The Sterile Processing (SP) profession, like most medical fields, is rapidly evolving due to frequent advances in medical procedures and surgical instrumentation. Because of the ever-changing improvements being made in healthcare, all HSPA certifications are dependent upon completion of annual continuing education (CE) credits in an effort to promote ongoing learning and professional development. All certification renewals must be received no later than the expiration date of the certification to avoid any lapses in current certification status.
All HSPA certifications should stay current with the frequent advances in Sterile Processing (SP) standards and guidelines as well as surgical instrumentation, which is why annual submission of continuing education is required. All HSPA certifications are current for one-year time periods, and SP professionals holding an HSPA certification are required to renew annually.
The certification renewal process consists of submitting continuing education (CE) credits and an annual renewal processing fee. Certification renewals must be received no later than the last day of the anniversary month of your certification. Any additional certifications held will also be due for renewal that same month–and although the renewal fee is inclusive for all certifications held, additional CE credits will be required per certification held.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Application requirements are subject to change. Please ensure you have a current application for your submission.
Reading lesson plans are available for all HSPA certifications. Plans are published in PROCESS magazine, and available to read online. Scoring of the quizzes must be completed online, and successful passing scores are worth 2 CEs.
Covering a wide range of topics, HSPA webinars provide a visual learning tool to achieve continuing education toward HSPA certifications. Successful completion of a webinar followed by a survey will grant 1 CE.
The HSPA Process This! podcast shares conversations with known and upcoming leaders within the SP profession, available wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Each edition is worth 0.5 CE, after successful completion of a quiz.
