IAHCSMM CRCST Exam | 2025/2026 Actual Exam
– 150 Verified Questions and Correct Answers
Real Exam-Based Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Accuracy | Graded A+ | Certified
Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by IAHCSMM (now HSPA)
Introduction
This comprehensive resource features 150 verified multiple-choice questions and
correct answers based on the latest 2025/2026 IAHCSMM CRCST Certification Exam.
It covers essential topics including cleaning and decontamination, sterilization processes,
equipment maintenance, infection control, and industry standards—aligned with current HSPA
(formerly IAHCSMM) guidelines.
Answer Format
All correct answers are clearly marked in bold and green for efficient review and confident
preparation.
IAHCSMM CRCST Exam | 2025/2026 Verified Q&A | 150 Questions | Graded A+ |
Master Sterile Processing with Confidence
Question 1
What is the maximum allowable weight for a single sterilization load according to HSPA
guidelines?
A) 10 kg (22 lbs)
B) 11.3 kg (25 lbs)
C) 15 kg (33 lbs)
D) 20 kg (44 lbs)
Rationale: 11.3 kg is the standard limit to ensure proper steam penetration.
Question 2
Which type of water is recommended for the final rinse in automated washers to prevent
mineral buildup?
A) Tap water
B) Reverse osmosis water
C) Distilled water
,D) Hard water
Rationale: Reverse osmosis water minimizes residue.
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of a pass-through window in a sterile processing department?
A) To store sterile items
B) To transfer items between clean and dirty areas
C) To perform sterilization
D) To inspect instruments
Rationale: It maintains separation of clean and contaminated zones.
Question 4
Which document must be completed for every sterilization cycle to ensure traceability?
A) Maintenance log
B) Sterilization record
C) Inventory list
D) Cleaning schedule
Rationale: Sterilization records track each cycle.
Question 5
What is the recommended frequency for testing the accuracy of a sterilizer's temperature
sensor?
A) Monthly
B) Quarterly
C) Annually
D) Bi-annually
Rationale: Quarterly testing ensures accuracy.
Question 6
Which type of filter is used in ventilation systems to prevent airborne contamination in sterile
storage?
A) Carbon filter
B) HEPA filter
C) UV filter
D) Mesh filter
Rationale: HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles.
,Question 7
What is the maximum allowable time for holding instruments in a pre-cleaning soak before
processing?
A) 1 hour
B) 4 hours
C) 8 hours
D) 12 hours
Rationale: 4 hours prevents drying of debris.
Question 8
Which regulatory agency oversees the safe handling of hazardous chemicals in sterile
processing?
A) CDC
B) OSHA
C) FDA
D) AAMI
Rationale: OSHA enforces chemical safety standards.
Question 9
What is the purpose of a load checklist in sterile processing?
A) To clean instruments
B) To verify contents before sterilization
C) To package items
D) To test water quality
Rationale: It ensures all items are accounted for.
Question 10
Which material is commonly used for the construction of instrument trays to withstand repeated
sterilization?
A) Aluminum
B) Stainless steel
C) Plastic
D) Copper
Rationale: Stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant.
, Question 11
What is the recommended air pressure differential between the decontamination and sterile
processing areas?
A) 0 Pa
B) Positive pressure in sterile areas
C) Negative pressure in sterile areas
D) Equal pressure
Rationale: Positive pressure prevents contamination.
Question 12
Which type of training is required for new sterile processing technicians under HSPA
guidelines?
A) On-the-job only
B) Initial and ongoing education
C) Certification only
D) Annual review only
Rationale: Ongoing training ensures competency.
Question 13
What is the purpose of a microbial air sampling test in sterile storage?
A) To clean the air
B) To monitor air quality for contamination
C) To sterilize the room
D) To test water quality
Rationale: It assesses airborne microbes.
Question 14
Which factor is critical when selecting a sterilization method for a specific instrument?
A) Instrument color
B) Material compatibility
C) Storage location
D) Instrument weight
Rationale: Compatibility ensures safety.
Question 15
What is the recommended frequency for rotating stock in sterile storage to prevent expiration?
