The two national exams
| 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 |
HSPA publishes pass and fail counts rather than a rate; the percentage is our calculation from its 2025 numbers.
More detail in CRCST vs CSPDT.
States that require certification
| State | Rule | New hires must certify within |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | N.J.A.C. 8:43G-8.2 (hospitals) | 3 years |
| New York | Public Health Law 2824, since 2015 | 18 months |
| Connecticut | Public Act 15-11, since 2016 | 2 years |
| Pennsylvania | Effective December 29, 2020 | 18 months |
| Tennessee | Tenn. Code 68-11-239 (hospitals and ASTCs) | 2 years |
| Delaware | 16 Del. C. 3011A to 3014A | 18 months |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. 148.781, for hires after December 31, 2027 | 24 months |
HSPA lists Florida, Oregon and South Carolina as active for legislation. Massachusetts bills have been filed but not enacted. Details in states that require sterile processing certification.
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.
Start preparing for the CRCSTIs it worth it?
BLS reports 79,900 medical equipment preparers in 2025, a median wage of $47,700 (May 2025) and 11% projected growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. Entry needs a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, and in seven states certification is mandatory.
CRCST FAQ
Which sterile processing certification is best?
Both CRCST and CSPDT are accepted by the state laws in New York and Pennsylvania, for example. CRCST is far more common: 54,525 current holders at the end of 2025.
How much does sterile processing certification cost?
CRCST is $140, including a $25 application fee. CSPDT is $135.
Do you need certification for sterile processing?
It's required by law in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Delaware and Minnesota, and many employers elsewhere ask for it.
Free CRCST practice questions
More CRCST guides
- BLS: Data for occupations not covered in detail (Medical Equipment Preparers)
- HSPA: CRCST application and requirements
- HSPA: CRCST application 2026
- HSPA: Certification statistics
- CBSPD: Technician certification
- CBSPD: Technician candidate bulletin (November 2026)
- CBSPD: Exam and certification statistics
- HSPA: Legislative certification issues
- New York Public Health Law 2824 (HSPA copy)
- Pennsylvania requirement FAQ (HSPA)