CBSPD - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution

The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) certification is specifically designed for professionals working in the field of sterile processing and distribution (SPD). This certification is vital for those responsible for the decontamination, sterilization and distribution of medical and surgical instruments in healthcare facilities. It’s a recognition of the expertise and commitment to best practices in controlling infection and ensuring patient safety. 

The CBSPD offers five levels of certification, including SPD Technician, Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (GI Scope), Ambulatory Surgery Technician, Surgical Instrument Specialist and Management. Each certification is tailored to different professional roles within sterile processing and distribution.

Eligibility

Prerequisites vary based on the certification exam attempted.

Completion Time: Between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the certification exam.

Cost: 

• $128 for Technician, Ambulatory Surgery Technician, Surgical Instrument Specialist and Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor exams

• $153 for Management exam

Exam Format

• The exam formats include multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge in areas like infection control, sterilization processes, and equipment handling.

• The number of questions by specific certification level includes:

  • Technician: 150, with 25 unscored

  • Ambulatory Surgery: 100

  • Gi Scope: 120

  • Surgical Instrument Specialist: 100

  • Management: 120, with 20 unscored

• The passing scaled score for any CBSPD certification exam is 70, with pass-fail scores provided at the completion of the exam.

• Participants who don’t pass the exam, but re-register, pay the full exam fee and retake the entire exam.

Test Dates

Exams for all five levels are given four times each year at PSI test sites throughout the nation.

Application Process

• Requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience in sterile processing.

• The application involves submitting educational and experiential proof, along with the exam fee.

• Applicants must choose a test site and date from those offered on the site.

• Each certification exam has a testing window of one week.

• Applicants can apply for multiple exams during the same exam window but not the same exam.

To recertify and renew any of the five certifications, applicants may achieve this through retesting or continued work in the profession and/or continuing education units (CEUs).

Renewal Fees

Renewal fees vary based on certification and route of recertification.

Depending on the certification, continuing education requirements are 100 for all but Management level certification, which requires 150 points. All CEUs must be earned within the five-year period of the current certification and from approved providers. Specific CE requirements include attending workshops, seminars, or related courses.

• CBSPD provides study materials, including handbooks and practice exams.

• Additional resources may include online courses, webinars, and workshops offered by various educational providers.

Professionals can advance to higher levels of certification within the CBSPD structure, including:

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

• Ambulatory Surgery Technician (CASSPT)

• Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER)

• Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)

• Certified in Sterile Processing Management (CSPM)