Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile processing technicians are integral members of the healthcare team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility.

Certified Sterile Processing Technician Facts

DC Registration Required? 

Projected DC Annual Job Openings  

40*

Average DC Yearly Salary

$56,640*

Certifiying Bodies, Examinations, and Requirements

There are several examinations that can be taken to become a sterile processing technician. Learn more about certification organizations and their requirements:

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Exam

Complete a minimum of 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department prior to testing: Decontamination (120 Hours), Preparing & Packaging Instruments (120 Hours), Sterilization & Disinfection (96 Hours), Storage & Distribution (24 Hours), Quality Assurance Processes (24 Hours), Equipment (16 Hours).
Pay $165 application and submission fee.
Maintain certification with 12 hours of continuing education each year.

Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) Exam

Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician Training Course, with a passing grade of 70 or higher; OR
Completion of 6 months (each) of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours in related allied health (clinical healthcare profession). as well as, performing SPD activities in SPD; OR
Completion of 12 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours performing SPD activities; OR
Completion of 12 months of healthcare product sales or service related to the SPD profession.
Pay $128 exam fee.
Maintain certification with 100 continuing education points every 5 years.

Current DC Healthcare Academy Training Programs

Surgical Technician

Fall 2025: The GW Health Network

Learn More

*Projected Annual Openings are based on regional O-NET data for nursing assistants from 2020-2030 and projected openings Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9099.02?

*Average yearly salary is based on regional O-NET data for nursing assistants https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9099.02?zip=20001