CRCST Exam Format: Questions, Time Limit, Passing Score and Topics
Updated
Quick answer
The CRCST exam has 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored and 25 unscored pretest items) and a 3-hour time limit. It's taken on computer at a Prometric testing center and costs $140. HSPA doesn't publish a fixed passing percentage; you get a pass or fail result with feedback by domain. The three biggest domains (cleaning and decontamination, preparation and packaging, and sterilization) are 21% each.
Exam at a glance
| Questions | 150 multiple choice (125 scored, 25 unscored) |
|---|---|
| Time limit | 3 hours |
| Where | Prometric testing centers (no remote option) |
| Fee | $140 per attempt |
| Retake wait | At least 6 weeks |
| Results | Pass or fail, with feedback by domain |
| Textbook | HSPA Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9th edition |
You can't tell which 25 questions are unscored, so treat every question as if it counts.
The seven CRCST content domains
HSPA's content outline (revised November 2023) sets the share of questions from each domain:
| Domain | Share of exam |
|---|---|
| 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 top three domains make up 63% of the exam. If your study time is limited, start there. Practice by topic with our free question sets: cleaning and decontamination, preparation and packaging and sterilization.
What score do you need to pass?
HSPA does not publish a fixed passing percentage for the CRCST. Results are reported as pass or fail, and your score report shows whether you were at or above, below, or well below the standard in each domain.
Because there's no published number, we suggest a practical target: score 70% or higher on full-length timed mock exams consistently before you book. That gives you a margin for test-day nerves and unfamiliar questions.
What to study from
The official reference is HSPA's Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9th edition (2023), previously called the Central Service Technical Manual. HSPA also cites ANSI/AAMI ST79 and AORN guidelines. Practice questions help you apply that material under time pressure; see our CRCST study guide for a plan.
FAQ
- How many questions are on the CRCST exam?
- 150 multiple-choice questions. 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions mixed in.
- How long is the CRCST exam?
- 3 hours.
- What is the passing score for the CRCST?
- HSPA doesn't publish a fixed passing percentage. You get a pass or fail result with feedback by domain.
- Can I take the CRCST exam online?
- No. HSPA's handbook says the exam is given only at Prometric testing centers.
- How much does the CRCST exam cost?
- $140, and each retake is another $140.
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