CRCST - Certified Registered Central Service Technician
- $125
- Renews every year
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) confirms that technicians have the necessary abilities, skills, and experience to operate as sterile processing (SP) professionals. CRCST specialists oversee disassembling, disinfecting, sterilizing, inspecting, and properly repackaging all the reusable instruments and devices used in clinical settings.
The CRCST certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
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:
Certification
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. The cost of application and examination is $125.
Renewal of CRCST
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a written exam option?
No, at this time, the exam is only offered via computer.
Can I volunteer in a sterile processing area to meet the required 400 hours?
Yes, the experience can be paid or volunteered in a sterile processing department (SPD).
How can I prepare for the examination?
Applicants can plan for the exam by any of the following methods:
Work experience: It’s not required to take a prep course before the examination. Candidates can take the exam based on their own work experience within SPD.
Online learning: Candidates interested in an online learning option can reach out to Purdue University for a pre-examination course.
Self-paced study: Candidates can purchase study materials and study on their own.