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CRCST vs CSPDT: which should you take?

Both have 150 questions in 3 hours. The CRCST (HSPA) tests any time at Prometric, needs 400 hands-on hours (can be finished after passing) and passed about 66% in 2025. The CSPDT (CBSPD) tests only in four one-week windows a year at PSI and passed 48.1% in 2025.

Updated October 2026

Pass share, 2025

CRCST (HSPA, our calculation)~66%
CSPDT (CBSPD)48.1%
HSPA publishes counts; CBSPD publishes rates.

Side by side

CRCST (HSPA)CSPDT (CBSPD)
Questions150 (125 scored)150 (125 scored)
Time3 hours3 hours
Passing scorePass or fail, no number publishedScaled 70 or above
Fee$140 (includes $25 application fee)$135
Experience400 hands-on hours (can be finished within 6 months after passing)12 months SPD work, or other routes such as a course with a grade of 70+
TestingPrometric centers, any timePSI centers, four one-week windows a year
Pass rate10,083 of 15,369 passed in 2025 (about 66%, our calculation)48.1% in 2025
RenewalYearly: 12 CE credits and $50Every 5 years: 100 points and $135

How to decide

  • Need flexibility? CRCST tests year round; CSPDT's next windows are fixed dates.
  • No hours yet? CRCST allows provisional certification.
  • Your state law in New York and Pennsylvania names both credentials.

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CRCST FAQ

Is CRCST or CSPDT harder?

By the published numbers, more CSPDT candidates fail: 48.1% passed in 2025, versus about 66% for CRCST by our calculation from HSPA's counts.

Which is more common?

CRCST: 54,525 current holders at the end of 2025.

Free CRCST practice questions

More CRCST guides

Sources
  1. HSPA: CRCST application and requirements
  2. HSPA 2026 Certification Handbook
  3. HSPA: Certification statistics
  4. CBSPD: Technician certification
  5. CBSPD: Technician candidate bulletin (November 2026)
  6. CBSPD: Exam and certification statistics
  7. CBSPD: Recertification
  8. New York Public Health Law 2824 (HSPA copy)
  9. Pennsylvania requirement FAQ (HSPA)

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PassPulse is an independent exam preparation tool. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Exam, credential and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exams and materials described.

This page is for general information only. It is not official guidance from any certifying body, state agency or employer, and it is not legal, medical, career or financial advice. The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change. Practice questions, answers and explanations on PassPulse may also contain errors. Always confirm current requirements and facts directly with the certifying body, your state, your employer or the manufacturer's instructions before you register, apply or act on them. Pass rates and statistics describe past candidates and do not predict your result.
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