Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certification

 

By Martin Li, M.A., CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL

 

The introductory certification for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals, the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), is designed to recognize entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent services as an SP technician.

CRCSTs are essential members of the healthcare team, responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility.

While the CRCST program is based on US practice and standards, it is accredited by both the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). It aligns with international ISO standards and is open to all candidates in the US and abroad who meet the eligibility requirements.

Certification Prerequisites

Before candidates can obtain the full CRCST certification conferred by HSPA Headquarters, they must complete 400 hours of experience in a Sterile Processing Department (SPD), either on a paid or volunteer basis. These hours can be completed before testing or within six months of passing the exam. Hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the standards, knowledge, and practices needed to be successful in an SPD and on the exam. The required hours are distributed as follows:

• Decontamination: 120 hours
• Preparing & Packaging Instruments: 120 hours
• Sterilization & Disinfection: 120 hours
• Storage & Distribution: 24 hours
• Quality Assurance Processes: 16 hours

Please note that HSPA does NOT provide placement services. It is the candidate's responsibility to find a department to complete these hours. If you are unsure whether your department is authorized to sign off on your hours, please complete Site Approval Request Form