SPD Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
The SPD practice test questions below cover all major domains of the exam, including decontamination, sterilization, storage, and inventory management. Consistently scoring above 80% on these practice modules is a strong indicator of readiness for the real sterile processing technician test. Try our CRCST practice test. Practice with the free SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
- The HSPA CRCST sterile processing technician exam has 150 multiple-choice questions, 125 of which are scored and 25 of which are unscored pretest items. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- Candidates get three hours to complete the HSPA CRCST certification exam. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- HSPA sets the CRCST passing point with a criterion-referenced Angoff procedure and reports results as pass or fail rather than as a published percentage. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- The HSPA CRCST certification exam costs $140, which covers application processing and one in-person exam attempt at a Prometric testing center. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- Retaking the HSPA CRCST exam requires a retake application and the $140 exam fee again. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- If you fail the HSPA CRCST exam, you must wait at least six weeks before you can test again. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- After you pass, HSPA CRCST certification is valid for one year and must be renewed every year. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- Renewing the HSPA CRCST costs $50 a year and requires 12 technical continuing education credits a year. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
- The HSPA CRCST exam is offered only at Prometric testing centers, not at hospitals or online. (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
SPD Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (CRCST) | 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest) | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Time limit (CRCST) | 3 hours | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Passing score (CRCST) | Criterion-referenced cut score (Angoff method); results reported pass/fail | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Exam fee (CRCST) | $140 (application processing + one exam attempt) | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Retake fee (CRCST) | $140 per retake | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Retake policy (CRCST) | 6-week wait between attempts | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Validity (CRCST) | 1 year (renewed annually) | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Renewal (CRCST) | $50/year + 12 CE credits | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Delivery (CRCST) | Computer-based, Prometric test centers only (no online proctoring) | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Eligibility (CRCST) | 400 hours hands-on SP experience (before testing, or within 6 months after for provisional) | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Score release (CRCST) | Pass/fail on screen right away; emailed within 48 hours | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
| Testing window (CRCST) | Year-round; 120 days to test after approval | Healthcare Sterile Processing Association |
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Study Tools
Interactive SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
SPD Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
SPD Core Functions
SPD Exam Questions covering Core Functions. Master SPD Test concepts for certification prep.
SPD Infection Control
Free SPD Practice Test featuring Infection Control. Improve your SPD Exam score with mock test prep.
SPD Instrument Inspection
SPD Mock Exam on Instrument Inspection. SPD Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
SPD Storage and Distribution
SPD Test Prep for Storage and Distribution. Practice SPD Quiz questions and boost your score.
SPD Documentation and Record Keeping
SPD Mock Test covering Documentation and Record Keeping. Online SPD Test practice with instant feedback.
SPD Regulations and Standards
SPD Study Material on Regulations and Standards. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Techni...
Free SPD Test covering - Sterile Processing Department Technician Decontamination and Cleaning Processes. Practice and track your SPD exam readiness.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Techni...
SPD Exam Questions covering - Sterile Processing Department Technician High-Level Disinfection. Master SPD Test concepts for certification prep.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Techni...
Free SPD Practice Test featuring - Sterile Processing Department Technician Packaging for Sterilization. Improve your SPD Exam score with mock test prep.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Techni...
SPD Mock Exam on - Sterile Processing Department Technician Quality Assurance and Safety. SPD Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Techni...
SPD Test Prep for - Sterile Processing Department Technician Regulations and Standards. Practice SPD Quiz questions and boost your score.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Techni...
SPD Questions and Answers on - Sterile Processing Department Technician Sterile Storage and Transport. Free SPD practice for exam readiness.
SPD Exam Flashcards
Quick review for your sterile processing technician test.
🦠What is the primary purpose of decontamination?
To remove soil and reduce bioburden to safe handling levels before sterilization.
START SPD PRACTICE TEST🌡️What is the standard temperature for steam sterilization?
250°F (121°C) or 270°F (132°C) depending on the cycle type.
REVIEW SPD QUESTIONS🧪Which indicator verifies that sterilization parameters were met?
Biological indicators (BI) containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores.
TRY SPD MOCK EXAM🚿How often should washer-disinfectors be tested?
Daily, usually with a challenge test device to ensure proper cleaning efficacy.
