CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician

The Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification is the initial certification for sterile processing staff and indicates their competency in performing the duties of a sterile processing technician. Some states require CSPDT certification before practicing as a sterile processing professional in healthcare facilities. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) offers the CBSPD exam, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Eligibility

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

• Complete 12 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours performing SPD activities

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

• Complete 6 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours in related clinical healthcare profession and 6 months of performing sterile processing activities in SPD

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

• Complete a training course for Sterile Processing Technicians, with a passing grade of 70 or higher

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

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

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

Cost: $128 - Convenience fees may apply

Exam Format

The CSPDT certification exam includes 125 scored questions and 25 unscored questions. The exam takes 3 hours to complete and requires a scaled score of 70 to pass. It consists of topics from 8 areas, including:

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Decontamination & Disinfection

• Preparation & Handling

• Sterilization

• Sterile Storage

• Patient Care Equipment

• Life Science

• Ethics

Test Dates

The CSPDT 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 correct 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

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

CSPDTs 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 Management (CSPM)

• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technicians (CASSPT)

• 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)