CASSPT - Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technicians

The Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technician (CASSPT) recognizes the competency of sterile processing technicians to perform the sterile processing duties in ambulatory surgery. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) offers this exam.

Eligibility

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible to take the CASSPT exam:

• Complete 12 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours performing ambulatory surgery sterile processing activities

  • Must include verification signed by a manager on the exam application

• Complete a clinical healthcare profession program and 6 months of employment in Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing

  • Must include a copy of the certificate and grade from the instructor and signed verification from a manager on the exam application

• Complete a training course for Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing with a passing grade of 70 or higher

  • Must include a copy of the certificate/grade from the instructor

• Complete 12 months of healthcare product sales or service related to the ambulatory surgery sterile processing profession

  • Must include verification signed by the employer on the exam application

Cost: $128 - Convenience fees may apply

Exam Format

The CASSPT certification exam includes 100 questions and takes 2 hours to complete. Applicants must earn a scaled score of 70 to pass. Topics on the exam include:

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Decontamination and Disinfection

• Preparation and Handling

• Sterilization

• Sterile Storage and Inventory Management

• Life Science

• Ethics

Test Dates

The CASSPT exam has a 1-week testing window 4 times a year, generally in early February, May, August, and November. Applicants can register to take the exam anytime within any 1-week window, based on availability at their selected testing site. Check the CBSPD website for current exam dates and application deadlines.

Application Process

Online applications aren’t available; all applications must be mailed.

• Print the paper application

  • Available on CBSPD website a month before the admission deadline

• Check application heading to confirm it’s the right exam

• Fill out, sign and date page one of the application

• Check one applicable eligibility requirement on page two

• Have a manager or HR representative sign and verify eligibility, if applicable

• Include copy of transcript or certificate of completion from the instructor for any SPD training courses taken

• Pay the application fee with a money order or business check or include debit or credit card information

  • Personal checks aren’t accepted

• Send the application and required documents to: 

CBSPD
1392 Highway 22, Suite 1
Lebanon, NJ 08833

• CBSPD sends applicants a postcard or an email with scheduling information

• Contact CBSPD immediately if confirmation hasn’t arrived 7 days before the exam window

The initial certification is valid for 5 years. Before expiration, candidates must download a recertification packet from the CBSPD website. CBSPD must receive completed packets at least 30 days before certification expiration.

• Pay for recertification applications by money order, certified check, business check, or credit card

  • Cost: $125 if paying by money order or $128 if paying by credit card

• Mail recertification applications, required documents, and payment to: 

CBSPD
1392 Highway 22, Suite 1
Lebanon, NJ 08833

• Allow up to 6 weeks for review

To recertify, CASSPTs must earn 100 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each five-year certification cycle. They can accumulate CEUs through employment and ongoing education. CASSPTs who submit 20 additional CEUs over the 100 required receive a Certificate of Excellence.

CASSPTs can earn a maximum of 10 points per year for work. Employment credits are as follows:

• Full-time employment accumulates 10 CEUs per year

• Part-time accumulates 5 CEUs per year

• Per diem (at least 3 days per month) accumulates 3 CEUs per year

The recertification packet must include a letter from a manager, supervisor, or HR representative to verify employment.

The remaining CEU hours must be accumulated via education pre-approved by CBSPD, with a valid CBSPD code, and related to sterile processing. Education can’t be duplicated over a 5-year certification cycle. The recertification packet must include proof of education. Applicants receive detailed CEU information when they download their CEU Information Packet. They may also view the Inservice Resources offering pre-approved programs.

• CBSPD offers approved study guides for $20

• For SPD courses, refer to CBSPD’s course list

Other certifications offered by CBSPD include:

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

• Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM)

• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER)

• Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)

Certifications offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) include:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)

• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)