CRCST at a glance
Questions
150
Time
3 hr
Fee
$140
Hands-on hours
400
Content outline (2023 job analysis)
| Section | Weight |
|---|---|
| Departmental Considerations | 15% |
| Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection | 21% |
| Preparation and Packaging | 21% |
| Sterilization Process | 21% |
| Sterile Storage, Transport and Inventory Management | 9% |
| Patient Care Equipment and Distribution | 5% |
| Professional Development and Human Relation Skills | 8% |
Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full certification | 400 hours of hands-on CS/SPD experience documented before testing |
| Provisional certification | Pass first, then complete and submit 400 hours within 6 months or the certification is revoked |
| Fee | $140, of which $25 is a non-refundable submission fee; retests cost extra |
| Results | Pass/fail shown on screen at the test center |
| Renewal | Annually: 12 technical CE credits and a $50 fee |
Study
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CRCST exam?
150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours.
How much does the CRCST cost?
$140, including a $25 non-refundable submission fee.
Can I take the CRCST without 400 hours?
Yes - as a provisional candidate, but you must complete and document the 400 hours within 6 months of passing.
How do I renew my CRCST?
Every year with 12 technical CE credits and a $50 renewal fee.
Sources
- HSPA - CRCST Exam Application (revised January 2026) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- HSPA - CRCST Exam Content Outline (revised November 2023) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- HSPA - CRCST Renewal (accessed 2026-09-23)
- HSPA - CRCST certification overview (accessed 2026-09-23)