Retaking an Exam

HSPA Examination Testing

HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM) began formal certification of Sterile Processing (SP) technicians in 1971 to provide a mechanism for individuals to be recognized as having the necessary competence to perform their duties as SP professionals. HSPA certifications are industry-recognized credentials.

MANDATORY WAITING PERIOD

There is a mandatory 6 week waiting period between exam attempts. You may submit a retake application as soon after testing as you wish, but your new eligibility period will not begin until 6 weeks after your last exam date.

MISSED OR FAILED EXAMS

MISSED EXAMS

Candidates who fail to appear for a scheduled exam will be considered a no-show and will forfeit their application and payment. A new application and additional exam fee must then be submitted to HSPA before a new appointment can be scheduled.

Candidates who arrive later than their scheduled exam start time are subject to availability and may not be able to take their exam. They will then be considered a no-show and required to reapply and repay for new testing eligibility.

Candidates who appear at the testing center without valid identification will not be permitted to test. Candidates whose first and last names, as listed on their identification, do not match the information they registered with will not be permitted to test. Those unable to test due to invalid identification will then be required to reapply and pay the full fee for another examination period.

FAILED EXAMS

If you fail an exam (CRCST, CIS, CER or CHL), you will receive a score report indicating the level you achieved in each content area, or knowledge domain, of the test. These domain scores are designed to help you identify those areas in which you need further study before attempting to retake the certification exam. The knowledge domains for the exams, as well as the percentage of questions on the test related to each, can be found within each certification page.

Please Note: Section score diagnostic information on a failing result report should be interpreted with caution. The knowledge domain area scores are not used to determine Pass/Fail decision outcomes; they are only provided to offer a general indication regarding your performance in each knowledge domain. The examination is designed to provide a consistent and precise determination of a candidate’s overall performance and is not designed to provide complete information regarding a candidate’s performance in each knowledge domain.

RETAKE EXAMINATION

When you are ready to test again, simply submit the retake application along with the applicable examination fees.

RETAKE APPLICATION

This commitment to advancing Sterile Processing (SP) knowledge, skill sets and professionalism is why over 50,000 members and certification holders rely on HSPA to keep them sharp, focused and abreast of the very latest standards, best practices and technological advancements impacting the SP profession.