CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
CBSPD CSPDT Sterile Processing Technician
Certification Exam
All Correctly Answered — Verified Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution | AAMI ST79 / ST91 | AORN / OSHA / CDC Aligned
Total QuestionsSections Cognitive Mix Format
150 7 35% Recall · 45% Application · 20% Analysis MCQ (A–D, single correct)
Instructions: Select the single best response for each question. Verified answers appear in green with a [CORRECT] marker; the
rationale beneath each item explains why the correct option is right and why the distractors are wrong, with sterile processing
technical reasoning, AAMI/OSHA/CDC standard citations, sterilization parameters, patient-safety implications, and CBSPD
certification-exam alignment.
Section 1: Infection Control and Microbiology (Chain of Infection, Standard Precautions, &
Transmission-Based Precautions)
Q1: Which of the following BEST describes the six elements of the chain of infection in correct order?
A. Agent, host, environment, transmission, portal, outcome
B. Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host
[CORRECT]
C. Reservoir, agent, host, exit, vector, entry
D. Pathogen, source, exit, vector, entry, patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The six elements of the chain of infection are: (1) infectious agent, (2) reservoir, (3) portal of exit, (4) mode of transmission,
(5) portal of entry, and (6) susceptible host. Breaking any link stops transmission — this principle underpins all Standard
and Transmission-Based Precautions per CDC/HICPAC guidance.
Q2: A technician acquires MRSA from touching a contaminated surface. This mode of transmission is:
A. Airborne
B. Droplet
C. Direct contact [CORRECT]
D. Vector-borne
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Direct contact transmission occurs when microorganisms transfer from an infected/contaminated source to a susceptible
host via touch. MRSA is a classic contact-transmitted pathogen requiring Contact Precautions. Airborne (A) uses small
particles; droplet (B) uses large respiratory droplets; vector-borne (D) requires insects or animals.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 1
,CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
Q3: A patient with influenza coughs near a healthcare worker. The transmission mode is:
A. Airborne
B. Droplet [CORRECT]
C. Direct contact
D. Vector-borne
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Droplet transmission involves large respiratory droplets (>5 µm) traveling short distances (≤3 feet). Influenza, pertussis,
and mumps require Droplet Precautions (surgical mask within 3 feet). Airborne (A) uses smaller particles traveling longer
distances via air currents; contact (C) requires direct touch; vector-borne (D) involves insects.
Q4: A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis is admitted. The required isolation precautions are:
A. Contact precautions only
B. Droplet precautions only
C. Airborne precautions with negative-pressure isolation (AIIR) [CORRECT]
D. Standard precautions only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Pulmonary TB requires Airborne Precautions in an AIIR (Airborne Infection Isolation Room) with negative pressure and
≥12 air changes per hour (ACH). TB bacteria are small enough to remain suspended in air for long periods. N95
respirators or higher are required for personnel.
Q5: Which is an example of VECTOR-BORNE transmission?
A. Mosquito transmitting West Nile virus [CORRECT]
B. Touching a contaminated doorknob
C. Inhaling TB bacteria
D. Coughing on a coworker
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Vector-borne transmission involves insects or animals (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas) carrying pathogens. West Nile virus,
malaria, and Lyme disease are vector-borne. (B) is contact, (C) is airborne, (D) is droplet transmission.
Q6: According to CDC, hand hygiene should be performed:
A. Only when hands are visibly soiled
B. Before patient contact, before aseptic tasks, after body fluid exposure, after patient contact, and after contact
with patient surroundings [CORRECT]
C. Only at the start and end of each shift
D. Only after removing gloves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
WHO/CDC 'My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' specifies: before patient contact, before aseptic task, after body fluid
exposure risk, after patient contact, and after contact with patient surroundings. Hand hygiene is required even when gloves
are worn because gloves develop micro-perforations.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 2
,CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
Q7: A technician's hands are visibly soiled with blood after decontamination. The CORRECT hand hygiene
product is:
A. Alcohol-based hand rub only
B. Soap and water only [CORRECT]
C. Alcohol-based hand rub followed by soap and water
D. Antiseptic wipes only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
When hands are visibly soiled (especially with blood or spores), soap and water is required — alcohol-based hand rubs are
ineffective on C. difficile spores and do not remove physical soil. ABHR (A) is for visibly clean hands; (C) and (D) are
unnecessary combinations.
