CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor

The Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certification is offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), previously the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). This certification recognizes individuals who are knowledgeable about the skills required to “pre-clean, test, decontaminate, inspect, disinfect and/or sterilize, transport, and store endoscopes”. An endoscope is a medical instrument used to look inside of the body. The job of reprocessing endoscopes is important because this is how they are prepared to be reused for future procedures. Endoscopes, like all surgical instruments, must be effectively sterilized and inspected to ensure a successful procedure and prevent the spread of infection. 

The CER certification represents knowledge and skills. This certification can open the door to an exciting and interesting job within the field of healthcare. Being certified as a CER is important because this can ensure integrity across the workforce, as this is a job that requires attention to detail and consistency. 

Cost 

The certification exam requires an application fee of $125 that is due at the time of application. This fee is non-refundable. 

Eligibility 

The Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certification is a standalone certification that requires three months of experience in a Sterile Processing Department (SPD). This experience can be completed as volunteer hours or paid work hours. First-hand experience is necessary because endoscopes are unique and complicated devices. Before taking the exam, you should have experience and knowledge in the following as they relate to the endoscope:

• Precleaning

• Testing

• Decontaminating

• Inspecting

• Disinfecting/sterilizing

• Transporting

• Storing

The CER certification exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Test takers have three hours to complete this exam—questions can be marked for review and answered later on, when needed. The content outline offers a breakdown of what test-takers can expect to see on the exam.

Those hoping to sit for the CER certification exam can apply online or by mail once all eligibility requirements are complete. 

• Fill out and print the application and send it with the $125 application fee to HSPA via mail, email, or fax.

• It will take three to four weeks for your application to be processed. 

• Once your application has been processed, information on signing up for the exam will be sent to your email. Be sure to schedule your exam within 90 days of receiving scheduling information.

Fee to retake exam: $125

Once you’ve completed your certification, you can begin looking for work as a CER and begin your exciting career journey. The CER is a valuable member of the healthcare team. You will likely be able to find employment at a hospital or outpatient surgical center. 

It is required that those who hold a CER certification renew it annually. To keep your CER certification active, you’ll have to complete six relevant CE credits per year. These credits must be technical in nature and cover information and advancing knowledge related to endoscopes. 

An annual renewal fee of $50 is also required. This can easily be paid online through the HSPA website.

There are a variety of helpful resources available through HSPA to help you prepare for the CER certification exam, including a certification handbook, online courses, webinars, and a podcast. Visit the HSPA Learning Center for more information.

The HSPA also offers the following:

• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)