Certification Program: Use of Credentials

HSPA is a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Board has established the Certification Council, and granted authority to the Certification Council, to independently make essential decisions related to standards, policies, and procedures of the certification program. These decisions are made independently of, and under no influence by, any other individual or business entity within or outside of HSPA.

USE OF CREDENTIALS

  1. After receiving notification of CRCST, Provisional CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, CCSVP, or FCS designation, the credential may be used only as long as certification remains valid and in good standing. Individuals may not use any of the above credentials (or retired credentials such as CHMMC and ACE) until they have received specific written notification that they have successfully completed all requirements, including passing the relevant exam. Certification holders must comply with all recertification requirements to maintain the use of the credential(s).
  2. The use and/or display of the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician), Provisional CRCST (Provisionally Certified Registered Central Service Technician), CER (Certified Endoscope Reprocessor), CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist), CHL (Certified Healthcare Leader), CCSVP (Certified Central Service Vendor Partner), FCS (Fellow), CHMMC (Concepts in Healthcare Materiel Management), or ACE (Approved Certified Educator) acronyms, except as permitted by this policy, is prohibited.
  3. Individuals who fail to maintain certification/recertify or whose certification is suspended or revoked must immediately discontinue use of the relevant CRCST, Provisional CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, CCSVP, FCS, CHMMC, or ACE certification mark(s) and are prohibited from stating or implying that they hold the certification(s).

To submit a Complaint regarding misuse of a credential, please fill out the Online Form

SUBMIT A COMPLAINT
ACCEPTABLE USE

Individuals who have earned the CRCST credential may identify themselves as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician or CRCST. Individuals who have earned the Provisional CRCST credential may identify themselves as a Provisionally Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Provisional CRCST. Individuals who have earned the CER credential may identify themselves as a Certified Endoscope Reprocessor or CER. Individuals who have earned the CIS credential may identify themselves as a Certified Instrument Specialist or CIS. Individuals who have earned the CHL credential may identify themselves as a Certified Healthcare Leader or CHL. Individuals who have earned the CCSVP credential may identify themselves as a Certified Central Service Vendor Partner or CCSVP. Individuals who have earned the Fellow credential may identify themselves as an HSPA Fellow or FCS. Individuals who have earned the CHMMC credential may identify themselves as a Concepts in Healthcare Materiel Management Certification holder or CHMMC. Individuals who have earned the ACE credential may identify themselves as an Approved Certified Educator or ACE. These names and acronyms may only be used in connection with a certified individual and not with a facility, department, or other groups.

These names and acronyms may be used only as long as the relevant certification is valid and in good standing. Certification is a non-transferable, revocable, limited, non-exclusive license to use the certification designation and is subject to compliance with the policies and procedures of the Certification Council.

Certified individuals may not make misleading, deceptive or confusing statements regarding their certification status. Certification holders may not suggest that they have expertise outside of the scope of their professional licenses, credentials and training.

CERTIFICATE

Each certificant will receive a certificate specific to each certification. Each certificate will include, at a minimum, the following information:

  • Name of the certified individual
  • Unique certification number
  • Signatures of the HSPA President and Director of Certification
  • Reference to the scope and limitations of the certification
  • Effective date
  • Expiration date
  • Disclaimer stating that HSPA retains sole ownership of the certificate

Individuals who renew their certification will receive a new certificate.

The care and issuing of uniquely numbered certificates shall be the responsibility of the Director of Certification.

SECURITY

Certificates include the HSPA certification seal, two signatures, a unique ID number, and state that the certificate is a copy, verifiable online at https://verify.myhspa.org to prevent fraud, forgery, and counterfeiting.

OWNERSHIP

HSPA retains sole ownership of all certificates.

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS

Incidents of alleged misuse of the CRCST, Provisional CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, CCSVP, FCS, CHMMC, or ACE names and/or acronyms by a certification holder, candidate or other individual will be investigated by the Certification Manager and Director of Certification and referred to the Certification Council Chair for action under the Disciplinary Policy as required. Individuals who are found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action under the Disciplinary Policy.

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.