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General information about credentialing, not career, legal or medical advice. Facts checked against the credentialing bodies’ official pages on 2026-10-31.
Short answer
Two organizations credential sterile processing technicians in the United States: the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly IAHCSMM) issues the CRCST, and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) issues the CSPDT. CIS and CHL are not entry credentials: they are HSPA add-ons that require a current CRCST. CER, for endoscope reprocessing, is a separate HSPA certification.
Definition and scope
A sterile processing technician certification is a credential showing that a person has met a certifying body’s requirements for working in a sterile processing department (SPD), the area of a hospital or clinic that cleans, decontaminates, assembles and sterilizes reusable medical devices. This page compares the credentials by what each body states about them. It does not describe how devices are reprocessed, and it does not say which credential an employer or state requires.
How the credentials are structured in practice
HSPA: CRCST, then CIS and CHL
HSPA describes the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) as the introductory certification for sterile processing professionals, for entry-level and existing technicians. It describes the CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist) as a secondary certification for surgical instrumentation, and the CHL (Certified Healthcare Leader) as a secondary certification for sterile processing management, covering the skills to lead a department. The CER (Certified Endoscope Reprocessor) is listed as a core certification for reprocessing endoscopes.
HSPA states that a current CRCST is required to take the CIS and CHL exams. After the CRCST, the CIS and CHL can be pursued in either order. This is why searches for “CIS certification sterile processing” and “CHL certification sterile processing” lead to the same HSPA path as the CRCST rather than to separate entry routes.
CBSPD: the CSPDT
CBSPD’s Technician exam is designed for SPD technicians working in a hospital setting and is NCCA-accredited. Those who pass may use the title CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician). CBSPD also lists other certifications (GI Scope, Management and Vendor). CBSPD does not issue CIS or CHL, which belong to HSPA.
Eligibility compared
The two bodies set different gates. This table uses only what each body states officially.
| Item | HSPA CRCST | CBSPD CSPDT |
|---|---|---|
| Experience gate | 400 hours of hands-on experience, mandatory for all applicants | Meet one of four routes before the deadline (below) |
| Can you sit the exam first? | Yes. Hours must be documented within six months of passing (provisional certification); otherwise the certification is revoked and the person must retest | Eligibility is met before the deadline |
| Exam size | Not covered here | 150 questions including 25 unscored pretest questions |
| Accreditation noted | Not covered here | NCCA-accredited (Technician exam) |
CBSPD’s four alternative routes to eligibility (meet one):
- 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) SPD work, verified by a manager;
- 6 months of full-time-equivalent related allied health work plus SPD work;
- completion of a Sterile Processing Technician Training Course with a passing grade of 70 or higher;
- 12 months of healthcare product sales or service related to SPD, signed by the employer.
For the CRCST, HSPA says that if a person already working or volunteering in a department asks, through a supervisor, manager or educator, before the provisional period expires, a one-time two-month extension is possible. Fees are charged by both bodies; HSPA says the application fee covers processing and one exam attempt, with retakes costing extra.
Keeping the credential current
HSPA certifications are valid for one year. Renewal is due no later than the last day of the anniversary month of the certification, and all HSPA certifications depend on completing annual continuing education (CE) credits. Holding more than one HSPA certification means additional CE for each, and HSPA states that the annual renewal processing fee is inclusive of all certifications held.
CBSPD states that one fee covers certification or recertification for five years.
Where it matters for sterile processing departments and supply decisions
Departments that reprocess reusable devices rely on trained staff as well as on equipment. The related CASRAI guide on sterile processing department equipment purchasing covers the equipment side. For endoscope work specifically, see endoscope reprocessing, and for the infection-control role that sets reprocessing expectations, see infection preventionist. Sterilization parameters are covered in autoclave sterilization temperature.
A practical checklist for a hiring lab, clinic or department, drawn from the differences above:
- Ask which credential the employer or accrediting body names, CRCST or CSPDT. Neither body states that the two are interchangeable.
- For a technician who is not yet certified, note that the CRCST has a documented 400-hour hands-on requirement, while the CSPDT accepts several routes, including a training course.
- For instrument specialist or leadership roles, confirm the person holds a current CRCST, since CIS and CHL depend on it.
- Track renewal dates per person: HSPA anniversary-month annual renewals with CE, versus CBSPD’s five-year cycle.
Common misunderstandings
- “CIS and CHL are alternatives to the CRCST.” They are not; HSPA requires a current CRCST to take either.
- “CSPDT and CRCST are the same credential from one body.” They come from different organizations with different eligibility rules.
- “You must have the hours before you can take the CRCST exam.” HSPA allows the exam first, with the 400 hours documented within six months of passing.
- “A certification is permanent.” HSPA credentials need annual renewal with CE; CBSPD’s fee covers five years.
FAQ
What is the difference between CRCST and CSPDT?
CRCST is HSPA’s introductory certification for sterile processing staff. CSPDT is the title for those who pass CBSPD’s Technician exam. They differ in issuing body, eligibility routes and renewal cycle, as compared above.
Is CIS or CHL certification an entry-level credential?
No. HSPA calls both secondary certifications and requires a current CRCST to take either exam.
How long does a sterile processing certification last?
HSPA certifications are valid for one year and renew with annual CE. CBSPD states its fee covers certification or recertification for five years.
Does the CRCST require work experience?
Yes: 400 hours of hands-on experience, documented within six months of passing if the exam is taken first.
Sources
- HSPA, Certification overview, checked 2026-10-31.
- HSPA, Become certified, checked 2026-10-31.
- HSPA, Stay certified, checked 2026-10-31.
- CBSPD, Technician certification, checked 2026-10-31.
- CBSPD, Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, checked 2026-10-31.