– 150 Verified Questions and Correct Answers
Real Exam-Based Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Accuracy | Graded A+ | Certified
Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by IAHCSMM (now HSPA)
Introduction
This comprehensive resource features 150 verified multiple-choice questions and
correct answers based on the latest 2025/2026 IAHCSMM CRCST Certification Exam.
It covers essential topics including cleaning and decontamination, sterilization processes,
equipment maintenance, infection control, and industry standards—aligned with current HSPA
(formerly IAHCSMM) guidelines.
Answer Format
All correct answers are clearly marked in bold and green for efficient review and confident
preparation.
IAHCSMM CRCST Exam | 2025/2026 Verified Q&A | 150 Questions | Graded A+ |
Master Sterile Processing with Confidence
Question 1
What is the maximum allowable weight for a single sterilization load according to HSPA
guidelines?
A) 10 kg (22 lbs)
B) 11.3 kg (25 lbs)
C) 15 kg (33 lbs)
D) 20 kg (44 lbs)
Rationale: 11.3 kg is the standard limit to ensure proper steam penetration.
Question 2
Which type of water is recommended for the final rinse in automated washers to prevent
mineral buildup?
A) Tap water
B) Reverse osmosis water
C) Distilled water
,D) Hard water
Rationale: Reverse osmosis water minimizes residue.
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of a pass-through window in a sterile processing department?
A) To store sterile items
B) To transfer items between clean and dirty areas
C) To perform sterilization
D) To inspect instruments
Rationale: It maintains separation of clean and contaminated zones.
Question 4
Which document must be completed for every sterilization cycle to ensure traceability?
A) Maintenance log
B) Sterilization record
C) Inventory list
D) Cleaning schedule
Rationale: Sterilization records track each cycle.
Question 5
What is the recommended frequency for testing the accuracy of a sterilizer's temperature
sensor?
A) Monthly
B) Quarterly
C) Annually
D) Bi-annually
Rationale: Quarterly testing ensures accuracy.
Question 6
Which type of filter is used in ventilation systems to prevent airborne contamination in sterile
storage?
A) Carbon filter
B) HEPA filter
C) UV filter
D) Mesh filter
Rationale: HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles.
,Question 7
What is the maximum allowable time for holding instruments in a pre-cleaning soak before
processing?
A) 1 hour
B) 4 hours
C) 8 hours
D) 12 hours
Rationale: 4 hours prevents drying of debris.
Question 8
Which regulatory agency oversees the safe handling of hazardous chemicals in sterile
processing?
A) CDC
B) OSHA
C) FDA
D) AAMI
Rationale: OSHA enforces chemical safety standards.
Question 9
What is the purpose of a load checklist in sterile processing?
A) To clean instruments
B) To verify contents before sterilization
C) To package items
D) To test water quality
Rationale: It ensures all items are accounted for.
Question 10
Which material is commonly used for the construction of instrument trays to withstand repeated
sterilization?
A) Aluminum
B) Stainless steel
C) Plastic
D) Copper
Rationale: Stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant.
, Question 11
What is the recommended air pressure differential between the decontamination and sterile
processing areas?
A) 0 Pa
B) Positive pressure in sterile areas
C) Negative pressure in sterile areas
D) Equal pressure
Rationale: Positive pressure prevents contamination.
Question 12
Which type of training is required for new sterile processing technicians under HSPA
guidelines?
A) On-the-job only
B) Initial and ongoing education
C) Certification only
D) Annual review only
Rationale: Ongoing training ensures competency.
Question 13
What is the purpose of a microbial air sampling test in sterile storage?
A) To clean the air
B) To monitor air quality for contamination
C) To sterilize the room
D) To test water quality
Rationale: It assesses airborne microbes.
Question 14
Which factor is critical when selecting a sterilization method for a specific instrument?
A) Instrument color
B) Material compatibility
C) Storage location
D) Instrument weight
Rationale: Compatibility ensures safety.
Question 15
What is the recommended frequency for rotating stock in sterile storage to prevent expiration?
