FAQ - The Sterile Guy
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterile Processing & Certification
What is the CRCST certification and how do I get it?
CRCST stands for Certified Registered Central Service Technician. To earn certification, you must pass the HSPA exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience. Study guides, flashcards, and online courses can help you prepare.
What’s the difference between CRCST and CBSPD certification?
CRCST is offered by HSPA, while CBSPD is a separate organization offering the SPD Technician exam. Both are nationally recognized and require different exam formats and study strategies.
How long does it take to prepare for the sterile processing exam?
Most technicians spend 1–3 months studying for the CRCST or CBSPD exam, depending on experience. Study plans with practice tests and flashcards help speed up learning.
Can I become certified without work experience?
Yes, HSPA offers a provisional CRCST certification if you pass the exam before completing 400 hours. You'll need to complete those hours within 6 months after passing.
Is there a difference between online and in-person sterile processing training?
Online training offers flexibility and self-paced study, while in-person training may include direct hands-on practice. Certification exams are the same regardless of training format.
What is the best way to study for the CRCST exam?
The most effective study methods include using flashcards, practice tests, and structured study guides that follow the HSPA textbook outline.
Are practice tests helpful for passing the sterile processing exam?
Yes, practice exams simulate real test conditions and help identify weak areas. They're one of the best tools for boosting confidence and improving scores.
Does The Sterile Guy offer free CRCST practice tests?
Yes! TheSterileGuy.com offers free CRCST and CBSPD practice exams designed to reflect real test formats and reinforce exam readiness.
Are your study materials updated for the 2025 CRCST exam?
All flashcards, quizzes, and course content are regularly updated to reflect the latest HSPA and CBSPD exam guidelines for 2025.
What does a sterile processing technician do?
Sterile processing technicians clean, sterilize, assemble, and distribute surgical instruments in hospitals and clinics. They're essential for patient safety and infection control.
How much does a sterile processing technician make?
The average salary ranges from $45,000–$55,000 annually, depending on certification, location, and years of experience.
Is sterile processing a good career path?
Yes, it offers strong job stability, opportunities for advancement, and plays a critical role in surgical safety. Certification boosts your chances of getting hired.
What’s included in the Sterile Processing 101 Certification Prep Course?
The SP 101 prep course includes video lessons, a community forum, downloadable worksheets, and full-length practice exams aligned with HSPA exam objectives.
Do I need to buy the HSPA textbook to use your prep materials?
While not required, the HSPA textbook is recommended. My test prep materials are structured to complement it, making studying more efficient.
Are your flashcards a physical product or digital?
My CRCST and CBSPD flashcards are physical. When the physicql product sells out they will become digital.
How do I access my course or practice exams after purchase?
Courses are hosted through the members portal. After checkout, you’ll receive an email with access instructions and login credentials.
Can I study at my own pace?
Yes, all courses and materials are self-paced and accessible 24/7 on desktop and mobile.
Let customers speak for us
from 169 reviewsI’m learning so many things while watching the videos and doing practice tests after each lesson! I was worried about not being able to grasp anything but the tests after each lesson really solidify the information I learned! Thank you so much for this way of teaching!
I purchased the course, the index cards and the extra quizzes. I don't have the book nor did I take any classes or go to any programs. My schedule was too busy, so I self studied with Brandon's incredible bundles. I HIGHLY recommend his course and the extra quizzes were chef's kiss.
PS: the combination of the course outline, the cheat sheets AND the videos is the key to really understanding the material. Thanks Brandon!
Very comprehensive and scholarly presented . Kudos Brandon!
The practice test really helped prepare for the certification test!
Hi these cards are of quality and value easy to learn and just amazing thanks
I just registered class about one week ago, and finished two modules. I have to say this 101 class make the process of preparing the CRCST exam much more easier. I mean each module is kind of short but full of necessary information for the exam and follow up with some practice questions with an answer page. I also have flash cards on the way, cannot wait to see it!!! I am planning to take my exam no later than August probably in the middle of August, hope I can pass it on my first attempt. 🙏
I took my test today for my provisional and I PASSSED! I bought the flash card bundle. I can say honestly your flash cards seem like a lot of hard work went into them. I’ll be honest i didn’t really use them as much but i found your practice test very helpful. I would take them every two weeks and it helped me a lot on my test. So thank you very much.
Taking my CIS in July. These are a very good study guide. Thank You.
I felt pretty confident going into my CIS exam, but I wanted some extra reassurance so I decided to purchase the practice exam. Not only did it give me peace of mind, it also showed me where I could use a little extra last minute studying. The questions felt true to the test and were far better than any of the free study options. 10/10 would recommend!
I really loved this practice exam, it helped me a lot in preparing for my CIS exam. I especially appreciated how the practice exams are linked with the HSPA CIS book, providing page numbers to review whenever you choose an incorrect answer. This feature made it easy to revisit and understand the material better.
I really loved this practice exam, it helped me a lot in preparing for my CER exam. I especially appreciated how the practice exams are linked with the HSPA CER book, providing page numbers to review whenever you choose an incorrect answer. This feature made it easy to revisit and understand the material better.
Fast shipping and excellent customer service..love how informative you are and everything is very detailed on
I will recommend anyone trying to site for his or her endoscopy certificate examination to get the book it will indeed help you thanks
Update: thanks so much I received my digital copy
The practice questions gave me full insight of what will come out of exam. Thanks sterile guy for putting this together. Amazing work. I will. Buy another package again for my CIS.
It's About You!
Hi There, My name is Brandon, also known as "The Sterile Guy." Besides my over 20 years of experience in the fields of Sterile Processing, Surgical Technology, and Infection Prevention, my most important focus is advancing the career fields of Sterile Processing and Surgical Technicians. SPD techs & OR techs are vital to the success of any medical procedure whether in the Operating Room or outlying clinics.
My goal is to equip SPD techs & OR techs with the knowledge, experience, and certifications they need to acquire the pay, benefits, and recognition they deserve. I started off simply producing YouTube videos teaching different aspects of each career field. During that time I was repeatedly asked to create materials to help others learn and achieve certifications. So that is what I did, and that is what this entire website is dedicated to. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have by clicking the message button at the bottom right of the screen and I will get back to you ASAP. Thanks for checking out the website, and I wish you nothing but success! ~Brandon