The steps
- Check your state. Seven states require certification within 18 months to 3 years of hire.
- Get hands-on hours in an SPD, paid or volunteer, documented by a manager, supervisor, lead tech, coordinator or educator.
- Take the CRCST or CSPDT. CRCST tests any time at Prometric; CSPDT runs four one-week windows a year at PSI.
- Finish your hours if you passed CRCST provisionally: you have 6 months.
- Renew. CRCST yearly with 12 CE credits; CSPDT every 5 years with 100 points.
CRCST or CSPDT
| CRCST (HSPA) | CSPDT (CBSPD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 150 (125 scored) | 150 (125 scored) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Passing score | Pass or fail, no number published | Scaled 70 or above |
| Fee | $140 (includes $25 application fee) | $135 |
| Experience | 400 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+ |
| Testing | Prometric centers, any time | PSI centers, four one-week windows a year |
| Pass rate | 10,083 of 15,369 passed in 2025 (about 66%, our calculation) | 48.1% in 2025 |
| Renewal | Yearly: 12 CE credits and $50 | Every 5 years: 100 points and $135 |
Know you're ready for the CRCST before you book your date
PassPulse is built to get you through the CRCST on your first attempt. Exam style questions on every topic, every answer explained, and a readiness score that tells you when you're ready. 15 minutes a day, on your phone.
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About two thirds of CRCST candidates passed in 2025, and only 48.1% of CSPDT candidates. See is the CRCST exam hard.
CRCST FAQ
Can you take the CRCST without experience?
Yes, provisionally. You can pass first and then complete the 400 hours within 6 months, with a one-time 2 month extension in limited cases.
How long does it take to become a sterile processing tech?
It depends on how fast you complete the 400 hands-on hours HSPA requires, or the 12 months of work CBSPD's main route asks for.
Free CRCST practice questions
More CRCST guides
Sources
- HSPA: CRCST application and requirements
- HSPA: CRCST application 2026
- HSPA 2026 Certification Handbook
- CBSPD: Technician certification
- CBSPD: Technician candidate bulletin (November 2026)
- HSPA: Certification statistics
- CBSPD: Exam and certification statistics
- HSPA: Legislative certification issues
- BLS: Data for occupations not covered in detail (Medical Equipment Preparers)