Q8: What is the CORRECT sequence for DONNING personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves → gown → mask → eye protection
B. Gown → mask → eye protection → gloves [CORRECT]
C. Mask → gown → gloves → eye protection
D. Eye protection → gloves → gown → mask
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
CDC PPE donning sequence: gown first, then mask or respirator, then eye protection (goggles/face shield), then gloves
(last, over gown cuffs). This sequence ensures gloves cover gown cuffs and the most-contaminating item (gown) is donned
first. Donning gloves last prevents contamination during other steps.
Q9: What is the CORRECT sequence for REMOVING (doffing) PPE?
A. Gown → gloves → eye protection → mask
B. Gloves → eye protection → gown → mask
C. Gloves → gown → eye protection → mask [CORRECT]
D. Mask → gloves → gown → eye protection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
PPE doffing sequence: gloves first (most contaminated), then gown (peel inside-out), then eye protection, then mask LAST
(allowing mask removal after hand hygiene reduces face exposure). This 'dirty-to-clean' sequence minimizes
self-contamination. Always perform hand hygiene immediately after doffing.
Q10: A technician in the decontamination area sustains a needlestick from a contaminated surgical instrument.
What is the FIRST action?
A. Finish the current task then report
B. Wash the wound with soap and water [CORRECT]
C. Squeeze the wound to express blood
D. Apply antibiotic ointment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires the exposed site to be washed immediately with soap and water (mucous
membranes flushed with water). Squeezing (C) is no longer recommended as it may force pathogens deeper. Report to
supervisor and initiate exposure protocol per facility policy.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 3
, CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
Q11: Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, part of Standard Precautions, includes all EXCEPT:
A. Source control (surgical mask on coughing patient)
B. Hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions
C. Spatial separation ≥3 feet from coughing persons
D. Negative-pressure isolation for every coughing patient [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Respiratory hygiene (CDC) includes source control (masks on symptomatic persons), hand hygiene, and spatial separation
≥3 feet — but does NOT require negative-pressure isolation for every coughing patient (that requires specific
airborne-pathogen diagnoses like TB, measles, varicella).
Q12: For CONTACT PRECAUTIONS, the required isolation features include:
A. Negative-pressure room and N95 respirators
B. Private room or cohorting, gloves and gown for all entry [CORRECT]
C. AIIR with 12 ACH
D. Negative-pressure room with ante-room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Contact Precautions require a private room (or cohorting of patients with the same pathogen) plus gloves and gown for all
persons entering the room. Negative-pressure rooms (A, D) and N95 respirators (A) are for airborne; AIIR (C) is airborne
isolation.
Q13: DROPLET Precautions require which of the following?
A. Negative-pressure room
B. Surgical mask within 3 feet (or upon room entry) [CORRECT]
C. N95 respirator
D. Airborne infection isolation room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Droplet Precautions require a surgical mask donned within 3 feet of the patient (or upon room entry per facility policy).
Negative-pressure AIIR (A, D) and N95 (C) are reserved for Airborne Precautions, not droplet.
