HSPA certification covering the decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of reusable medical devices.
Who it's for
Central service/sterile processing technicians responsible for reprocessing reusable medical devices — HSPA's foundational credential for the sterile processing field, often a required or strongly preferred qualification for the role itself.
What's covered
- Instrument and equipment decontamination
- Sterilization and disinfection
- Instrument assembly and case cart preparation
- Storage, inventory, and regulatory standards
What to expect
Expect process-sequence and standards-compliance questions — correctly ordering decontamination-to-sterilization steps, identifying AAMI ST79 requirements — reflecting the field's emphasis on strict, repeatable protocol adherence.
How to prepare
HSPA sells an official CRCST Self-Study Workbook and offers SPD (Sterile Processing Department) online training; many candidates complete a formal central service training program before sitting the exam, which doubles as structured exam prep.
Certification details
- Certifying body: Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly IAHCSMM).
- Eligibility: No formal prerequisites for the exam itself; many candidates complete a central service training program and accrue hands-on hours before or after certification.
- Exam format: 150 multiple-choice questions, computer-based testing at Prometric test centers.
- Content outline: Cleaning/decontamination, disinfection/sterilization, preparation and packaging, sterile storage/inventory, and regulatory/professional issues.
- Recertification: Every 5 years, via continuing education credits.
