100+ Free CRCST Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CRCST Exam
Not published
Passing Score
HSPA
150
Questions
HSPA
7
Exam Domains
HSPA
$140
Exam Fee
HSPA
The CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) exam is HSPA's entry-level sterile processing certification exam. HSPA reports Pass/Fail results but does not publish a numeric cut score. The 150-question exam covers decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, storage, equipment, departmental operations, and professional skills.
Sample CRCST Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CRCST exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1The first step in the sterilization process is:
2What is the term for the removal of all visible and non-visible soil, and any other foreign material from the medical device being processed?
3Which of the following is not a method of cleaning?
4Which of the following is the most common type of mechanical cleaner used in the sterile processing department?
5Which of the following is not a type of packaging material?
6Which of the following is not a type of sterilization?
7Which of the following is the most common method of sterilization used in the sterile processing department?
8Which of the following is not a parameter of steam sterilization?
9What is the minimum temperature required for steam sterilization?
10What is the most common type of sterilization used for heat-sensitive items?
About the CRCST Exam
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 central service technician.
Questions
150 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
Pass/Fail (numeric cut score not published)
Exam Fee
$140 (HSPA)
CRCST Exam Content Outline
Departmental Considerations
Environmental and personnel considerations, regulations, records, and quality assurance
Cleaning, Decontamination, and Disinfection
Microbiology, infection control, and cleaning methods
Preparation and Packaging
Instrument identification, assembly, and packaging
Sterilization Process
Steam and low-temperature sterilization methods
Sterile Storage, Transport and Inventory Management
Sterile storage, inventory control, and supply chain
Patient Care Equipment and Distribution
Equipment handling, processing, tracking, and distribution
Professional Development and Human Relation Skills
Communication, professionalism, and interdepartmental service
How to Pass the CRCST Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Pass/Fail (numeric cut score not published)
- Exam length: 150 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $140
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CRCST Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CRCST exam pass rate?
HSPA reports 10,083 passes and 5,286 failures in 2025, a 65.6% pass rate. That annual pass rate is separate from the unpublished numeric cut score.
How can I pass the CRCST exam on my first try?
Use HSPA's current content outline and reference list. Prioritize Cleaning/Decontamination, Preparation/Packaging, and Sterilization, which are 21% each, then review every remaining domain and missed practice item.
How hard is the CRCST exam?
HSPA does not publish a difficulty rating. The exam has 150 questions in three hours across seven domains, so preparation should cover the full outline rather than rely on a difficulty label.
How many questions are on the CRCST exam?
The CRCST exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions: 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items mixed throughout. You have 3 hours to complete the exam, which is delivered at Prometric testing centers.
How long should I study for the CRCST exam?
HSPA does not prescribe study hours or a readiness percentage. Build a schedule from the seven-domain outline, current reference materials, work experience, and the specific concepts missed during practice.