Q14: AIRBORNE Precautions require:
A. Surgical mask only
B. Negative-pressure AIIR (≥12 ACH) and N95 or higher respirator [CORRECT]
C. Cohorting only
D. Standard gown and gloves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Airborne Precautions require a negative-pressure AIIR with ≥12 ACH (≥9 in existing facilities pre-2001) and N95 (or
higher) respirators for personnel. AIIR doors must remain closed. Used for TB, measles, varicella, disseminated zoster.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 4
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
CBSPD CSPDT Sterile Processing Technician
Certification Exam
All Correctly Answered — Verified Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution | AAMI ST79 / ST91 | AORN / OSHA / CDC Aligned
Total QuestionsSections Cognitive Mix Format
150 7 35% Recall · 45% Application · 20% Analysis MCQ (A–D, single correct)
Instructions: Select the single best response for each question. Verified answers appear in green with a [CORRECT] marker; the
rationale beneath each item explains why the correct option is right and why the distractors are wrong, with sterile processing
technical reasoning, AAMI/OSHA/CDC standard citations, sterilization parameters, patient-safety implications, and CBSPD
certification-exam alignment.
Section 1: Infection Control and Microbiology (Chain of Infection, Standard Precautions, &
Transmission-Based Precautions)
Q1: Which of the following BEST describes the six elements of the chain of infection in correct order?
A. Agent, host, environment, transmission, portal, outcome
B. Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host
[CORRECT]
C. Reservoir, agent, host, exit, vector, entry
D. Pathogen, source, exit, vector, entry, patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The six elements of the chain of infection are: (1) infectious agent, (2) reservoir, (3) portal of exit, (4) mode of transmission,
(5) portal of entry, and (6) susceptible host. Breaking any link stops transmission — this principle underpins all Standard
and Transmission-Based Precautions per CDC/HICPAC guidance.
Q2: A technician acquires MRSA from touching a contaminated surface. This mode of transmission is:
A. Airborne
B. Droplet
C. Direct contact [CORRECT]
D. Vector-borne
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Direct contact transmission occurs when microorganisms transfer from an infected/contaminated source to a susceptible
host via touch. MRSA is a classic contact-transmitted pathogen requiring Contact Precautions. Airborne (A) uses small
particles; droplet (B) uses large respiratory droplets; vector-borne (D) requires insects or animals.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 1
,CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
Q3: A patient with influenza coughs near a healthcare worker. The transmission mode is:
A. Airborne
B. Droplet [CORRECT]
C. Direct contact
D. Vector-borne
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Droplet transmission involves large respiratory droplets (>5 µm) traveling short distances (≤3 feet). Influenza, pertussis,
and mumps require Droplet Precautions (surgical mask within 3 feet). Airborne (A) uses smaller particles traveling longer
distances via air currents; contact (C) requires direct touch; vector-borne (D) involves insects.
Q4: A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis is admitted. The required isolation precautions are:
A. Contact precautions only
B. Droplet precautions only
C. Airborne precautions with negative-pressure isolation (AIIR) [CORRECT]
D. Standard precautions only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Pulmonary TB requires Airborne Precautions in an AIIR (Airborne Infection Isolation Room) with negative pressure and
≥12 air changes per hour (ACH). TB bacteria are small enough to remain suspended in air for long periods. N95
respirators or higher are required for personnel.
Q5: Which is an example of VECTOR-BORNE transmission?
A. Mosquito transmitting West Nile virus [CORRECT]
B. Touching a contaminated doorknob
C. Inhaling TB bacteria
D. Coughing on a coworker
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Vector-borne transmission involves insects or animals (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas) carrying pathogens. West Nile virus,
malaria, and Lyme disease are vector-borne. (B) is contact, (C) is airborne, (D) is droplet transmission.
Q6: According to CDC, hand hygiene should be performed:
A. Only when hands are visibly soiled
B. Before patient contact, before aseptic tasks, after body fluid exposure, after patient contact, and after contact
with patient surroundings [CORRECT]
C. Only at the start and end of each shift
D. Only after removing gloves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
WHO/CDC 'My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' specifies: before patient contact, before aseptic task, after body fluid
exposure risk, after patient contact, and after contact with patient surroundings. Hand hygiene is required even when gloves
are worn because gloves develop micro-perforations.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 2
,CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
Q7: A technician's hands are visibly soiled with blood after decontamination. The CORRECT hand hygiene
product is:
A. Alcohol-based hand rub only
B. Soap and water only [CORRECT]
C. Alcohol-based hand rub followed by soap and water
D. Antiseptic wipes only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
When hands are visibly soiled (especially with blood or spores), soap and water is required — alcohol-based hand rubs are
ineffective on C. difficile spores and do not remove physical soil. ABHR (A) is for visibly clean hands; (C) and (D) are
unnecessary combinations.
