The CIS Test offers a secondary certification to those who work with advanced instruments in sterile processing. To qualify, you need a CRCST certification. The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) – formerly IAHCSMM – administers the CIS exam. It aims to honor those with the needed knowledge and skills to excel as advanced specialists.
The CIS certification program aims to spotlight those skilled in providing expert services in sterile processing. CISs play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring surgical instruments are safely and promptly delivered to patients. They know all about medical instruments and how to maintain them safely.
Candidates for the CIS certification need 200 hours of hands-on experience in a Sterile Processing department. They must also pass an exam on instrument handling, including support system functions and general knowledge. Having a CRCST certification is a must before the CIS exam. It also has to be kept up to date for CIS certification.
To apply, you need 200 hours of experience from within the last five years. These include time spent on Instrument Decontamination, Assembly, Information System Management, and Surgery Observation. They can be paid or voluntary hours.
For the CIS exam, you must show documented hands-on experience. The application’s experience part should be filled by your manager or supervisor, not you. This experience can be from paid or volunteer work. You do not need to be currently working or volunteering to qualify for the exam.
There are two main ways to get ready for the CIS exam. You can study by yourself or use your job experience. The HSPA gives study materials for those going solo. This includes the Instrument Resource Manual, 1st Edition (2018), CS Technical Manual, 8th Edition (2016), and ANSI/AAMI ST79 (2017). If you have learned a lot working in sterile processing, you can apply straight for the exam. HSPA doesn’t make you take a class or study guide first.
The test covers several big topics. These include how to clean and identify instruments. You’ll also need to know how to inspect, test, and prepare them. Learning about sterilization and disinfection is key too, along with how people affect these processes.
The CIS exam has 150 questions, all multiple-choice. You get three hours to finish and can go back to questions. There’s a 15-minute tutorial before, showing you how to use the computer for the test. This tutorial is online too.
Applying for the CIS exam is easy. You can do it online or by mail. If you apply, make sure you can take the exam within three months. You’ll need to show you’ve worked 200 hours and get your boss to sign off on it.
Once you have your eligibility number from HSPA, you can sign up for the exam. This can be done online or by calling Prometric at (800) 998-1942. Make sure to have your eligibility number and the first part of your last name when setting your exam date at a Prometric center.
On exam day, be early. Arrive at the center 30 minutes before your exam starts. Bring a valid ID and your test confirmation from Prometric. Remember, personal items aren’t allowed in the testing area, so use the lockers they provide.
| Exam Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Questions | 150 multiple-choice |
| Exam Fee | $140 for initial exam, same fee for retakes |
| Prerequisite Certification | CRCST certification through HSPA |
| Exam Result Notification | Pass/Fail immediately at testing center, written report within 2 weeks |
The CIS Test is for advanced instrument specialists in sterile processing departments. For a CIRST certification, you need a CRCST and 200 hours work.
The exam covers identifying instruments, cleaning them, and packaging. It also looks at the impact of humans and tests on sterilization. By passing, you show you’re skilled to handle complicated equipment.
This achievement is important. It shows you understand how to handle surgical tools safely. This makes patient care better and safer.
