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Top Industry Certifications for Sterile Processing Technicians

By: Jenn Hall | February 2026

Sterile processing technicians are defenders of patient safety, fighting against infections by ensuring surgical and other medical equipment is meticulously cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized. Whether working in a hospital, outpatient surgical center, or other specialized medical facility, sterile processing technicians must have the necessary education and training, as well as one or more industry certifications to ensure they remain current on best practices and proper procedures.

Some of the top industry certifications for sterile processing technicians include:

Certification Eligibility and Certification Details Where to go for more information
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) To be eligible for the CRCST, you must:
  • 400 hours of hands-on experience within the past 5 years for full certification OR within six months of passing the exam for provisional certification.
  • Pass the certification exam.
⭐ Did you know: If you complete the Sterile Processing Technician program through U.S. Career Institute, exam fees are INCLUDED in your tuition!

Valid for one (1) year (requires 12 CE credits). 		MYHSPA.ORG
USCI School
Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) Meet ONE requirement:
  • Completion of a training program.
  • 12 months of full-time employment in SP.
  • 6 months related allied health + SP activities.
  • 12 months in healthcare product sales (SP related).

After passing the exam, your CSPDT certification will be valid for five (5) years, at which point you will need to recertify.

CBSPD
Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) Meet ONE requirement:
  • 24 months experience as SP manager/supervisor.
  • 24 months allied health + 24 months SP + management course.
  • 36 months SP technician + management course.
Valid for five (5) years. 		CSPM
Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) To earn your CER:
  • Complete 3 months of hands-on experience.
  • Pass the certification exam.
Valid for one year (requires 6 CE credits). 		MYHSPA.ORG
Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFES) Meet ONE requirement:
  • 12 months experience processing flexible endoscopes.
  • Completion of training program (8-16 hours) + 6 months experience.
  • 12 months in GI/Endoscopy sales.
Valid for five (5) years. 		CFES
Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) Must have CRCST plus:
  • 200 hours hands-on experience in the past 5 years.
  • Pass the CIS exam.
Valid for one year (requires 6 CE credits + maintain CRCST). 		CIS
Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS) Must have CSPDT plus ONE:
  • Completion of processing course + 12 months experience.
  • 24 months OR surgical instrument processing.
  • 24 months surgical instrument sales.
Valid for five (5) years. 		CSIS

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