Spring Semester 2026 | Sterile Processing
Technician Certification Exam – Complete Central
Sterile & SPD Review, Decontamination, Instrument
Cleaning & Assembly, Sterilization Methods,
Infection Prevention, Surgical Instrumentation,
Quality Assurance, Practice Questions & High-Yield
Certification Preparation
1. Which of the following methods is considered the most effective for sterilizing
surgical instruments?
A) Ethylene oxide
B) Steam under pressure
C) Dry heat
D) Chemical vapor
Correct Option: B) Steam under pressure
Rationale:
Steam under pressure, commonly referred to as autoclaving, utilizes high temperatures
and pressure to kill all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. This method is
widely recognized as a gold standard for sterilization in surgical environments due to its
efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and speed. Ethylene oxide is also effective but requires
longer exposure times and special precautions to ensure safety; thus, steam is
generally preferred for most instruments.
2. What is the minimum time required for steam sterilization at 121°C (250°F)?
A) 15 minutes
B) 30 minutes
C) 60 minutes
D) 10 minutes
Correct Option: A) 15 minutes
Rationale:
The minimum time required for effective steam sterilization at 121°C is typically 15
minutes. This time is sufficient to ensure that all microorganisms, including spores, are
eradicated, assuming proper loading and exposure conditions in the autoclave.
Extended exposure times may be necessary for larger loads or complex instruments to
ensure uniform heat penetration.
3. When reprocessing reusable surgical instruments, which step is crucial after
cleaning?
A) Inspection for damage or biofilm
B) Packaging for sterilization
C) Immediate use in surgery
D) Disposal of the instruments
,Correct Option: A) Inspection for damage or biofilm
Rationale:
Inspection for damage or biofilm after cleaning is critical, as it ensures that instruments
are in good working condition and free from contaminants that cleaning may not have
removed. Instruments with visible damage may compromise surgical outcomes or pose
risks to patient safety. Proper inspection forms part of the quality control measures in
sterile processing.
4. What is the purpose of using biological indicators during sterilization processes?
A) To measure temperature levels
B) To confirm the presence of moisture
C) To verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process
D) To determine the cleaning efficacy of instruments
Correct Option: C) To verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process
Rationale:
Biological indicators contain viable microorganisms that are resistant to the sterilization
process being tested. Their successful elimination indicates that the sterilization
process was effective. Utilizing these indicators is a crucial quality assurance step to
ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations.
5. In the context of sterile processing, what does the term "rinsing" refer to?
A) The final step of disinfecting instruments
B) The removal of all visible soil from instruments
C) The process of preparing instruments for sterilization
D) The action taken to remove detergents and residues from instruments
Correct Option: D) The action taken to remove detergents and residues from
instruments
Rationale:
Rinsing is essential to eliminate any residual detergents or cleaning solutions after the
decontamination process. Residues can interfere with the sterilization process and may
be harmful to patients. Proper rinsing helps ensure that instruments are sterile and safe
for use.
6. Which instrument is used to measure the temperature inside an autoclave
during the sterilization cycle?
A) Thermocouple
B) Pressure gauge
C) Hygrometer
D) Barometer
Correct Option: A) Thermocouple
Rationale:
, A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature, making it essential for
monitoring conditions inside an autoclave. Accurate temperature readings are critical to
ensure the required sterilization process is achieved, as insufficient temperatures can
lead to inadequate sterilization.
7. How often should biological indicators be used to monitor the efficacy of the
sterilization process?
A) After every cycle
B) Weekly
C) Monthly
D) Only during validation studies
Correct Option: A) After every cycle
Rationale:
Biological indicators should be used after every sterilization cycle to ensure continuous
monitoring of the sterilization process's effectiveness. This practice is essential for
maintaining compliance with safety standards and ensuring patient safety in healthcare
settings.
8. What is the ideal humidity level in a sterilization chamber for steam sterilization?
A) 10-20%
B) 30-50%
C) 60-70%
D) 80-90%
Correct Option: C) 60-70%
Rationale:
The ideal humidity level for steam sterilization is typically between 60-70%. This
humidity range promotes optimal steam penetration, which is crucial for effective
sterilization. Insufficient humidity can lead to poor sterilization outcomes.
