The Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) offers a certification examination for sterile processing and central supply technicians working in Ontario healthcare facilities. Passing this exam demonstrates competence in decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing reusable medical devices in compliance with Canadian standards.
MDRAO certification is recognized across Ontario hospitals and surgical centres as evidence of professional training and infection control knowledge. The exam covers all stages of the reprocessing cycle and references key regulatory frameworks including CSA Z314 and ORNAC guidelines.
The decontamination domain covers the initial receiving and sorting of soiled instruments, point-of-care pre-cleaning, manual cleaning techniques, automated washer-disinfector operation, and ultrasonic cleaning. You must know the correct dilution ratios for enzymatic detergents, appropriate water quality requirements, and the Spaulding Classification for determining required decontamination levels (critical, semi-critical, non-critical).
Study tip: Memorise the order of the reprocessing cycle — containment, transport, sorting, cleaning, inspection — and know which step breaks the chain of infection at each stage.
This domain tests your ability to inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage before packaging. You must understand tray assembly documentation, correct packaging materials (peel pouches, woven and non-woven wraps), proper sealing techniques, and labelling requirements including lot control numbers and expiry dating.
Study tip: Review the specific fold patterns for wrapped instrument sets and know the MDRAO standards for acceptable seal integrity on peel pouches.
Sterilization is the largest domain. You must understand steam sterilization (gravity and pre-vacuum cycles), ethylene oxide (ETO), hydrogen peroxide plasma (STERRAD), and dry heat sterilization — including correct cycle parameters, load configuration, and contraindications for each method. Monitoring covers biological indicators (BIs), chemical indicators (CIs) Classes 1–6, and the Bowie-Dick test for pre-vacuum steam sterilizers.
Study tip: Create a comparison table of all four sterilization methods with their temperature, exposure time, penetration ability, material compatibility, and monitoring requirements side by side.
The final domains cover sterile storage conditions (temperature, humidity, shelf life), event-related vs. time-related sterility, and recall procedures. Regulatory knowledge includes CSA Z314 series standards, ORNAC infection prevention guidelines, and Ontario Ministry of Health reprocessing requirements. Infection prevention principles — including hand hygiene, PPE, and transmission-based precautions — round out the exam content.
Print the PDF and answer each question without consulting references to simulate real exam conditions. After completing the test, review every incorrect answer against your CSA Z314 and ORNAC study materials to identify content gaps.
Pay particular attention to sterilization cycle parameters — temperature, time, and pressure values for each method — as these are high-frequency exam topics that require precise recall. Decontamination chemical handling and the Spaulding Classification are also commonly tested.
Use the practice test results to build a targeted study list. Focus extra review time on domains where you missed more than two questions. Repeat the timed practice at least twice before your scheduled exam date.
Candidates for MDRAO certification should have hands-on experience in a central sterile services department (CSSD) in addition to formal study. Practical familiarity with the equipment you encounter on the exam — autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, STERRAD units — provides context that makes written questions much easier to interpret.
Many candidates use a combination of the MDRAO study guide, CSA Z314 standards documents, and practice tests to prepare. The exam is multiple-choice format and covers both theoretical knowledge and applied decision-making in real reprocessing scenarios.
Ontario technicians who hold MDRAO certification may also pursue national recognition through the Canadian Standards Association and provincial equivalency programs. Keeping your certification current through continuing education ensures your skills stay aligned with evolving infection control standards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
The policies and procedures in the Medical Device Reprocessing Department should meet the criteria formulated by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and stimulate best reprocessing practice as indicated in the "Ministry of Ontario Best Practices PIDAC" document.
Answer: A. True
Explanation: The policies and procedures in the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) should adhere to the criteria set by the CSA and promote best reprocessing practices outlined in the "Ministry of Ontario Best Practices PIDAC" document. This ensures compliance with national standards and guidelines, contributing to the safety and effectiveness of medical device reprocessing.
In MDRAO practice, which term describes the process of confirming that a reprocessed device matches the original item sent for processing?
Answer: B. Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the process of verifying that instruments received from a department match those returned after reprocessing, ensuring nothing is lost or substituted.
What is biofilm, and why is it a significant concern in medical device reprocessing?
Answer: B. A community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced protective matrix that adheres to device surfaces and is highly resistant to cleaning and disinfection
Biofilm consists of bacterial communities embedded in a self-produced protective matrix that adheres strongly to device surfaces. This matrix dramatically increases resistance to cleaning agents and disinfectants, making thorough manual cleaning essential to break down and remove biofilm before disinfection or sterilization.
A medical device reprocessing technician is preparing a load for a low-temperature vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilizer. Which biological indicator is most appropriate for monitoring the efficacy of this sterilization method?
Answer: C. Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to both steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilization processes. For this reason, they are the standard microorganism used in biological indicators to monitor the effectiveness of these sterilization methods.
Take the full MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario practice test