CRCST practice test: Professional Development and Human Relation Skills

10 questions · about 12 minutes. Pick an answer to see whether you’re right and why.

1. Question 1 of 10How many continuing education (CE) credits does HSPA require each year to renew the CRCST?

   A.6B.24C.12D.40
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   Answer: C. 12

   HSPA’s Certification Handbook (revised January 2026): CRCST recertification requires 12 CE credits per year plus an annual renewal fee.

2. Question 2 of 10A candidate passes the CRCST exam before completing the 400 hands-on hours. What is the deadline to finish them?

   A.There is no deadlineB.6 months after passing, under provisional certificationC.30 days after passingD.5 years after passing
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   Answer: B. 6 months after passing, under provisional certification

   HSPA offers provisional certification: the 400 hours must be completed within 6 months of passing the exam, or the provisional certification is forfeited.

3. Question 3 of 10HSPA, the organization that awards the CRCST, was formerly known as:

   A.IAHCSMMB.AAMIC.CBSPDD.AORN
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   Answer: A. IAHCSMM

   The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) was formerly the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). CBSPD is a separate certification board.

4. Question 4 of 10Under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what must employers offer workers with occupational exposure?

   A.A flu vaccine onlyB.A pay raise instead of PPEC.Nothing, if the worker wears glovesD.The hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to the employee
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   Answer: D. The hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to the employee

   OSHA requires employers to make the hepatitis B vaccination series available free of charge to employees with occupational exposure, along with PPE, training and an exposure control plan.

5. Question 5 of 10A technician notices that a sterilizer printout does not show the expected cycle parameters. What should they do?

   A.Release the load if the external indicators changedB.Ignore it if the next cycle looks normalC.Do not release the load, and report it according to department policyD.Throw the printout away
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   Answer: C. Do not release the load, and report it according to department policy

   Mechanical monitoring is reviewed for every cycle. A load with a questionable printout is held and reported so the cause can be investigated.

6. Question 6 of 10A technician realizes a tray they sent to the OR may be missing an instrument. What is the right response?

   A.Say nothing and hope it is not neededB.Report it immediately so the tray can be checked or replaced before useC.Wait until the end of the shift to mention itD.Fix the count sheet so it matches
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   Answer: B. Report it immediately so the tray can be checked or replaced before use

   Reporting errors quickly protects patients and builds trust with the OR. Hiding or delaying a known problem is never acceptable.

7. Question 7 of 10What should an outgoing technician cover in a shift handoff?

   A.Loads in progress, quarantined loads waiting for biological indicator results, and equipment problemsB.Only the break scheduleC.Nothing, since everything is in the computerD.Their personal opinions about coworkers
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   Answer: A. Loads in progress, quarantined loads waiting for biological indicator results, and equipment problems

   The next shift needs to know what is running, what is on hold and what is broken to avoid releasing the wrong load or using faulty equipment.

8. Question 8 of 10What is the safest way to lift a heavy instrument tray?

   A.Bend at the waist and lift quicklyB.Twist while lifting to save timeC.Lift above shoulder height with straight armsD.Keep the tray close to the body, bend at the knees and get help with heavy sets
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   Answer: D. Keep the tray close to the body, bend at the knees and get help with heavy sets

   Good body mechanics and asking for help prevent back and shoulder injuries. HSPA’s outline lists ergonomics and body mechanics under personnel considerations.

9. Question 9 of 10An OR nurse is upset about a delayed tray. What is the most effective first step?

   A.Argue that SPD is not at faultB.Hang up and focus on the workC.Listen to the concern fully, then explain what is being done and when the tray will be readyD.Promise a time you cannot meet
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   Answer: C. Listen to the concern fully, then explain what is being done and when the tray will be ready

   Active listening de-escalates conflict and leads to a workable solution. Clear, honest timelines build trust between SPD and its customers.

10. Question 10 of 10Why is continuing education important for sterile processing technicians beyond keeping the certificate?

    A.It replaces hands-on experienceB.Standards, devices and IFUs change, and practice must keep up with themC.It is only needed for promotionsD.It allows technicians to skip IFUs
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    Answer: B. Standards, devices and IFUs change, and practice must keep up with them

    New devices and updated standards change how items must be processed. CE keeps technicians current, which is why HSPA requires it every year.