Short answer: yes. New York is one of the few states where you must hold a sterile processing certification to work as a central service technician in a hospital. If you are thinking about a career in sterile processing in New York City, Westchester or anywhere in the state, here is what the law says and what it means for you.
What the New York law says
The rule is in New York Public Health Law Section 2824. It covers anyone who cleans, decontaminates, prepares, packages, sterilizes, stores or distributes reusable medical instruments in a general hospital, or in a hospital-run center that does ambulatory surgery.
To do that work, a person must meet one of these:
- Be certified. Pass a nationally accredited central service exam and keep an accepted credential, such as the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or the CSPDT.
- Be an existing technician covered when the law started. People who had already worked at least one year in the role before the law took effect were allowed to continue.
- Be a student or intern working under the direct supervision of a licensed or certified healthcare professional.
New York is not alone. The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) lists seven states that require certification: Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Some websites still say New York does not require it. That is out of date.
Can I get hired before I am certified?
Yes, but there is a clock. Under the law, a new hire who is not yet certified has 18 months from the date of hire to earn an accepted credential. In practice, many hospitals in the New York City area prefer to hire people who already have their CRCST, or who are well on their way, because it removes that risk for them.
That is why getting certified first usually opens more doors. It shows employers you already know decontamination, sterilization, instrument care and infection control, and that you are ready to work from day one.
Do I need to keep up my certification?
Yes. The law requires certified technicians to complete 10 hours of continuing education every year to stay qualified. HSPA also has its own yearly renewal rules for the CRCST. Keep a record of your hours so renewal is easy.
How do I get my CRCST in New York?
- Learn the material. A structured course covers everything on the exam: microbiology, decontamination, sterilization methods, instruments, packaging, storage and quality. Our 12-week CRCST course runs in person in the Bronx and live online.
- Get your hands-on hours. HSPA requires 400 hours of hands-on experience for full CRCST certification. You can take the exam before finishing them, then you have six months to document them. See how to get your 400 CRCST hours in New York.
- Practice for the exam. Timed practice tests show you where you are weak before exam day.
- Pass the exam and apply for jobs. Then keep up your continuing education each year.
How Charisma SPD helps
Charisma SPD Certification & Staffing is based in the Bronx and trains sterile processing technicians for the CRCST exam. Our 12-week course runs online and in person, with chapter quizzes, module exams and full mock exams in the CRCST format. Because we are also a healthcare staffing company, we help our graduates take the next step into work.
Apply for the next CRCST class
Already certified? Apply for sterile processing jobs with us.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CRCST the only certification New York accepts?
No. The law accepts the CRCST, the CSPDT, or a substantially equivalent credential from a nationally accredited credentialing organization. The CRCST from HSPA is the most widely recognized. See how the CRCST, CSPDT, CER and CHL compare.
Does the law apply to surgery centers and clinics?
The law names general hospitals and hospital-run centers that provide ambulatory surgery. Other employers often require certification anyway.
How long does it take to get certified?
Our CRCST course takes 12 weeks. Add the time to complete your 400 hands-on hours, which you can finish within six months after passing the exam.
Where can I check the rules myself?
Read Public Health Law Section 2824 and HSPA’s certification page. Rules can change, so check them before you apply.
Questions? Call us at (914) 201-3382 or send us a message.
This article explains the law in plain language and is not legal advice.
