Sterile Processing techniques, technologies, standards, and regulations
B. Outsourcing, standardization, and restructuring
C. Surgical procedures, equipment, and surgical instrumentation
D. Non-surgical procedures and equipment
E. Contractual obligations related to supplies and instrumentation (e.g., Loaner, Consignment, surgical
instrument repair)
II. WORKPLACE AND EQUIPMENT
A. Workflow processes and design in accordance with local, state, and federal standards and
regulations, and industry standards and recommendations
B. Trends and practices in processing equipment
C. Processing equipment lifespan and Instructions for Use (IFUs)
D. Facility, utility, and safety requirements as it pertains to Sterile Processing operations
III. WORKPLACE SAFETY
A. Tools for monitoring and evaluating workplace safety
IV. WORKFORCE
A. Responsibilities of all Sterile Processing positions
B. HR practices and department capacity planning
C. Strategic planning processes for staff education and recruitment (e.g., orientation and onboarding)
D. Strategic planning processes for staff development, retention, and engagement (e.g., career
advancement)
E. Technology and tools for workforce planning (i.e., management operating systems)
V. FINANCIAL PLANNING
A. Financial planning processes, resources, and opportunities
B. Forecasting tools, technologies, and processes
C. Cost accounting principles that apply to the Sterile Processing department
VI. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
A. Assessment tools to prepare a risk management plan for the Sterile Processing department
B. Hazards within the Sterile Processing department (e.g., chemical exposure, blood-borne pathogens,
ergonomics)
C. Best practices for infection control as it pertains to Sterile Processing
VII. EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PLANNING
A. Components of internal and external emergency / disaster plans
VIII. COMMUNICATION
A. Communication styles and methods (e.g., in-person, email, phone etiquette)
IX. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
A. Cross-functional teams and customer needs (e.g., Plan Do Check Act [PDCA], Root Cause Analysis [RCA])
B. Process improvement techniques and strategies (e.g., LEAN)
PAGE 1 OF 3 MYHSPA.ORG/CERTIFICATION