9. When should the integrity of packaging material be checked?
A) Before sterilization
B) After sterilization
C) Before use
D) At regular intervals
Correct Option: A) Before sterilization
Rationale:
Checking the integrity of packaging material before sterilization is crucial as
compromised packaging can result in contamination of sterile instruments post-
Technician Certification Exam – Complete Central
Sterile & SPD Review, Decontamination, Instrument
Cleaning & Assembly, Sterilization Methods,
Infection Prevention, Surgical Instrumentation,
Quality Assurance, Practice Questions & High-Yield
Certification Preparation
1. Which of the following methods is considered the most effective for sterilizing
surgical instruments?
A) Ethylene oxide
B) Steam under pressure
C) Dry heat
D) Chemical vapor
Correct Option: B) Steam under pressure
Rationale:
Steam under pressure, commonly referred to as autoclaving, utilizes high temperatures
and pressure to kill all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. This method is
widely recognized as a gold standard for sterilization in surgical environments due to its
efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and speed. Ethylene oxide is also effective but requires
longer exposure times and special precautions to ensure safety; thus, steam is
generally preferred for most instruments.
2. What is the minimum time required for steam sterilization at 121°C (250°F)?
A) 15 minutes
B) 30 minutes
C) 60 minutes
D) 10 minutes
Correct Option: A) 15 minutes
Rationale:
The minimum time required for effective steam sterilization at 121°C is typically 15
minutes. This time is sufficient to ensure that all microorganisms, including spores, are
eradicated, assuming proper loading and exposure conditions in the autoclave.
Extended exposure times may be necessary for larger loads or complex instruments to
ensure uniform heat penetration.
3. When reprocessing reusable surgical instruments, which step is crucial after
cleaning?
A) Inspection for damage or biofilm
B) Packaging for sterilization
C) Immediate use in surgery
D) Disposal of the instruments
,Correct Option: A) Inspection for damage or biofilm
Rationale:
Inspection for damage or biofilm after cleaning is critical, as it ensures that instruments
are in good working condition and free from contaminants that cleaning may not have
removed. Instruments with visible damage may compromise surgical outcomes or pose
risks to patient safety. Proper inspection forms part of the quality control measures in
sterile processing.
4. What is the purpose of using biological indicators during sterilization processes?
A) To measure temperature levels
B) To confirm the presence of moisture
C) To verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process
D) To determine the cleaning efficacy of instruments
Correct Option: C) To verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process
Rationale:
Biological indicators contain viable microorganisms that are resistant to the sterilization
process being tested. Their successful elimination indicates that the sterilization
process was effective. Utilizing these indicators is a crucial quality assurance step to
ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations.
5. In the context of sterile processing, what does the term "rinsing" refer to?
A) The final step of disinfecting instruments
B) The removal of all visible soil from instruments
C) The process of preparing instruments for sterilization
D) The action taken to remove detergents and residues from instruments
Correct Option: D) The action taken to remove detergents and residues from
instruments
Rationale:
Rinsing is essential to eliminate any residual detergents or cleaning solutions after the
decontamination process. Residues can interfere with the sterilization process and may
be harmful to patients. Proper rinsing helps ensure that instruments are sterile and safe
for use.
6. Which instrument is used to measure the temperature inside an autoclave
during the sterilization cycle?
A) Thermocouple
B) Pressure gauge
C) Hygrometer
D) Barometer
Correct Option: A) Thermocouple
Rationale:
, A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature, making it essential for
monitoring conditions inside an autoclave. Accurate temperature readings are critical to
ensure the required sterilization process is achieved, as insufficient temperatures can
lead to inadequate sterilization.
7. How often should biological indicators be used to monitor the efficacy of the
sterilization process?
A) After every cycle
B) Weekly
C) Monthly
D) Only during validation studies
Correct Option: A) After every cycle
Rationale:
Biological indicators should be used after every sterilization cycle to ensure continuous
monitoring of the sterilization process's effectiveness. This practice is essential for
maintaining compliance with safety standards and ensuring patient safety in healthcare
settings.
8. What is the ideal humidity level in a sterilization chamber for steam sterilization?
A) 10-20%
B) 30-50%
C) 60-70%
D) 80-90%
Correct Option: C) 60-70%
Rationale:
The ideal humidity level for steam sterilization is typically between 60-70%. This
humidity range promotes optimal steam penetration, which is crucial for effective
sterilization. Insufficient humidity can lead to poor sterilization outcomes.
9. When should the integrity of packaging material be checked?
A) Before sterilization
B) After sterilization
C) Before use
D) At regular intervals
Correct Option: A) Before sterilization
Rationale:
Checking the integrity of packaging material before sterilization is crucial as
compromised packaging can result in contamination of sterile instruments post-
