This is the content of the pop-over!

HSPA Exam & HSPA Certification Info

HSPA image
Return to HSPA Agency Page

What are HSPA Exams?

In order to become a certified service technician, you'll first have to take and pass tests offered by the HSPA (FORMERLY IAHCSMM). Sterilization and cleanliness are especially important in the healthcare industry, so it's crucial that employees be up to date on the latest best practices. Exams offered by the HSPA include the Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) and the Certified and Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), among others. If you're registered for an HSPA test, it's important to use HSPA practice exams ahead of your test date.

Who Should Take HSPA Exams?

If you're hoping to showcase your knowledge of healthcare service technician best practices, it's important to register for the HSPA exams. With enough HSPA exam prep, you can earn a passing score and demonstrate your abilities and qualifications for the career you've always dreamed about. Certification can boost your resume and help you secure interviews. A good score can also bolster your efforts for promotions you're aiming to get in the future.

In order to become a certified service technician, you'll first have to take and pass tests offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) (FORMERLY IAHCSMM). Sterilization and cleanliness are especially important in the healthcare industry, so it's crucial that employees be up to date on the latest best practices. Exams offered by the HSPA include the Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) and the Certified and Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), among others. If you're registered for an HSPA test, it's important to use HSPA practice exams ahead of your test date.

  • Certification:
    HSPA (FORMERLY IAHCSMM) offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) certifications, among others.
  • Eligibility and Application:
    Eligibility requirements and application procedures are available on the IAHCSMM website.
  • Exam Scheduling:
    Once eligible, you can schedule the exam through the IAHCSMM website.
  • Exam Format:
    The exams may be computer-based or paper-based, depending on the certification.
  • Exam Locations:
    IAHCSMM provides information on authorized testing centers.

Link to More Information: Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

Please verify the current certification options, eligibility requirements, and processes by visiting the official websites of CBSPD and HSPA or contacting them directly. It's important to ensure that you pursue certification through a reputable organization recognized within the healthcare industry.

How to register for the HSPA

To register, you'll need to first complete and send in your application for certification. You can find the application on the official website. From there, you can select an official test date and sign up for the exam of your choice. Paper and pencil exams are only offered four times a year, so it's important to take plenty of time to prepare for such an important opportunity.

Register online Register for the HSPA

How Does HSPA Scoring Work?

If you're hoping to pass the Certified in Healthcare Leadership or the CRCST Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam, you'll have to earn a minimum score of 70 out of a possible 100 points. Our HSPA test prep can assist aspiring healthcare service technicians achieve their goals on their very first attempt.




Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (FORMERLY IAHCSMM) (HSPA) Exams

CBSPD Sterile Processing Technician Certification (CSPDT)

The CBSPD Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) certification is considered the introductory certification for sterile processing staff. A passing score indicates that a candidate is indeed prepared to handle the duties required for such a role. Candidates with at least 12 months of full-time employment in this field are eligible to take the exam. If you don’t have field experience, you can also take and pass a sterile processing technician training course before registering for this exam.

100 - Multiple Choice
Roles and Responsibilities - 14%
Life Sciences - 9%
Decontamination and Disinfection - 21%
Preparation and Handling - 15%
Sterilization - 20%
Sterile Storage, Inventory Management and Distribution - 11%
Ethics - 10%

120 Minutes
CRCST (CRCST)

The skills and talents of entry-level and existing technicians are recognized through the Certified and Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. Given how integral these professionals are to healthcare teams, certification is key. Candidates who successfully demonstrate their skills through this exam are granted certification that must be renewed each year.

100 - Multiple Choice
Cleaning, Decontamination, and Disinfection - 20%
Preparation and Packaging - 20%
Sterilization Process - 20%
Patient Care Equipment - 10%
Sterile Storage and Inventory Management - 10%
Documentation and Record Maintenance - 10%
Customer Relations - 10%

120 Minutes
Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL)

This certification recognizes the talents, skills and content knowledge required for healthcare leaders. By demonstrating their abilities on the official Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) exam, professionals can earn this important certification. Everything from customer relations to preparation and packaging are addressed on the exam, so thorough preparation is required if you’re hoping to earn a passing score.

150 - Multiple Choice
Planning And Decision Making - 30%
Organizing - 25%
Leading - 30%
Controlling - 15%

120 Minutes