CSPT (PTCB) - Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician

The Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) certification is a professional credential for pharmacy technicians specializing in the preparation of compounded sterile products. This certification, offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) demonstrates expertise in aseptic technique, preparation of sterile medications and adherence to safety standards and regulations in pharmacy compounding.

Eligibility

CSPT candidates must be an active PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and qualify under one of the following pathways:

• Pathway 1: Completion of or enrollment in a PTCB-Recognized CSPT education/training program and 1 year of continuous full-time compounded sterile preparation work experience

• Pathway 2: 3 years of continuous full-time compounded sterile preparation work experience within the last 8 years

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: 

$50 application fee (nonrefundable for 1-year CSPT candidacy window)

$149 CSPT exam fee

Exam Format

The CSPT exam is a computer-based multiple-choice exam. It’s administered at Pearson VUE test centers nationwide or via online proctored exams. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam, which includes 75 questions, with 60 scored and 15 unscored. CSPT exam topics and their weight are as follows:

• Medications and Components (17%)

• Facilities and Equipment (22%)

• Sterile Compounding Procedures (53%)

• Handling, Packaging, Storage and Disposal (8%)

Candidates receive unofficial score results on their computer screens immediately after completing their post-exam survey. The test site also supplies a printed copy of these unofficial results. Candidates receive their official exam results in their PTCB account within 8 to 10 weeks.

Candidates who pass may download their certificate from their PTCB account or order a paper copy for a fee. They also receive a digital badge to use in their email signature, social media sites and electronic resume files.

Application Process

• Log into PTCB Account

• Apply for CSPT certification through provided link

• Wait for CSPT candidacy approval

• Receive email granting 1-year Candidacy Eligibility Window and authorization to schedule exam

  • Candidates have 90 days to schedule and take the exam

During this 1-year period, candidates must:

• Submit CSPT Competency Attestation Form completed by a qualified supervisor

• Pass the CSPT Exam within their 90-day eligibility to take the exam

CSPTs must renew their credentials every year. Renewal requirements include:

• Submitting an annual attestation form

• Submitting an application confirming completion of required continuing education

Certificate holders may apply for renewal online through their PTCB accounts up to 60 days prior to the expiration date of their current certification. The application deadline is the first day of the certification expiration month. Applications received after this deadline incur a late fee.

To be eligible for recertification, a CSPT must be an active CPhT, so they must also comply with CPhT renewal, which occurs every 2 years. 

Renewal Fees

• CPhT Renewal Fee: $49 (every other year)

• CSPT Renewal Fee: $20 (for mid-cycle CSPT renewal only)

• Late Application Fee: $25

• Reprocessing Fee: $10

CPhT & CSPT renewal requires at least 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years, including:

• Technician-specific - at least 10 hours

• Pharmacist-specific - up to 10 hours

• Pharmacy law - 1 hour required

• Patient safety - 1 hour required

• Compounding - 10 hours required

• CSPT Exam Content Outline

• CSPT Exam Medications List

• CSPT Exam Reference List

• CSPT Knowledge Reference

• Pearson VUE Exam Tutorial, under Related Links

• Online Testing Requirements Overview

• Maintaining Certification Guidebook

The PTCB also offers the following certifications:

• Billing and Reimbursement Certificate

• Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate

• Hazardous Drug Management Certificate

• Immunization Administration Certificate

• Medication History Certificate

• Medication Therapy Management Certificate

• Nonsterile Compounding Certificate

• Point-of-Care Testing Certificate

• Regulatory Compliance Certificate

• Supply Chain and Inventory Management Certificate

• Technician Product Verification Certificate

• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

• Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)