CSPT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CSPT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which USP chapter governs sterility testing used to support extended beyond-use dates for Category 2 CSPs? →
2. What is the role of a primary engineering control (PEC) in a sterile compounding facility? → To provide a controlled environment for the compounding of sterile preparations
3. A 70-kg patient requires dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/min. The concentration is 400 mg in 250 mL D5W. What is the infusion rate? → 13.1 mL/hr
4. When transporting CSPs, what conditions must be maintained? → Appropriate temperature, light protection if required, and prevention of physical damage
5. What type of PPE is specifically required when handling hazardous drugs that is NOT required for standard sterile compounding? → Chemotherapy-tested gloves
6. What is the significance of assigning beyond-use dates (BUDs) in quality assurance? → To determine how long a CSP remains stable and safe for use
7. During sterile hazardous drug compounding, how often must a technician's chemotherapy gloves be changed? → Every 30 minutes or per the manufacturer's recommendations.
8. What is the primary purpose of environmental monitoring in a sterile compounding facility? → To detect microbial contamination in the compounding environment
9. Upon receiving a new stock of medication vials, what is the FIRST step a technician should perform as part of the component handling process? → Visually inspect each vial for particulate matter, cracks, or defects.
10. How frequently must personnel complete media-fill testing to maintain competency? → At least annually or more frequently per facility policy
11. What action level triggers an investigation for viable air sampling in an ISO Class 5 PEC? → Greater than 1 CFU
12. Glove fingertip sampling (fingertip testing) is performed to: → Verify that personnel gloving and gowning technique does not introduce contamination
13. Which of the following electrolytes must be separated from calcium in TPN admixtures to avoid precipitation? → Phosphate
14. What should a technician do if they notice particulate matter in a commercially manufactured IV solution? → Do not use it; quarantine and report to the pharmacist for investigation
15. What is the maximum recommended final concentration of dextrose in a peripherally administered IV admixture? → 12.5%
16. What is the action level for viable surface sampling (contact plates) in an ISO Class 5 PEC, expressed in CFU per contact plate (25 cm²)? → 0 CFU
17. For 70% isopropyl alcohol to achieve maximum disinfectant effectiveness, the treated surface should: → Remain visibly wet and be allowed to air dry completely
18. What is a pass-through chamber used for in a sterile compounding facility? → To transfer materials between areas while minimizing door openings
19. Which ISO classification represents the most stringent (cleanest) air quality standard used in sterile compounding? → ISO 5
20. A technician must prepare 1000 mL of D10W (10% Dextrose in Water) using Sterile Water for Injection and D50W (50% Dextrose in Water). How much D50W is required? → 200 mL
21. What is the required ISO classification for the buffer area in a sterile compounding facility? → ISO Class 7
22. Which of the following best describes a 'dynamic' environmental monitoring condition? → Testing performed while normal compounding activities are occurring
23. Which of the following agents is recommended by USP for the deactivation of many hazardous drugs on surfaces before decontamination and cleaning? → Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) or Hydrogen Peroxide
24. During aseptic manipulation inside a primary engineering control (PEC), how should sterile gloves be managed to maintain sterility? → Routinely disinfected with sterile 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and inspected for tears
25. The minimum recommended air changes per hour (ACPH) for an ISO 7 buffer room under USP is: → 30 ACPH
26. A CSP is prepared using a commercial sterile ingredient. Under USP , the BUD of the final preparation may not exceed: → The BUD of the commercial product used
27. How long must compounding records be retained according to USP 797? → As dictated by state regulations and organizational policy
28. What category does a CSP made from non-sterile starting ingredients typically fall under in USP 797? → Category 2
29. According to USP Chapter , which of the following is a primary engineering control (PEC) specifically designed for compounding sterile hazardous drugs? → Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
30. What is the role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a sterile compounding program? → Mandatory written procedures that define how each process must be performed consistently