Sterile Processing Board Exam
2026/2027 Official Sterile Processing
Certification Board Verified
Questions & Answers for Aspiring
Sterile Processing Technicians
Sterile processing certification examinations commonly cover
decontamination, cleaning and disinfection, sterilization methods,
instrument inspection, packaging, storage, infection prevention,
safety, and professional responsibilities.
Question 1
The primary purpose of sterile processing is to:
A. Repair surgical equipment
B. Ensure medical devices are safe for patient use
C. Manage hospital billing
D. Perform surgical procedures
Correct Answer: B. Ensure medical devices are safe for patient
use
Rationale: Sterile processing helps prevent infection by
ensuring instruments are properly cleaned, disinfected, and
sterilized.
,Question 2
The department responsible for cleaning, assembling, sterilizing,
and distributing medical instruments is the:
Correct Answer: Sterile Processing Department (SPD)
Rationale: SPD supports patient safety by managing reusable
medical devices.
Question 3
Which microorganism is the most difficult to destroy?
A. Fungi
B. Viruses
C. Bacterial spores
D. Protozoa
Correct Answer: C. Bacterial spores
Rationale: Bacterial spores are highly resistant and require
sterilization for destruction.
Question 4
Sterilization is defined as:
Correct Answer: Complete destruction of all forms of microbial
life
,Rationale: Sterilization eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
spores.
Question 5
The first step in instrument reprocessing is:
Correct Answer: Point-of-use care and removal of gross soil
Rationale: Early removal of debris improves cleaning
effectiveness.
Question 6
Decontamination refers to:
A. Packaging instruments
B. Removing contaminants to make items safe for handling
C. Sterile storage
D. Inventory management
Correct Answer: B. Removing contaminants to make items safe
for handling
Rationale: Decontamination reduces microbial contamination
and prepares devices for further processing.
Question 7
Biofilm is:
, Correct Answer: A colony of microorganisms protected by a
resistant matrix
Rationale: Biofilm can make cleaning and disinfection more
difficult.
Question 8
Personal protective equipment (PPE) in decontamination
includes:
Correct Answer: Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Rationale: PPE protects workers from exposure to
contaminants.
Question 9
The decontamination area should be maintained under:
Correct Answer: Negative air pressure
Rationale: Negative pressure helps prevent contaminated air
from spreading.
Question 10
Which cleaning method uses sound waves?
Correct Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning
2026/2027 Official Sterile Processing
Certification Board Verified
Questions & Answers for Aspiring
Sterile Processing Technicians
Sterile processing certification examinations commonly cover
decontamination, cleaning and disinfection, sterilization methods,
instrument inspection, packaging, storage, infection prevention,
safety, and professional responsibilities.
Question 1
The primary purpose of sterile processing is to:
A. Repair surgical equipment
B. Ensure medical devices are safe for patient use
C. Manage hospital billing
D. Perform surgical procedures
Correct Answer: B. Ensure medical devices are safe for patient
use
Rationale: Sterile processing helps prevent infection by
ensuring instruments are properly cleaned, disinfected, and
sterilized.
,Question 2
The department responsible for cleaning, assembling, sterilizing,
and distributing medical instruments is the:
Correct Answer: Sterile Processing Department (SPD)
Rationale: SPD supports patient safety by managing reusable
medical devices.
Question 3
Which microorganism is the most difficult to destroy?
A. Fungi
B. Viruses
C. Bacterial spores
D. Protozoa
Correct Answer: C. Bacterial spores
Rationale: Bacterial spores are highly resistant and require
sterilization for destruction.
Question 4
Sterilization is defined as:
Correct Answer: Complete destruction of all forms of microbial
life
,Rationale: Sterilization eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
spores.
Question 5
The first step in instrument reprocessing is:
Correct Answer: Point-of-use care and removal of gross soil
Rationale: Early removal of debris improves cleaning
effectiveness.
Question 6
Decontamination refers to:
A. Packaging instruments
B. Removing contaminants to make items safe for handling
C. Sterile storage
D. Inventory management
Correct Answer: B. Removing contaminants to make items safe
for handling
Rationale: Decontamination reduces microbial contamination
and prepares devices for further processing.
Question 7
Biofilm is:
, Correct Answer: A colony of microorganisms protected by a
resistant matrix
Rationale: Biofilm can make cleaning and disinfection more
difficult.
Question 8
Personal protective equipment (PPE) in decontamination
includes:
Correct Answer: Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Rationale: PPE protects workers from exposure to
contaminants.
Question 9
The decontamination area should be maintained under:
Correct Answer: Negative air pressure
Rationale: Negative pressure helps prevent contaminated air
from spreading.
Question 10
Which cleaning method uses sound waves?
Correct Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning
