NOTICE: On March 1, 2023, the cost to take a certification exam is increasing to $140 USD.
If an exam application is received on or before February 28, HSPA will honor the exam fee of $125 USD.
Patients Rely on Skilled Sterile Processing Teams
Certification helps to ensure Sterile Processing (SP) professionals possess the essential knowledge and skills necessary for managing critical departmental duties safely, effectively and consistently. After successful completion of an HSPA certification, required continuing education guides these professionals to stay on top of ever-evolving instrumentation, technology, standards, and best practices. HSPA offers five different certifications, tailored specifically to functions within the Sterile Processing department.
HSPA Certifications
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
The introductory certification for SP professionals.
The CRCST certification program is designed to recognize entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent services as a Sterile Processing technician. CRCSTs are integral members of the healthcare team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility.
Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)
A secondary certification for surgical instrumentation.
The CIS certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent services as an advanced instrument specialist in the Sterile Processing department. CISs are essential members of the healthcare team who are responsible for demonstrating the knowledge and recognition of medical instruments and instrument support system functions necessary to help ensure the safe and timely delivery of surgical instruments to patients.
Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)
A core certification for the reprocessing of endoscopes.
The CER certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to pre-clean, test, decontaminate, inspect, disinfect and/or sterilize, transport, and store endoscopes in accordance with industry standards, guidelines and regulations, and manufacturers’ instructions for use. CERs are crucial members of the healthcare team who are responsible for endoscope preparation, which is critical for patient safety in a healthcare facility.
Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)
A secondary certification for SP management.
The CHL certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the management and supervisory skills necessary to provide effective leadership in the Sterile Processing department. CHLs are indispensable members of the healthcare team who are responsible for managing the daily operations of the Sterile Processing department including standards and regulation compliance, finance, reporting, staffing, human resource management, and inter- and intra-departmental communications.
Certified Central Service Vendor Partner (CCSVP)
A certification exclusively for SP suppliers.
The CCSVP certification program is designed to recognize vendors who have demonstrated knowledge of Sterile Processing concepts and processes including the decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of reusable surgical instruments.
This commitment to advancing Sterile Processing (SP) knowledge, skill sets and professionalism is why over 40,000 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.
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