ACCESS SPD STUDY GUIDE🧤What PPE is required in the decontamination area?
Fluid-resistant gown, heavy-duty gloves, face shield or goggles, and mask.
GET SPD EXAM PREP📦What is the shelf life of a sterile package?
It is event-related, meaning sterility is maintained unless the package is compromised.
PRACTICE SPD TEST NOWSPD Exam Study Guide
Our SPD study guide breaks down essential information about the certification process. Whether you are preparing for the CBSPD exam or the CSPDT, understanding these fundamentals is key to success.
SPD Exam Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
125
88 out of 125 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Expect to invest around $2,000 total for training and testing. However, many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for SPD certification, so check with potential employers. Try our NCLEX practice test.
SPD Test Day Checklist
- ✓Two forms of ID
- ✓Exam confirmation email
- ✓Arrive 30 mins early
- ✓Leave personal items in locker
- ✓Review AAMI standards
- ✓Get a good night's sleep
- ✓Know route to center
- ✓Bring jacket (centers are cold)
Ready to Pass Your SPD Exam?
Join thousands of technicians who have used our free SPD practice test resources to achieve certification. Start your prep today!
SPD Certification Renewal
Renewal Cycle
5 Years
CEUs Required
100 Points
Renewal Fee
$100
Don't let your SPD certification lapse. Keep track of your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from seminars, online courses, and in-services to ensure a smooth renewal process.
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What should a sterile processing technician do before placing a sterilized package into sterile storage?
- A. Apply a waterproof coating to the outside of the package
- B. Inspect the package for integrity, correct labeling, and chemical indicator change
- C. Place the package in a plastic bag to extend shelf life
- D. Cool the package in a refrigerator for at least one hour
Answer: B. Inspect the package for integrity, correct labeling, and chemical indicator change
Each package must be inspected before storage to verify that the packaging is intact, the load label and lot information are correct, and the external chemical indicator has changed to the appropriate color, confirming exposure to the sterilization process.
When transporting sterile instrument trays from the Sterile Processing Department to the Operating Room on a case cart, which of the following is a critical best practice?
- A. Placing heavy trays on top of lighter peel-packed items.
- B. Using an open cart to allow for easy visual inspection during transport.
- C. Ensuring the cart has a solid bottom shelf and is covered.
- D. Loading the cart in the decontamination area to save time.
Answer: C. Ensuring the cart has a solid bottom shelf and is covered.
Transport carts for sterile items should be covered or enclosed to protect packages from environmental contaminants and accidental contact. The bottom shelf should be solid to prevent any potential contamination from splashing up from the floor.
A key component of a quality management system in the Sterile Processing Department is documentation. Which of the following records is MOST critical for traceability and quality assurance?
- A. The daily work schedule of the technicians.
- B. A log of all staff birthdays and anniversaries.
- C. The purchase orders for new sterilization wrap.
- D. Sterilization load records with physical, chemical, and biological indicator results.
Answer: D. Sterilization load records with physical, chemical, and biological indicator results.
Sterilization load records are essential for quality assurance and traceability. They provide documented proof that a specific load was subjected to a monitored sterilization cycle, linking the processed items to the cycle parameters, chemical indicator results, and biological indicator results. This documentation is critical in the event of a recall or for auditing purposes.
What is the recommended temperature range for the decontamination area in a sterile processing department?
- A. 60-65°F (16-18°C)
- B. 68-73°F (20-23°C)
- C. 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- D. 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Answer: B. 68-73°F (20-23°C)
The decontamination area should be maintained at 68-73°F for staff comfort during physically demanding work while keeping microbial growth manageable.
Take the full SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification practice test
SPD Questions and Answers
Official Resources
- Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) – Become Certified: HSPA, formerly IAHCSMM, administers the CRCST exam and publishes its current eligibility, application and renewal rules.
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD): CBSPD is the independent board that offers the CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) exam and its candidate handbook.
- Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI): AAMI publishes the sterilization standards, such as ANSI/AAMI ST79 for steam sterilization, that both SPD certification exams are built on.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- myhspa.org — Eligibility, fees, exam format, passing score, renewal, retake fee, retake policy, test dates, time limit, score validity · verified Oct 2026
- prometric.com — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026