CER Practice Test
Updated for October 2026What changed for the HSPA CER exam in 2026
- Exam fee stays $140 (Revised January 2026 application): the $140 covers one exam attempt and includes a $25 non-refundable submission fee; a retake is another $140. (source)
- 150 questions, only 125 scored: the 2026 Certification Handbook confirms 25 unscored pretest items mixed in randomly, 3 hours, computer-based only at Prometric. (source)
- No published passing percentage: pass/fail is set by an Angoff/Beuk cut score on the 125 scored items; HSPA does not provide percentage scores, only "At or Above / Below / Well Below" per domain if you fail. (source)
- Eligibility (2026 application): minimum 3 months of hands-on endoscope reprocessing within the past 3 years, verified by a supervisor; CER is stand-alone, CRCST is NOT required. (source)
- Scheduling window: once approved you get a 120-day window to test; HSPA recommends booking within the first 45 days; failed candidates must wait 6 weeks before retesting. (source)
- Content weights (current outline): Reprocessing Steps 32%, Handling/Transport/Storage 16%, Microbiology 12%, Work Area Design 12%, Endoscope Design 10%, Tracking/Repair 10%, Human Factors 8%. (source)
- Renewal: 6 CE credits per year plus a $50 annual renewal fee ($60 with membership); 6-week grace period after your anniversary month, then you must retest. (source)
- Since September 1, 2024: all HSPA candidates are photographed at the Prometric center for identity verification; refusal forfeits the exam and fees. (source)
Last verified: September 16, 2026 against HSPA.
The CER certification practice test ensures you are ready for the rigorous HSPA examination. Mastering the CER test content is crucial for advancing your career in sterile processing. Try our CMRP practice exam.
If you are searching for a CER endoscope practice test questions, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the CER exam topics in order. Each certified endoscope reprocessor practice test set mirrors one HSPA content domain, so you can treat the whole page as a free CER practice exam or drill the CER test questions from a single weak domain.
CER Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CER Automated Endoscope Reprocessors
CER Exam Questions covering Automated Endoscope Reprocessors. Master CER Test concepts for certification prep.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Chem...
Free CER Practice Test featuring CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Chemical Disinfectants and Germicides Questions and Answers. Improve your CER Exam score with mock test prep.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Regu...
CER Mock Exam on CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Regulatory Compliance and Standards Questions and Answers. CER Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Deco...
CER Test Prep for - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Decontamination and Manual Cleaning. Practice CER Quiz questions and boost your score.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Endo...
CER Questions and Answers on - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Endoscope Design and Structure. Free CER practice for exam readiness.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Endo...
CER Mock Test covering - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Endoscope Repair and Maintenance. Online CER Test practice with instant feedback.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Endo...
Free CER Quiz on - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Endoscope Sterilization Methods. CER Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Hand...
CER Practice Questions for - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Handling, Transport, and Storage. Build confidence for your CER certification exam.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor High...
CER Test Online for - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor High-Level Disinfection Processes. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Micr...
CER Study Material on - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Microbiology and Infection Control. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Qual...
Free CER Test covering - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Quality Assurance and Documentation. Practice and track your CER exam readiness.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Scop...
CER Exam Questions covering - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Scope Inspection and Testing. Master CER Test concepts for certification prep.
CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Work...
Free CER Practice Test featuring - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Work Area Design & Workflow. Improve your CER Exam score with mock test prep.
CER Decontamination and Manual Cleaning
CER Mock Exam on Decontamination and Manual Cleaning. CER Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CER Decontamination and Manual Cleaning Qu...
CER Test Prep for Decontamination and Manual Cleaning Questions and Answers. Practice CER Quiz questions and boost your score.
CER Endoscope Design and Structure
CER Questions and Answers on Endoscope Design and Structure. Free CER practice for exam readiness.
CER Endoscope Design and Structure Questio...
CER Mock Test covering Endoscope Design and Structure Questions and Answers. Online CER Test practice with instant feedback.
CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance
Free CER Quiz on Endoscope Repair and Maintenance. CER Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance Quest...
CER Practice Questions for Endoscope Repair and Maintenance Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your CER certification exam.
CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals
CER Test Online for Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals Qu...
CER Study Material on Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals Questions and Answers. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods
Free CER Test covering Endoscope Sterilization Methods. Practice and track your CER exam readiness.
CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questi...
CER Exam Questions covering Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers. Master CER Test concepts for certification prep.
