Short answer: the CRCST exam is 150 multiple-choice questions taken on a computer at a Prometric testing center, and you have three hours. Most of the exam covers four areas: decontamination, packaging, sterilization and department basics. Here is exactly what is on it and how to prepare so you pass the first time.
The exam at a glance
From the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA):
- 150 multiple-choice questions, computer-based (there is no paper version);
- 3 hours to finish;
- taken in person at a Prometric testing center;
- $140 to apply, which covers one attempt. A retake is another $140.
What is on the CRCST exam
HSPA’s content outline splits the exam into seven sections. The weights tell you where to spend your study time:
| Section | Share of exam | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning, decontamination and disinfection | 21% | Microbiology, PPE, manual and mechanical cleaning, Spaulding levels, disinfectants and their tests |
| Preparation and packaging | 21% | Inspecting instruments, assembling sets, wrapping and packaging methods, labeling |
| Sterilization process | 21% | Steam and low-temperature methods, loading, Bowie-Dick and biological tests, recalls, documentation |
| Departmental considerations | 15% | Temperature, humidity and airflow, chemical safety, dress code and traffic flow, regulations, quality |
| Sterile storage, transport and inventory | 9% | Shelf life, stock rotation, distribution, inventory and recalls |
| Professional development and human relations | 8% | Communication, HIPAA, medical terminology, teamwork |
| Patient care equipment and distribution | 5% | Cleaning, testing and tracking equipment such as pumps |
The first three sections are 63% of the exam. If you are short on time, master those first.
How to pass the first time
- Study HSPA’s Sterile Processing Technical Manual, chapter by chapter. It covers every exam topic, so do not skip chapters.
- Learn the numbers. Expect questions on temperatures, humidity ranges, exposure times and test frequencies. Make a one-page sheet of them and review it daily.
- Understand why, not just what. Some questions describe a situation, such as a failed biological test, and ask what to do next. Knowing the reason behind each step helps you answer these.
- Take timed practice tests. 150 questions in 180 minutes is about 72 seconds per question. Practice at that pace so the real exam feels familiar.
- Review every wrong answer. Each mistake points to a topic to reread. Track your scores by section and spend more time on your weakest one.
- Do the hands-on hours alongside your study if you can. Seeing a real department makes the material stick. Read how the 400 hands-on hours work.
On exam day
- Bring the ID the testing center requires, and arrive early.
- Answer every question. Flag the hard ones, move on, and come back if you have time.
- Read each question to the end. Words like “first”, “best” and “except” change the answer.
Practice with Charisma SPD
Our CRCST Practice Center has chapter quizzes and practice tests that cover the exam topics, with scoring and progress tracking so you can see your weak areas. Students in our 12-week CRCST course also get module exams and full mock exams in the CRCST format.
Open the CRCST Practice Center See CRCST class dates
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CRCST exam?
150 multiple-choice questions, with three hours to finish.
Can I take the exam before my 400 hours are done?
Yes. You will be provisionally certified and have six months to document the hours. See the 400-hour guide.
What if I fail?
You can retake it after a six-week wait, for another $140. Use the time to drill your weakest sections.
Where can I check the official details?
On HSPA’s CRCST page. Fees and rules can change, so check before you apply.
