If you are preparing for the CRCST exam, you will hear about one book more than any other: the Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9th edition, published by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) in 2023. Here is what it is, what it costs, whether you need the workbook, and how to get the most out of it.
What is the Sterile Processing Technical Manual?
It is HSPA’s core textbook for sterile processing (also called central service). The 9th edition has 24 chapters that walk through the whole field, from microbiology and infection prevention to decontamination, instrument inspection and assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, quality and professional development. It also includes a glossary and an index.
You may see it called the “CRCST book”, the “central service technical manual” or the “sterile processing book”. They all mean the same HSPA manual.
Is it required for the CRCST exam?
No. HSPA does not require you to buy it, and you can sit for the CRCST without it. But HSPA says every CRCST exam question can be traced to at least one of three sources: the Technical Manual (9th edition), the ANSI/AAMI ST79 sterilization standard, and AORN’s Guidelines for Perioperative Practice. For most students, the Technical Manual is the most practical of the three to study from.
Formats and prices
HSPA sells the 9th edition in several formats. Prices below are from HSPA’s publications page as of October 2026:
| Format | HSPA members | Non-members |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed course (textbook + workbook) | $120 | $135 |
| Textbook only (print) | $80 | $90 |
| Workbook only (print) | $55 | $60 |
| eBook (textbook only, 2-year subscription) | $69 | $79 |
Check HSPA’s Technical Manual page for current prices and ordering details before you buy.
Do I need the workbook?
The 9th edition workbook has activities that reinforce each chapter of the manual. It is print-only, and HSPA notes it is not meant as a stand-alone study option, so use it alongside the textbook rather than instead of it. If you learn best by doing exercises, the boxed course (textbook plus workbook) is usually the better value.
What about a “free PDF” of the 9th edition?
The Technical Manual is a copyrighted HSPA publication, and copies posted online for free are usually unauthorized, outdated or incomplete. Studying from the wrong edition can cost you points on the exam. If price is the issue, look at the eBook, ask your local library, or choose a training program that includes study materials in tuition.
How to study with the Technical Manual
- Go chapter by chapter. Read one chapter, then test yourself on it before moving on. Short, regular sessions work better than cramming.
- Use practice questions. Timed questions show you which chapters you have not mastered yet. Try our free SPD practice test (Chapters 1–4 are free).
- Connect it to hands-on work. Concepts like leak testing, load configuration and biological indicators make more sense once you have seen them in a sterile processing department. That is also where you earn your 400 hands-on hours.
- Do a full timed mock exam before test day: 150 questions in 3 hours, just like the real CRCST.
Buy the textbook from Charisma SPD
We sell the 9th edition Sterile Processing Technical Manual (textbook) for $200. The $200 is for the textbook only; the workbook is not included. Pick it up free at our Bronx office (2315 University Ave, Suite 1H, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM), or add $15 flat-rate shipping within New York State ($215 total). You can also order by phone or in person at the office.
Studying with Charisma SPD
Our 12-week CRCST course in the Bronx and live online follows the material chapter by chapter, with quizzes, module exams and full mock exams. Tuition includes books and study materials, so you do not need to buy them separately. Not sure the CRCST is the right credential for you? Read our SPD certification guide.
Frequently asked questions
What edition of the Technical Manual is current?
The 9th edition, published by HSPA in 2023.
How many chapters are in the 9th edition?
24 chapters, plus a glossary and index.
Is there a 9th edition workbook?
Yes. It is sold on its own or with the textbook as a boxed course, and it is print-only.
Can I pass the CRCST without the book?
Some people do, but every exam question is based on the manual or two professional standards, so most students study from it.
Book details and prices are summarized from HSPA’s website as of October 2026 and can change. You can buy the textbook from Charisma SPD or directly from HSPA.