CER Handling, Transport, and Storage
Free CER Practice Test featuring Handling, Transport, and Storage. Improve your CER Exam score with mock test prep.
CER Handling, Transport, and Storage Quest...
CER Mock Exam on Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers. CER Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CER High-Level Disinfection Processes
CER Test Prep for High-Level Disinfection Processes. Practice CER Quiz questions and boost your score.
CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Ques...
CER Questions and Answers on High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers. Free CER practice for exam readiness.
CER Human Factors in Endoscope Reprocessing
CER Mock Test covering Human Factors in Endoscope Reprocessing. Online CER Test practice with instant feedback.
CER Microbiology and Infection Control
Free CER Quiz on Microbiology and Infection Control. CER Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
CER Microbiology and Infection Control Que...
CER Practice Questions for Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your CER certification exam.
CER Principles and Maintenance
CER Test Online for Principles and Maintenance. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CER Principles and Maintenance Questions a...
CER Study Material on Principles and Maintenance Questions and Answers. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CER Quality Assurance and Documentation
Free CER Test covering Quality Assurance and Documentation. Practice and track your CER exam readiness.
CER Quality Assurance and Documentation Qu...
CER Exam Questions covering Quality Assurance and Documentation Questions and Answers. Master CER Test concepts for certification prep.
CER Scope Inspection and Testing
Free CER Practice Test featuring Scope Inspection and Testing. Improve your CER Exam score with mock test prep.
CER Scope Inspection and Testing Questions...
CER Mock Exam on Scope Inspection and Testing Questions and Answers. CER Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CER Scope Tracking Systems and Patient Tra...
CER Test Prep for Scope Tracking Systems and Patient Traceability. Practice CER Quiz questions and boost your score.
CER Exam Flashcards
Quick review for your CER practice test with answers
🦠What is a biofilm?
A collection of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and each other, forming a protective barrier that is difficult to remove.
START CER PRACTICE TEST🧼What is the most important step in reprocessing?
Cleaning is critical because remaining organic matter prevents effective disinfection or sterilization.
GET CER EXAM PREP🔍What is a leak test?
A test performed to detect damage to the exterior or interior sheath of a flexible endoscope before immersion.
REVIEW CER QUESTIONS🌡️What is High-Level Disinfection (HLD)?
A process that kills all vegetative bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but not necessarily all bacterial spores.
TRY CER MOCK EXAM🚱Why is water quality important?
Impurities in water can damage endoscopes, interfere with chemicals, and introduce contaminants to the device.
ACCESS CER STUDY GUIDE📦How should endoscopes be stored?
Vertically in a clean, well-ventilated cabinet to help drying and prevent contamination.
PRACTICE CER TEST NOWCER Exam Study Guide
Our hspa cer practice test study guide breaks down key exam concepts. Use these questions to identify areas for improvement before taking the actual CER test.
- Topics: Ergonomics, spill response
- Questions: ~15 questions
CER Study Material: What HSPA Builds the Exam From
The best CER study material is the reference list HSPA publishes on the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor certification page, because those are the documents the exam writers used. For the current CER test HSPA names five sources: HSPA's own Endoscope Reprocessing Manual (2nd edition), the ANSI/AAMI ST91:2022 standard for flexible and semi-rigid endoscope processing, the CDC's Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (2017), two SGNA infection-prevention standards (2018 and 2019), and SGNA's 2017 guideline on high-level disinfectants and sterilants. The HSPA and AAMI titles are sold in the HSPA online store under the "CER" and "AAMI" categories; the SGNA articles are free downloads from SGNA.
Two points catch candidates out. First, HSPA offers no online or distance-learning course for the CER, unlike the CRCST, so certified endoscope reprocessing knowledge has to come from the manual, the standards and your own department. Second, buying study material is optional: HSPA lets you sit the exam on work experience alone, and the Certification Council states it does not require or endorse any specific training product.
A practical plan: read the Endoscope Reprocessing Manual domain by domain, following the seven-domain CER Exam Content Outline (updated June 2021), then use the free questions on this page as an employee CER exam practice test after each domain. Many departments use exactly that sequence, manual chapter then a timed CER practice exam, to document competency before the real appointment.
CER Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Expect to invest approximately $250-$350 for your CER certification, including the exam fee and study materials.
CER Career Paths
Explore opportunities for CER certification holders.
Endoscopy Tech
Specialize in assisting with procedures and reprocessing scopes in GI labs.
