Free Practice Questions for CSIS
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Key Facts: CSIS Exam
100
Total Items
CBSPD CSIS
2 hrs
Exam Time
CBSPD
$135
Exam Fee
CBSPD
12 mo
SPD Experience
Or approved training program
CBSPD CSIS is the surgical instrument specialist credential. ~100 items, 2 hours, $135. Master instrument identification (Kelly/Crile/Mosquito/Mayo/Allis/Babcock; Mayo/Metzenbaum scissors; Weitlaner/Balfour/Bookwalter retractors; Mayo-Hegar/Castroviejo needle holders), gauze sharpness test, ratchet check, lap insulation testing, peel pouch loading (tip toward closure), and IUSS limits per AAMI ST79.
Sample CSIS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CSIS exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 156+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which hemostatic clamp is the smallest and is most commonly used to clamp small vessels in delicate or pediatric procedures?
2What distinguishes a Kelly hemostat from a Crile hemostat?
3Which clamp has heavy, perpendicular jaw teeth (1x2) and is used to grasp dense, slippery tissue such as fascia?
4Which tissue forceps clamp has fenestrated, atraumatic jaws used for grasping bowel and other delicate hollow structures?
5Mayo dissecting scissors are typically used for what purpose?
6Which scissor is most often used for delicate dissection of fine tissue planes such as during bowel or vascular work?
7Iris scissors are most associated with which surgical specialty?
8Which retractor is a self-retaining retractor commonly found in superficial wound and orthopedic sets?
9Which retractor is a self-retaining frame retractor commonly used to hold open the abdomen during pelvic surgery?
10Bookwalter retractors are characterized by which design feature?
About the CSIS Exam
CBSPD specialist credential focused on surgical instrument identification, handling, inspection, assembly, and sterilization. Covers instrument anatomy and identification (clamps, scissors, retractors, needle holders, ortho/lap), cleaning and decontamination, inspection and testing (sharpness, ratchet, lap insulation), assembly and packaging, sterilization methods (steam, EtO, low-temp H2O2, IUSS), and tracking/QA.
Exam sponsor: CBSPD. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
Scaled (CBSPD-set)
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Instrument ID & Anatomy
Hemostats (Kelly, Crile, Mosquito, Mayo), graspers (Allis, Babcock, Kocher), scissors, retractors, needle holders, ortho, lap
Inspection & Testing
Gauze sharpness test (4-layer, 2/3 down blade), ratchet check, box-lock alignment, lap insulation, staining patterns
Cleaning & Decontamination
Manual + ultrasonic (40-50 kHz cavitation), washer-disinfector, AAMI ST108 water quality, PPE
Assembly & Packaging
Count sheets, ratcheted instruments OPEN, Class 5 internal CI, peel pouch tip toward closure, tip protectors
Sterilization Methods
Steam prevac/gravity, EtO, low-temp H2O2 (incompatible with cellulosics), IUSS limits, BI/CI placement
Tracking & QA
Load records, recall workflow, repair vs replace, wet packs, event-related shelf life, CQI
Preparing for the CSIS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled (CBSPD-set)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam / certification fees: $135 Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 156 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CSIS: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you test scissor sharpness?
Mayo dissecting scissors should cleanly cut through 4 layers of gauze 2/3 down the blade. Smaller scissors (iris, Metzenbaum) tested per IFU — many use red Test-Tabs or paper-cutting tests. Replace scissors that fail sharpness testing rather than continuing to issue dull instruments. Document inspection in repair/replace log.
How is laparoscopic insulation tested?
Use a high-frequency insulation tester (e.g., InsulScan) per device IFU — runs current along the shaft and detects any breaks in the insulation coating. Insulation failure causes capacitive coupling burns to non-target tissue (often outside the surgeon visual field). Test BEFORE every use and after cleaning; remove from service if any defect detected.
What does brown vs blue staining mean?
Brown stain is typically from protein/iron residue (incomplete cleaning, mineral deposits, retained blood) or from chlorides in tap water. Blue/black stain often indicates retained cold-sterilant residue (glutaraldehyde, OPA), or from dissimilar metals in contact. Distinguish from genuine pitting (chloride attack) requiring instrument retirement. Run instrument through repeat cleaning and re-inspect.
How should I study for CBSPD CSIS?
Plan 40-60 hours over 6-8 weeks. Focus on instrument identification with photographs (Kelly vs Crile vs Mosquito differences in length and serration; Mayo vs Metzenbaum scissor differences) — this is high-yield. Master sharpness/ratchet/insulation testing protocols. Know AAMI ST79 IUSS rules (no implants except documented emergencies) and Class 5 vs Class 6 chemical indicator placement.