PassPulse Sterile ProcessingPrepare for the CRCST

What's on the CRCST exam?

The CRCST has 150 questions in 3 hours across seven domains. Three of them, cleaning and decontamination, preparation and packaging, and sterilization, carry 21% each, so together they're almost two thirds of the exam.

Updated October 2026

CRCST domains

Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection21%
Preparation and Packaging21%
Sterilization Process21%
Departmental Considerations15%
Sterile Storage, Transport and Inventory9%
Professional Development and Human Relations8%
Patient Care Equipment and Distribution5%
HSPA CRCST content outline, revised November 2023.

Format

  • 150 multiple choice questions: 125 scored, 25 unscored and unmarked
  • 3 hours, plus an optional 15 minute tutorial
  • Prometric test centers
  • Pass or fail result

How to prioritize

Start with the three 21% domains, then departmental considerations at 15%. The smaller areas together are still 22% of the exam, enough to decide a borderline result.

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CRCST FAQ

How many questions are on the CRCST?

150, of which 125 are scored.

What is the biggest part of the CRCST?

Three domains tie at 21%: cleaning and decontamination, preparation and packaging, and sterilization.

Free CRCST practice questions

More CRCST guides

Sources
  1. HSPA: CRCST content outline (revised November 2023)
  2. HSPA 2026 Certification Handbook
  3. HSPA: CRCST application and requirements

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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 The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change.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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