HSPA Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
The HSPA exam (formerly known as the iahcsmm certification) is the definitive standard for sterile processing professionals worldwide. Administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, this rigorous HSPA test validates your expertise in cleaning, decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments. Earning your HSPA certification demonstrates your commitment to patient safety and infection control excellence.
Our comprehensive HSPA practice test resources are designed to help you master the material found in the HSPA 9th edition manual. Whether you are preparing for the HSPA CRCST exam or looking for a reliable HSPA study guide, our free tools will boost your confidence. Start practicing with real HSPA exam questions today to ensure you pass your certification on the first attempt.
Did you know? The HSPA CRCST exam requires you to complete 400 hours of hands-on experience before or within 6 months of passing the test. This practical component ensures every HSPA sterile processing professional is fully prepared for the demands of the job.
Free HSPA Exam Questions
Prepare for your certification with our comprehensive HSPA exam questions. Each HSPA practice test below focuses on a critical domain of the CRCST exam, mirroring the real test format to help you pass.
HSPA Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association exam
HSPA Exam Study Guide
This comprehensive HSPA study guide breaks down essential topics for the certification. Use these HSPA exam insights to focus your preparation on high-yield areas like sterilization methods and regulations.
| What is the HSPA certification? | The HSPA certification (CRCST) verifies competency in sterile processing, ensuring technicians can safely clean, decontaminate, and sterilize surgical instruments. |
| Who needs the HSPA exam? | Anyone working in sterile processing departments (SPD) who wants professional recognition or whose state/employer requires HSPA sterile processing certification. |
| What is the 400 hours requirement? | Candidates must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department to fully qualify for the HSPA CRCST credential. |
| Is HSPA same as IAHCSMM? | Yes, the organization rebranded from IAHCSMM to Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) in 2022 to better reflect the profession. |
| How many questions are on the HSPA test? | The HSPA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering cleaning, assembly, sterilization, and storage. |
| How long is the HSPA exam? | You are given 3 hours to complete the HSPA certification exam at a Prometric testing center. |
| What is the passing score? | You need a scaled score of 70% or higher to pass the HSPA test and earn your certification. |
| Is the HSPA exam hard? | With a pass rate around 70%, the HSPA exam is challenging but manageable with proper study of the HSPA 9th edition manual. |
| How do I register for the HSPA exam? | Create an account on the HSPA website, submit your application, and schedule your test through Prometric. |
| What is the HSPA exam cost? | The HSPA certification cost is typically $140 for the exam application fee. |
| Can I take the exam online? | No, the HSPA exam must be taken in-person at an approved Prometric testing center to ensure security. |
| When are HSPA exams offered? | You can schedule your HSPA test year-round, depending on the availability of your local testing center. |
| When do I get my HSPA results? | You typically receive a preliminary pass/fail result immediately after completing the HSPA exam at the testing center. |
| What if I fail the HSPA exam? | If you fail, you must wait 6 weeks before you can retake the HSPA test and pay the exam fee again. |
| How long is the certification valid? | Your HSPA certification is valid for one year and requires annual renewal with continuing education (CE) credits. |
| How do I verify my certification? | Employers can verify your credential status through the official HSPA website verification portal. |
| What is the best study material? | The official HSPA 9th edition Sterile Processing Technical Manual is the primary source for all exam questions. |
| How should I study for HSPA? | Combine reading the manual with our free HSPA practice test modules to reinforce your knowledge of standards. |
| Are flashcards helpful? | Yes, using flashcards for HSPA sterile processing terms and sterilization cycles helps memorize critical details. |
| What about the hands-on hours? | Don't delay your 400 hours; practical experience in the SPD reinforces the concepts tested on the HSPA exam. |
HSPA Test Format
The HSPA exam covers seven key content areas essential for sterile processing. Understanding this structure helps you focus your study efforts on the most heavily weighted sections of the HSPA test.
Focuses on removal of contamination from instruments.
- Topics: Manual cleaning, mechanical washers, disinfection
- Questions: Approx. 30 questions
Ensuring instruments are functional and correctly packed.
- Topics: Instrument testing, tray assembly, labeling
- Questions: Approx. 27 questions
Methods to kill all microorganisms including spores.
- Topics: Autoclaves, VHP, EtO, monitoring
- Questions: Approx. 30 questions
Maintaining sterility until point of use.