Lead CER
Supervise a team of reprocessing technicians and ensure quality compliance.
Travel CER
Take temporary assignments nationwide for higher pay rates.
CSPD Tech
Work in Central Sterile Processing managing diverse surgical instruments.
Educator
Train new technicians on proper endoscope reprocessing protocols.
CER Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Photo ID
- ✓HSPA ID Number
- ✓Appointment Confirmation
- ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
- ✓Leave Electronics
- ✓Review Notes
- ✓Dress Comfortably
- ✓Hydrate
Ready to Pass Your CER Test?
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CER Renewal Requirements
Cycle
1 Year
CE Credits
6 Credits
Fee
$50
Ensure you complete your 6 Continuing Education (CE) credits specifically related to endoscope reprocessing before your renewal date.
CER: Pros and Cons
- +CER certification validates expertise recognized by employers nationwide
- +Certified professionals typically earn 15-20% higher salaries
- +Opens doors to advanced positions and leadership roles
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethics
- +Builds a strong professional network through certification communities
- −Exam preparation typically requires 2-4 months of dedicated study
- −Certification and exam fees can range from $150-$500+
- −Must complete continuing education to maintain active certification
- −Pass rates vary — thorough preparation is essential for success
- −Some certifications require prerequisite experience or education
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CER certification validates expertise recognized by employers nationwide | Must complete continuing education to maintain active certification |
| Opens doors to advanced positions and leadership roles | Pass rates vary — thorough preparation is essential for success |
| Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethics | Some certifications require prerequisite experience or education |
Sample CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Before loading an endoscope into an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) set to run a sterilization cycle, the technician MUST:
- A. Perform pre-cleaning, leak testing, and manual cleaning per IFU
- B. Only perform a leak test to detect channel damage
- C. Confirm the patient's infection status and adjust the cycle accordingly
- D. Remove all detachable parts and sterilize them separately in the autoclave
Answer: A. Perform pre-cleaning, leak testing, and manual cleaning per IFU
Pre-cleaning, leak testing, and manual cleaning must always precede any automated reprocessing cycle to remove gross soil and verify device integrity.
An automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) cycle fails mid-process due to a power interruption. The endoscope should be:
- A. Considered adequately disinfected up to the cycle point reached and stored normally
- B. Removed, manually inspected, and reprocessed from the beginning with a complete cycle
- C. Placed back in the AER and run only the remaining cycle steps
- D. Quarantined until engineering inspects the AER, then stored
Answer: B. Removed, manually inspected, and reprocessed from the beginning with a complete cycle
An incomplete AER cycle cannot guarantee HLD; the scope must undergo a full reprocessing cycle from the start before patient use.
A reprocessor notices that an endoscope is failing to hold air pressure during a dry leak test. After checking all external connections and valves, the leak persists. Which internal component is MOST likely compromised?
- A. Objective lens
- B. Light guide fibers
- C. Biopsy/suction channel
- D. Video chip
Answer: C. Biopsy/suction channel
The biopsy/suction channel is a hollow lumen that runs the length of the endoscope from the control body to the distal tip. A breach or hole anywhere along this channel is a common cause of internal leaks that would be detected during a pressure test.
When an endoscope is returned from a third-party repair service, what documentation is essential for the reprocessing department to obtain and file with the endoscope's records?
- A. A list of other facilities that use the same repair service.
- B. The personal contact information of the technician who performed the repair.
- C. A detailed report listing the specific components that were repaired or replaced and confirmation that all quality checks were passed.
- D. A simple invoice with only the total cost of the repair.
Answer: C. A detailed report listing the specific components that were repaired or replaced and confirmation that all quality checks were passed.
A detailed service report is crucial for tracking the endoscope's history and ensuring quality control. This documentation provides vital information on what failed, what was fixed, and what parts were replaced, which is essential for quality assurance, tracking repair trends, asset management, and verifying the device was returned to proper specifications.
Take the full CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor practice test
CER Exam Questions and Answers
Official Resources
- HSPA: Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certification page sets out eligibility, the hands-on experience requirement, the reference materials and the seven exam domains.
- HSPA 2026 Certification Handbook (PDF) is the official rulebook for the exam: scheduling at Prometric, test-day identification, scoring and retake policy.
- HSPA: Renew Your Certification explains the annual CE credit requirement, the renewal fee and the grace period for keeping your CER active.
About the Author
Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator
Johns Hopkins University School of NursingDr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.
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