This is Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam is a computer-based,
multiple-choice test administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
It consists of 150 questions to be completed within three hours, with a minimum passing
score of 70%.
EXAM CONTENT BREAKDOWN
The exam is weighted across seven key domains, primarily focusing on sterilization and
decontamination processes.
Exam Section Weighting (%) Key Topics Covered
Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection 20% Biohazard handling, enzymatic cleaners,
and manual/mechanical cleaning.
Preparation & Packaging 20% Instrument inspection, assembly, and various packaging
systems.
Sterilization Process 20% Steam, ethylene oxide (EtO), and low-temp sterilization
methods.
Sterile Storage & Inventory Management 10% Shelf life, environmental controls, and
FIFO/LIFO rotation.
Documentation & Record Maintenance 10% Sterilizer load logs, biological indicator
records, and tracking systems.
Patient Care Equipment 10% Handling of specialized items like endoscopes and
mobile medical equipment.
Customer Relations 10% Professional communication and interdepartmental standards.
1
, TEST PREP RESOURCES & TOOLS
Preparation typically takes 1 to 3 months. Experts recommend using the HSPA 9th Edition
Sterile Processing Technical Manual as your primary text.
Practice Exams: Services like CRCSTprep and Nimble Prep offer mock tests with rationales
to help identify weak areas.
Study Guides: Comprehensive guides, such as those available on Amazon, include over 2,000
practice questions and instrument identification charts.
Flashcards & Notes: Condensed study notes (e.g., Sterile Tech Prep) help memorize critical
terms like "bioburden" and technical AAMI sterilization standards.
Scheduling: Candidates must apply through myHSPA and schedule their test at a Prometric
testing center.
Quiz_________________?
1 to 1 1/2 -
ANSWER✅
How many times should instrument marking tape be wrapped around the instrument?
Quiz_________________?
100 PPM -
ANSWER✅
The ideal level of chloride in tap water should be
Quiz_________________?
273 degrees for 3.5 to 4.0 minutes -
ANSWER✅
2
, At what temperature and exposure time should Bowie Dick test pack be run in the
sterilizer?
Quiz_________________?
3 1/2 to 4 minutes exposure at 270-273 degrees F -
ANSWER✅
What is the sterilizer setting for Bowie-Dick test?
Quiz_________________?
30%-60% -
ANSWER✅
The humidity in the sterilization equipment room should be between
Quiz_________________?
68 degrees F to 73 degrees F -
ANSWER✅
What is the recommended temperature in the general work area?
Quiz_________________?
Above the drain on the bottom rack -
ANSWER✅
Where should Bowie-dick test pack be placed in the sterilization chamber?
Quiz_________________?
3
, Absence of all living organisms -
ANSWER✅
What is the meaning of an item being sterile?
Quiz_________________?
Aeration -
ANSWER✅
The final phase of Ethylene oxide sterilization cycle is:
Quiz_________________?
After sterilization -
ANSWER✅
Sterility maintenance covers (dust covers) should be applied
Quiz_________________?
Allow air removal, steam penetration and facilitate drying -
ANSWER✅
Wicking material are used to:
Quiz_________________?
AORN (The Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses) -
ANSWER✅
Which organization provides guidelines for Cleaning and Care of Surgical Instruments?
4
multiple-choice test administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
It consists of 150 questions to be completed within three hours, with a minimum passing
score of 70%.
EXAM CONTENT BREAKDOWN
The exam is weighted across seven key domains, primarily focusing on sterilization and
decontamination processes.
Exam Section Weighting (%) Key Topics Covered
Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection 20% Biohazard handling, enzymatic cleaners,
and manual/mechanical cleaning.
Preparation & Packaging 20% Instrument inspection, assembly, and various packaging
systems.
Sterilization Process 20% Steam, ethylene oxide (EtO), and low-temp sterilization
methods.
Sterile Storage & Inventory Management 10% Shelf life, environmental controls, and
FIFO/LIFO rotation.
Documentation & Record Maintenance 10% Sterilizer load logs, biological indicator
records, and tracking systems.
Patient Care Equipment 10% Handling of specialized items like endoscopes and
mobile medical equipment.
Customer Relations 10% Professional communication and interdepartmental standards.
1
, TEST PREP RESOURCES & TOOLS
Preparation typically takes 1 to 3 months. Experts recommend using the HSPA 9th Edition
Sterile Processing Technical Manual as your primary text.
Practice Exams: Services like CRCSTprep and Nimble Prep offer mock tests with rationales
to help identify weak areas.
Study Guides: Comprehensive guides, such as those available on Amazon, include over 2,000
practice questions and instrument identification charts.
Flashcards & Notes: Condensed study notes (e.g., Sterile Tech Prep) help memorize critical
terms like "bioburden" and technical AAMI sterilization standards.
Scheduling: Candidates must apply through myHSPA and schedule their test at a Prometric
testing center.
Quiz_________________?
1 to 1 1/2 -
ANSWER✅
How many times should instrument marking tape be wrapped around the instrument?
Quiz_________________?
100 PPM -
ANSWER✅
The ideal level of chloride in tap water should be
Quiz_________________?
273 degrees for 3.5 to 4.0 minutes -
ANSWER✅
2
, At what temperature and exposure time should Bowie Dick test pack be run in the
sterilizer?
Quiz_________________?
3 1/2 to 4 minutes exposure at 270-273 degrees F -
ANSWER✅
What is the sterilizer setting for Bowie-Dick test?
Quiz_________________?
30%-60% -
ANSWER✅
The humidity in the sterilization equipment room should be between
Quiz_________________?
68 degrees F to 73 degrees F -
ANSWER✅
What is the recommended temperature in the general work area?
Quiz_________________?
Above the drain on the bottom rack -
ANSWER✅
Where should Bowie-dick test pack be placed in the sterilization chamber?
Quiz_________________?
3
, Absence of all living organisms -
ANSWER✅
What is the meaning of an item being sterile?
Quiz_________________?
Aeration -
ANSWER✅
The final phase of Ethylene oxide sterilization cycle is:
Quiz_________________?
After sterilization -
ANSWER✅
Sterility maintenance covers (dust covers) should be applied
Quiz_________________?
Allow air removal, steam penetration and facilitate drying -
ANSWER✅
Wicking material are used to:
Quiz_________________?
AORN (The Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses) -
ANSWER✅
Which organization provides guidelines for Cleaning and Care of Surgical Instruments?
4