- Topics: Sterile storage, distribution, inventory
- Questions: Approx. 18 questions
Monitoring processes to ensure patient safety.
- Topics: Indicators, record keeping, process improvement
- Questions: Approx. 23 questions
Compliance with healthcare laws and guidelines.
- Topics: Safety, infection control, medical terminology
- Questions: Approx. 22 questions
Focus heavily on the HSPA sterilization and disinfection chapters. These two sections combined make up 40% of the HSPA exam score. Memorize the parameters for steam, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycles.
HSPA Score Calculator
Estimate your HSPA exam readiness based on your practice scores.
HSPA Salary Information
Certified HSPA sterile processing technicians earn competitive wages that grow with experience and specialization.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $32,000 | $2,666 | 0-1 Years |
| Certified Tech (CRCST) | $45,000 | $3,750 | 1-3 Years |
| Instrument Specialist | $52,000 | $4,333 | 3-5 Years |
| Lead Technician | $60,000 | $5,000 | 5-8 Years |
| SPD Manager | $75,000+ | $6,250+ | 8+ Years |
Attending the annual HSPA conference and earning secondary certifications like CER (Endoscope Reprocessing) or CIS (Instrument Specialist) can increase your earning potential by 15-20%.
How to Become HSPA Certified
The journey to HSPA certification involves education, practical experience, and passing the exam. Here is the step-by-step process to becoming a CRCST.
- Enroll in Training - Complete a sterile processing course or self-study with the HSPA 9th edition manual.
- Complete 400 Hours - Gain 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department (can be done before or after exam).
- Apply for Exam - Create an account on the HSPA website and submit your exam application with the fee.
- Schedule Test - Book your exam appointment at a local Prometric testing center.
- Pass HSPA Exam - Take and pass the 150-question HSPA test with a score of 70% or higher.
- Submit Hours - If you took the exam provisionally, submit proof of your 400 hours within 6 months.
- Maintain Certification - Renew annually by completing 12 CE credits and paying the renewal fee.
HSPA Certification Cost
Understanding the HSPA certification cost helps you budget for your career. While the exam fee is standard, training and material costs can vary.
The total HSPA certification cost typically ranges from $250 to $500 for self-study candidates, or up to $3,000 if attending a formal college program. Many employers reimburse these fees.
HSPA Career Opportunities
Your HSPA certification opens doors to various roles in healthcare sterile processing.
HSPA Testing Contacts
For official questions about your HSPA exam application or results, contact the organizations below.
Visit the HSPA website career center to find job listings specifically for certified sterile processing technicians. Networking at the annual HSPA conference is also a great way to find opportunities.
HSPA Test Day Checklist
Start Your HSPA Certification Journey
Join thousands of sterile processing professionals who passed their exam using our free resources. Take your first HSPA practice test now and get certified!
START FREE HSPA TESTHSPA Renewal Requirements
Your HSPA certification must be renewed annually. Maintaining your credential requires staying current with industry standards through continuing education.
Always submit your renewal application and HSPA CE credits before your certification expiration date to avoid late fees or losing your credential. You can track credits through the HSPA login portal.
HSPA Exam Questions and Answers
You can access your account by visiting the official website and clicking "Member Login". Your HSPA login allows you to renew certifications, track CE credits, and register for exams.
To become fully certified, you must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department. This can be done on a paid or volunteer basis and must be verified by a manager.
The HSPA test is administered by Prometric. You can find "testing centers near me" by using the locator tool on the Prometric website after your application is approved.
CRCST stands for Certified Registered Central Service Technician. It is the entry-level HSPA certification for sterile processing professionals.
The annual HSPA renewal fee is typically $60. You must also submit proof of 12 continuing education credits earned during the previous year.
No, the HSPA exam is not available online. It must be taken in person at an authorized Prometric testing center to ensure exam security.
The annual HSPA conference is a major industry event offering networking, educational sessions, and opportunities to earn CE credits for certification renewal.
Yes, the primary resource is the HSPA 9th edition Sterile Processing Technical Manual. There is also a corresponding workbook available for purchase.
The HSPA test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You have 3 hours to complete the exam.
If you fail, you must wait a mandatory 6-week period before you can retake the HSPA exam. You will need to pay the exam fee again for the retake.