Q8: What is the CORRECT sequence for DONNING personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves → gown → mask → eye protection
B. Gown → mask → eye protection → gloves [CORRECT]
C. Mask → gown → gloves → eye protection
D. Eye protection → gloves → gown → mask
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
CDC PPE donning sequence: gown first, then mask or respirator, then eye protection (goggles/face shield), then gloves
(last, over gown cuffs). This sequence ensures gloves cover gown cuffs and the most-contaminating item (gown) is donned
first. Donning gloves last prevents contamination during other steps.
Q9: What is the CORRECT sequence for REMOVING (doffing) PPE?
A. Gown → gloves → eye protection → mask
B. Gloves → eye protection → gown → mask
C. Gloves → gown → eye protection → mask [CORRECT]
D. Mask → gloves → gown → eye protection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
PPE doffing sequence: gloves first (most contaminated), then gown (peel inside-out), then eye protection, then mask LAST
(allowing mask removal after hand hygiene reduces face exposure). This 'dirty-to-clean' sequence minimizes
self-contamination. Always perform hand hygiene immediately after doffing.
Q10: A technician in the decontamination area sustains a needlestick from a contaminated surgical instrument.
What is the FIRST action?
A. Finish the current task then report
B. Wash the wound with soap and water [CORRECT]
C. Squeeze the wound to express blood
D. Apply antibiotic ointment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires the exposed site to be washed immediately with soap and water (mucous
membranes flushed with water). Squeezing (C) is no longer recommended as it may force pathogens deeper. Report to
supervisor and initiate exposure protocol per facility policy.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 3
, CBSPD CSPDT — STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
All Correctly Answered | 2026/2027 Edition
Q11: Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, part of Standard Precautions, includes all EXCEPT:
A. Source control (surgical mask on coughing patient)
B. Hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions
C. Spatial separation ≥3 feet from coughing persons
D. Negative-pressure isolation for every coughing patient [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Respiratory hygiene (CDC) includes source control (masks on symptomatic persons), hand hygiene, and spatial separation
≥3 feet — but does NOT require negative-pressure isolation for every coughing patient (that requires specific
airborne-pathogen diagnoses like TB, measles, varicella).
Q12: For CONTACT PRECAUTIONS, the required isolation features include:
A. Negative-pressure room and N95 respirators
B. Private room or cohorting, gloves and gown for all entry [CORRECT]
C. AIIR with 12 ACH
D. Negative-pressure room with ante-room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Contact Precautions require a private room (or cohorting of patients with the same pathogen) plus gloves and gown for all
persons entering the room. Negative-pressure rooms (A, D) and N95 respirators (A) are for airborne; AIIR (C) is airborne
isolation.
Q13: DROPLET Precautions require which of the following?
A. Negative-pressure room
B. Surgical mask within 3 feet (or upon room entry) [CORRECT]
C. N95 respirator
D. Airborne infection isolation room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Droplet Precautions require a surgical mask donned within 3 feet of the patient (or upon room entry per facility policy).
Negative-pressure AIIR (A, D) and N95 (C) are reserved for Airborne Precautions, not droplet.
Q14: AIRBORNE Precautions require:
A. Surgical mask only
B. Negative-pressure AIIR (≥12 ACH) and N95 or higher respirator [CORRECT]
C. Cohorting only
D. Standard gown and gloves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Airborne Precautions require a negative-pressure AIIR with ≥12 ACH (≥9 in existing facilities pre-2001) and N95 (or
higher) respirators for personnel. AIIR doors must remain closed. Used for TB, measles, varicella, disseminated zoster.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution • AAMI ST79 / OSHA / CDC / AORN Aligned Page 4
