CRCST Certification Requirements: 400 Hours, Eligibility and Provisional Status
Updated
Quick answer
To earn the CRCST you need to pass the HSPA exam and document 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience: 120 in decontamination, 120 in preparing and packaging, 120 in sterilization and disinfection, 24 in storage and distribution and 16 in quality assurance. Hours can be paid or volunteer. You can test first and finish the hours within 6 months under provisional certification.
The 400-hour requirement
HSPA requires 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department, documented by a supervisor. The hours must cover these areas:
| Area | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Decontamination (cleaning, disinfection) | 120 |
| Preparing and packaging | 120 |
| Sterilization and disinfection | 120 |
| Storage and distribution | 24 |
| Quality assurance | 16 |
| Total | 400 |
Hours can be paid or volunteer. For full certification, they must have been completed within the last 5 years. A sterile processing course does not replace the hours, and no course is required.
Provisional certification: test first, hours later
If you don't have your hours yet, you can still sit for the exam. Pass it and you receive provisional certification. You then have 6 months to complete and submit your 400 hours, and HSPA allows one 2-month extension.
If you don't submit the hours in time, the provisional certification is forfeited and you have to pass the exam again. Plan your hours before you book the test.
Applying and scheduling
After HSPA approves your application you have 120 days to take the exam, with no extensions. The exam fee is $140. Testing is computer-based at Prometric testing centers; there is no online proctored option.
If you don't pass, you can retest after at least 6 weeks, and each attempt costs another $140.
Get ready for the exam
Since you get 120 days from approval, many candidates study before applying. Our free CRCST practice test covers all seven exam domains, and our exam format guide explains what's on the test.
FAQ
- Do volunteer hours count toward the CRCST 400 hours?
- Yes. HSPA accepts paid or volunteer hands-on hours in a sterile processing department, as long as they're documented by a supervisor.
- Does a sterile processing course count toward the 400 hours?
- Classroom time doesn't replace hands-on hours. Clinical or externship hours in a real SPD can count if they meet HSPA's requirements and are documented.
- How long is CRCST provisional certification valid?
- 6 months from passing the exam, with one 2-month extension available. If you don't submit your 400 hours in time, you have to retake the exam.
- How long do I have to take the CRCST after applying?
- 120 days from HSPA approval, with no extensions.
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