CRCST - Certified Registered Central Service Technician
- Cost $125
- Renews anually
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) acts as an introductory certification for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals. It confirms technicians have the abilities, skills, and experience necessary to operate as SP professionals. CRCST specialists oversee the disassembling, disinfecting, sterilizing, inspecting, and properly repackaging of all reusable instruments and devices used in clinical settings. CRCST certification is offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), previously the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), accredited by both the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Cost
Exam: $125
Re-take: $125
Certification
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the CRCST certification includes gaining 400 hours of hands-on experience and successfully passing the certification exam. Areas of expertise should include equipment storage, sterilization & disinfecting, prep & packing of instruments, quality assurance, and decontamination. Two types of certifications are provided.
Full CRCST Certification
An applicant must have 400 hours of hands-on experience within the last 5 years before applying.
Provisional Certification
Applicant must have 400 hours of experience within 6 months of successfully passing the examination. Required experience must be submitted to the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) before the 6-month expiration date.
The exam is computer-based and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Renewal
The CRCST certification is renewed on an annual basis. Applicants must fulfill 12 continuing education (CE) credits every year to maintain compliance. Continuing education must be related to the central sterile processing field. In addition, there is a $50 fee required to renew certification.
Other Resources
The HSPA offers resources for exam candidates, including:
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Frequently asked questions
Can I earn a HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) online?
No you can't earn a HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) online.
What organization offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)?
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).
What other certifications should I consider after getting the HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)?
How many candidates passed the HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam in 2023?
In 2023, 7,996 out of 11,128 candidates passed the HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam. The more you prepare the more likely it is that you'll pass the exam.
What are some certifications I can pursue after obtaining HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification?
You can pursue one of the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) certifications, among others.
How often do I need to renew my HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification?
You must renew your HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) every year.