CSPM - Certified Sterile Processing Management

  • Cost $153
  • Renews every 5 years

COURSE FORMAT

In Person

About

The Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) certification is for individuals in leadership or those looking to advance to a leadership role within a sterile processing department. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) offers the CSPM exam, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Eligibility

Candidates must have fulfilled one of the following requirements to be eligible to take the CSPM exam:

  • At least 24 months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as an SPD Supervisor or Manager 

    • Must include employment verification signed by an HR representative on the exam application

  • At least 24 months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in allied health and 24 months in SPD with completion of a course in Sterile Processing Management 

    • Must include employment verification signed by an HR representative on the exam application and the management course certificate

  • At least 36 months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Technician or Lead Technician in SPD and completion of a course in Sterile Processing Management

    • Must include employment verification signed by an HR representative on the exam application and the management course certificate

Cost: $153 - Convenience fees may apply

Course Format

Exam Format

The CSPM certification exam includes 100 scored questions and 20 unscored questions. It takes 2.5 hours to complete, and candidates need a scaled score of 70 to pass. Exam topics include:

  • Human Resources Management

  • Roles and Responsibilities

  • Fiscal Management

  • Rules and Regulations

  • Life Sciences

  • General Knowledge

Test Dates

The CSPM 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.

In Person

Register for the Exam

  • Go to the PSI Exams website

  • Select “Register for an examination”

  • Select “Certification/Professional Associations” from the Organization drop-down menu

  • Select “Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)” as the Sponsor

  • Select “Sterile Processing Management”

  • Sign in or create an account

  • Click “Schedule for a test”

  • Select the appropriate State from the drop-down menu

    • International applicants must change the Country first

    • Email the CBSPD at [email protected] for help setting up a special test site if a nearby test site isn’t available

  • Find the appropriate City listing all the testing sites with directions

  • Select a test site and date

Exam Day Instructions

  • Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time

  • Bring proper identification

  • Don’t bring any items besides identification as the testing site doesn’t provide lockers

  • Food and drinks aren’t allowed in the testing room

Certification

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 right 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 Hwy 22, Ste 1
Lebanon, New Jersey 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

Renewal

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 paid before or $128 if paid after the date  listed in the candidate bulletin

  • Mail recertification applications, required documents, and payment to: 

CBSPD
1392 Hwy 22, Ste 1
Lebanon, New Jersey 08833

  • Allow up to 6 weeks for review

Continuing Education

To recertify, CSPMs must earn 150 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each five-year certification cycle. They can accumulate CEUs through employment and ongoing education. CSPMs who submit 20 additional CEUs over the 150 required receive a Certificate of Excellence.

CSPMs can earn a maximum of 5 points per year for work. Employment credits are as follows:

  • Full-time employment accumulates 5 CEUs per year

  • Part-time accumulates 2.5 CEUs per year

The recertification packet must include a letter from the HR department or department supervisor 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.

Other Resources

Related Certifications

Other certifications offered by CBSPD include:

  • Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

  • 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)

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Frequently asked questions

Can I schedule my CSPM exam date online?

Yes, you can schedule your CSPM exam online once you receive confirmation from CBSPD.

Does the CBSPD offer any courses to prepare for the exam?

No, the CBSPD doesn’t offer any courses and isn’t affiliated with any courses.

What if I let my certification expire?

You must retake the certification exam to recertify if you let your certification expire.

If I fail the CSPM, can I take it again within the same exam window?

No, you must wait until the next exam window if you don't pass the exam.

Is the CSPM exam hard?

Candidates may find the CSPM exam difficult without appropriate preparation. Of the 96 candidates who took the CSPM exam in 2021, 41% passed.

What other certifications does CBSPD offer besides the CSPM?

The CBSPD also offers the following certifications:

  • Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

  • Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technicians (CASSPT)

  • Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER)

  • Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)

What organization offers the CSPM?

The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) offers the CSPM.

Can I earn a Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) online?

No you can't earn a Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) online.