What is on the CRCST exam, and how do you prepare?
Sterile processing is one of the most important jobs in a hospital that most patients never see. If you are working toward the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) credential from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), here is what the exam covers and how the hands-on requirement fits in.
Try it free first
Every exam below has a free 25-question diagnostic with an explanation for every answer, created by a registered nurse.
Exam format
- 150 multiple-choice questions, 125 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions mixed in at random.
- Three hours of testing time, plus an optional 15-minute tutorial that does not count against the clock.
- Computer based, and you can mark questions to review and change before you finish.
- Once your application is approved, you have a 120-day window to schedule and take the exam.
The seven content areas
HSPA's current CRCST content outline, from its 2023 job task analysis, weights the exam like this:
- Cleaning, decontamination and disinfection: 21%
- Preparation and packaging: 21%
- Sterilization process: 21%
- Departmental considerations: 15%
- Sterile storage, transport and inventory management: 9%
- Professional development and human relation skills: 8%
- Patient care equipment and distribution: 5%
The 400 hours of hands-on experience
Passing the exam is only part of earning the CRCST. HSPA also requires 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department, paid or volunteer: 120 hours each in decontamination, preparing and packaging instruments, and sterilization and disinfection, plus 24 hours in storage and distribution and 16 hours in quality assurance. You can complete the hours before testing for full certification, or within six months after passing for provisional certification. HSPA does not place candidates, so it is wise to start looking for a department early.
How to prepare
Since decontamination, packaging and sterilization together make up 63% of the exam, focus your study time there first, and use your hands-on hours to connect the standards to real work. Our free 25-question CRCST diagnostic shows you where you stand, and the 6-Month Pass adds a full 150-question, three-hour practice exam weighted to the official outline, a timed drill and practice sets for every domain, with an explanation for every answer.
Ready to see where you stand?
The free CRCST diagnostic takes about 30 minutes, and you will see an explanation for every answer when you finish.
Common questions
How many questions are on the CRCST exam?
150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored. You have three hours.
Can I take the CRCST exam before finishing my 400 hours?
Yes. HSPA offers provisional certification if you pass the exam and then complete the 400 hours within six months.
What is the biggest part of the CRCST exam?
Cleaning, decontamination and disinfection, preparation and packaging, and the sterilization process are each weighted at 21%.
How much does the CRCST exam cost?
HSPA's 2026 certification handbook lists the initial certification exam at $140. Check HSPA for the current fee before you apply.
Sources
We checked these official pages on October 21, 2026. Exam details can change, so always confirm with the exam owner before you register.
More study guides
CRCST is a registered trademark of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. TPM Exam Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.