Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Sterile Processing Technician
CIP Code: 51.1012 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness across the Central Sterile/Sterile Processing department workflow. Certified Sterile Processing Technicians perform safe decontamination, inspection and assembly, instrument identification and care, packaging and sterilization, biological/chemical monitoring, storage and distribution, documentation, and collaboration with the OR—all under established standards and facility policies.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $265 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Scope & Safety
Role focuses on the reprocessing lifecycle: point-of-use care, transport, decontamination, inspection/assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution. Independent clinical diagnosis or intraoperative decision-making is outside this scope.
Job Description
Receives and tracks instruments; performs manual/automated cleaning and disinfection; inspects, assembles, and lubricates instruments; packages and labels sets; operates and monitors sterilizers; interprets biological and chemical indicators; maintains sterility assurance; rotates and issues case carts; communicates with the OR; documents per policy; follows infection prevention and occupational safety practices.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a sterile processing/central service or allied health program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited hospital/ASC; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable sterile processing experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook. Facility and state requirements may apply for specific tasks or machine operations.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Decontamination & Workflow (PPE, transport, cleaning) | 20% | ~25 |
| Instrumentation ID, Inspection & Care | 18% | ~22 |
| Packaging & Sterilization Methods (steam, low-temp, H2O2, EO) | 22% | ~27 |
| Sterilizer Operation & Monitoring (BI/CI, parameters, release) | 15% | ~19 |
| Storage, Rotation & Distribution (case carts, event-related) | 10% | ~12 |
| Infection Prevention, Regulations & Documentation | 15% | ~19 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $265 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
© NHWCA – National Healthcare Workers Certification Association. All rights reserved.