NOTICE: On March 1, 2023, the cost to take a certification exam is increasing to $140 USD.
If an exam application is received on or before February 28, HSPA will honor the exam fee of $125 USD.
HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM) began formal certification of Sterile Processing (SP) technicians in 1971 to provide a mechanism for individuals to be recognized as having the necessary competence to perform their duties within a Sterile Processing environment. The HSPA CRCST, CIS, CER and CHL certifications are industry-recognized credentials.
Patients rarely meet Sterile Processing (SP) professionals, but they rely on them just the same. They count on technicians for clean, sterile, well-functioning instruments. They count on them to follow best practices and stay ahead of the technology curve.
Certification helps meet these expectations and ensures that SP professionals possess the essential knowledge and skills necessary for managing critical departmental duties safely, effectively and consistently. What's more, the ongoing education required for SP professionals to maintain their certification status helps ensure that these professionals stay on top of ever-evolving instrumentation, technology, standards and best practices to keep SP departments functioning at peak performance.
The CRCST certification program is designed to recognize entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent services as a Sterile Processing technician.
The CER certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to pre-clean, test, decontaminate, inspect, disinfect and/or sterilize, transport, and store endoscopes in accordance with industry standards, guidelines and regulations, and manufacturers’ instructions for use.
The CIS certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent services as an advanced instrument specialist in the Sterile Processing department.
The CHL certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the management and supervisory skills necessary to provide effective leadership in the Sterile Processing department.
The CCSVP certification program is designed to recognize vendors who have demonstrated knowledge of Sterile Processing concepts and processes including the decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of reusable surgical instruments.
Review all the policies and procedures you will need to follow to apply, study, and sit for each exam. This includes becoming familiar with the following:
Begin collecting the proper documentation outlined in the eligibility requirements, including your hours of hands-on experience.
*Application is valid for 1 year; allow 3-4 weeks for processing.
Once your application is submitted in full, please allow 3 - 4 weeks for processing. Upon approval, you will be emailed a scheduling letter with next steps on scheduling your exam.
HSPA exams are offered year-round at Prometric testing centers.
When scheduling your exam, please remember: