The Importance of Sterile Processing Certifications
Certifications are at the heart of the sterile processing technician career. Passing the exam required to begin an SPD tech career means gaining a sterile processing certification from either the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
But those aren’t the only sterile processing certifications available to SPD techs and other clinical professionals. Dozens of others are also available to help professionals boost their skills — and potentially their rate of pay. Here’s what you need to know about sterile processing certifications and their importance not just to SPD professionals but the facilities in which they work.
Recommended Sterile Processing Certifications
| Certification | Organization | Description |
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HSPA |
The “introductory certification for SP professionals,” the CRCST is encouraged for entry-level technicians because of its focus on training and education and is valid for one year. To be eligible, applicants must work 400 hours of hands-on experience and pass an exam. |
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CBSPD |
The CSPDT is one of two essential certifications for SPD techs, and one of the five main certifications offered by the CBSPD, offering a set of industry competency standards to evaluate SPD technician performance. Valid for five years. Eligible candidates must meet one of four requirements like passing a training course or possessing 6-12 months of various work experiences. |
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CBSPD |
Another of the five main certifications offered by the CBSPD, the CASSPT focuses on professionals who work with sterile processing in ambulatory surgery settings. Certification is valid for five years, with continuing education encouraged for recertification. |
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Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (GI Scope) Certification (CFER) |
CBSPD |
The CFER offers industry competency standards in the use of flexible endoscopes. Like the other five primary CBSPD certifications, the CFER is valid for five years, with renewal supported by earning CEU credits. |
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CBSPD |
Another of the five main CBSPD tracks, the CIS offers certification to professionals proficient with surgical instrumentation. Certification is valid for five years, and current CSPDT certification is required. |
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CBSPD |
Designed to prepare SPD techs for leadership roles, the CSPM is a primary CBSPD certification that’s focused on management skills. Certification is valid for five years. |
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HSPA |
The CER recognizes sterilization professionals with skills and expertise in the use of endoscopes. Valid for one year, the CER must be recertified annually. A standalone certification, applicants are not required to have CRCST certification. |
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HSPA |
A secondary certification focusing on instrumentation, the CIS is designed to keep SPD professionals up to date with changing technologies and industry standards. Applicants must have CRCST certification, and yearly renewal is required. |
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HSPA |
A secondary certification focused on promoting and developing management skills, the CHL requires valid CRCST certification and is renewed every year. |
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Certified Central Service Vendor Partner (CCSVP) |
HSPA |
The CCSVP emphasizes vendor relations, providing SLP professionals, vendors, and salespeople with essential knowledge of operations and terminology to ensure the most productive interactions during the brief time they have to communicate together. Yearly renewal is required. |
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Quality Management Microcredential |
BeyondClean |
Designed to emphasize advanced skills and understanding in quality management, this microcredential is not officially accredited in the ways that certifications are, but can still be used to prove skills and competencies to employers and colleagues. |
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Cross Contamination Microcredential |
BeyondClean |
The cross-contamination microcredential is designed to emphasize and validate specific competencies and skills in decontamination practices. Not a full certification but still a valuable demonstration of advanced skills, the microcredential includes a digital certificate, 10 CEUs, and 50 points towards certain recertifications. |
Continuing Education Units for Sterile Processing
Certifications can help SPD technicians boost their appeal to employers, their earning power, and even their chances of advancing into other clinical roles.
Continuing education also helps professionals excel in their jobs — and, in the process, better ensure safety of patients and staff — by staying on top of the most up-to-date best practices, technology, and more. Best of all, CEUs are readily available, either directly through the HSPA and CBSPD, or from other providers like Censis, where you’ll have the chance to earn CEUs by watching videos or reading articles.
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Title |
Credits |
Description |
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1 CE |
This CEU article outlines how to use data to get a bigger, better picture of sterile processing. It also shows SPD professionals how data helps them focus on top-priority issues and offers insights into how to properly use an instrument tracking system. |
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Lost in Space: Instruments Rediscovered: The Power of Data Analytics |
1 CE |
In this “action-packed” conference session recap, SPD professionals will hear expert insights on how to reduce the occurrence of missing instruments by optimizing surgical trays, while also streamlining workflows, enhancing efficiencies, and improving team dynamics. |
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Motivating the Unproductive Technician: How to Keep Productivity High in Sterile Processing Departments |
1 CE |
This leadership article describes how to define and identify unproductive technicians — not always an easy task in a big team. It also offers important insights into what causes that situation, and how to engage unproductive workers to improve their performance. |
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Tracking Medical Devices Using The Unique Device Identifier (UDI) |
1 CE |
Sterile processing technicians and professionals can watch this video to earn a CEU credit while getting an in-depth look at the proper use of unique device identifiers (UDIs), and a greater understanding of why they matter so much when it comes to maintaining safety standards. |
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Work Smarter, Not Harder: Doing More With the Resources You Have |
1 CE |
This article shows how SPD professionals can overcome limited resources. They’ll also discover how to implement small process changes that can have a larger impact on overall efficiency, while leveraging positive feedback to boost morale and productivity. |
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1 CE |
This video shows SPD professionals how to advocate for improvements in their job and workflows by aligning needs and demonstrating how certain investments can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue. |
Sterile processing CEUs offered by Censis are accredited by either the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA – formerly IAHCSMM), Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick links:
What is a sterile processing certification?
What is the best sterile processing technician certification?
From which organizations can I obtain a sterile processing certification?
What is SPD certification?
What is the difference between CSPDT and CRCST?
What is an SPD Tech certification?
What is the difference between CBSPD and HSPA?
Where can I pursue a recognized certification program in sterile processing?
Which organizations provide certification pathways for aspiring sterile processing technicians?
Is certification required to become an SPD Tech?
What are the benefits of obtaining a sterile processing certification?
How can I prepare for the sterile processing certification exam?
Do certifications expire for SPD Techs?
What is a sterile processing certification?
A sterile processing certification is the certificate received by sterile processing department (SPD) professionals, and especially SPD technicians, to demonstrate specific job skills, experience, and/or knowledge.
What is the best sterile processing technician certification?
The best sterile processing technician certification for any individual depends on their specific skills, interests, and available jobs. The two leading certifications are the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), offered by the HSPA, and the SPD Technician Certification (CSPDT), offered by the CBSPD.
From which organizations can I obtain a sterile processing certification?
The main organizations that offer sterile processing certification are the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (CBSPD).
What is SPD certification?
SPD certification is a term that refers to any certification available to sterile processing department (SPD) professionals, including but not limited to the CRCST and the CSPDT.
What is the difference between CSPDT and CRCST?
Both the CRCST and CSPDT are considered introductory sterile processing certifications. The CRCST is offered through HSPA, and it must be renewed each year. The CSPDT is offered through CBSPD, and must be renewed every five years.
What is an SPD Tech certification?
An SPD tech certification is the certificate received by sterile processing technicians, to demonstrate the specific skills, experience, and/or knowledge needed to gain employment. The two main certifications are the CSPDT and CRCST.
What is the difference between CBSPD and HSPA?
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution (CBSPD) are both organizations that offer accredited certifications for SPD techs. The requirements and level of specialization vary, and neither seem to have an advantage over the other when it comes to employment opportunities, although job seekers may want to check to see what’s in demand in their area before making a final decision.
Where can I pursue a recognized certification program in sterile processing?
The best place to start is by visiting the website of the CBSPD or the HSPA to get the latest requirements and details on how to begin the process. And don’t forget to come back to Censis for CEU credits!
Which organizations provide certification pathways for aspiring sterile processing technicians?
The CBSPD and HSPA both provide certification pathways for aspiring sterile processing technicians, including online training courses, videos, webinars, and many others — all of which contribute to professional development.
Is certification required to become an SPD Tech?
While some entry-level jobs may be open to SPD techs without certification, the vast majority of opportunities are available only to certified SPD technicians. In addition, even more desirable jobs may be available to those with more specialized certifications.
What are the benefits of obtaining a sterile processing certification?
Obtaining sterile processing certifications may help SPD technicians land competitive jobs and earn a higher rate of pay. Certifications can also pave the way for promotion to management or other positions.
How can I prepare for the sterile processing certification exam?
Each sterile processing certification exam is different, although most can be prepared for through on-the-job training, textbooks and workbooks from the certifying agencies, and online resources such as educational materials from Censis and Beyond Clean.
Do certifications expire for SPD Techs?
Yes. The CSCST expires every year, and the CSPDT expires every five years.
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