CSPHP - Certified in Sterile Processing and Distribution Practice Test
Build your confidence for CSPHP - Certified in Sterile Processing and Distribution. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.
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3 hours
Time Limit
CBSPD140 practice questions
Exam overview and details
The Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution (CSPHP) credential is the industry-recognized standard of excellence for professionals responsible for the critical reprocessing of medical devices and surgical instrumentation. This certification validates a comprehensive mastery of the entire sterile processing workflow, from decontamination and inspection to sterilization, storage, and distribution. Earning the CSPHP demonstrates to employers, surgeons, and accreditation bodies that a technician possesses the advanced knowledge required to ensure patient safety, prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and maintain strict compliance with complex regulatory standards. Certified professionals are equipped to manage high-risk devices, troubleshoot sterilization failures, and implement robust quality assurance programs, directly contributing to positive surgical outcomes and operational efficiency within healthcare facilities. The CSPHP is not merely a test of knowledge but a mark of professional commitment to the highest standards of aseptic technique and patient care.
Sample Questions
Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.
Roles and Responsibilities
A neurosurgery tray is returned from a patient later placed on a Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease rule-out pathway. The tray has not yet entered the washer. The charge technician asks how to proceed.
Life Science
A urology tray is requested for a ureteral stent procedure. A new picker confuses ureteral with uterine and pulls a gynecology specialty set instead.
Roles and Responsibilities
A facility changes to a new enzymatic detergent. The old product was neutral pH, but the new IFU requires a different dilution and contact time. Staff continue using the old wall-chart settings.
Roles and Responsibilities
An assembler arrives with artificial nails and a wristwatch, then begins packaging ophthalmic instruments. The employee says gloves prevent contamination of the sets.
Life Science
A technician asks why a prion-exposed instrument cannot be treated like a tray contaminated with ordinary bacteria. Both look clean after manual washing.
Exam insights and study advice
Achieving the CSPHP certification is a pivotal career milestone that signifies professional credibility, technical expertise, and a dedication to patient safety. In an increasingly regulated healthcare environment, this credential is often a prerequisite for supervisory and management roles within Sterile Processing Departments (SPD). It distinguishes certified technicians as subject matter experts, leading to greater recognition from surgical teams, increased earning potential, and enhanced job security. For healthcare organizations, employing CSPHP-certified staff is a key indicator of quality to accrediting bodies like The Joint Commission and AAMI, demonstrating a proactive commitment to reducing surgical site infections and medical errors. This certification transforms a technical role into a recognized clinical profession with a direct impact on public health.
What this exam covers
Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.
01Decontamination and Disinfection
Topics
- Types of chemicals and their uses (e.g., detergents, environmental disinfectants, enzymatics, germicides, pH). Knowledge of water quality and its impact on detergents and rinsing.
- Safe Use of high-level disinfectants (e.g., Trophon, ortho-phthalaldehyde) and sterilant chemicals (e.g., peracetic acid). (PPE, rinsing, disposal of chemicals, concentration, expiration date, level of disinfection, temperature, contact time).
- Documentation for HLD including items processed, MEC testing, QA testing of test strips, temperature of solution, etc.
- Standard Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment used in the Decontamination Area, donning and doffing PPE
- Operation, maintenance, and testing of decontamination equipment (e.g., washer/decontaminator, sonic lumen cleaners, cart washers, ultrasonic cleaners, etc.) Loading and unloading procedures for washers and sonics, positioning of devices; degassing of sonics, checking spray arms in washers, etc. Water quality testing and documentation of test results.
- Methods of sorting, cleaning, disinfecting, and decontaminating instruments, lumens, rigid container systems and equipment. Use, maintenance, and inspection of cleaning implements. Manual cleaning protocols. Processing of instruments used on chemotherapy agents.
- Factors affecting decontamination (e.g., procedures, water quality, water impurities, opening and disassembling instruments and devices). Frequency of changing of enzyme soak and sonic solutions. Dilution of detergents and cleaning agents.
- Protection of devices from re-contamination after high level disinfection.
- Basic care and handling of instruments and equipment during cleaning. Includes using gloves when instruments only sonic cleaned, TASS precautions.
Learning objectives
- Types of chemicals and their uses (e.g., detergents, environmental disinfectants, enzymatics, germicides, pH). Knowledge of water quality and its impact on detergents and rinsing.
- Safe Use of high-level disinfectants (e.g., Trophon, ortho-phthalaldehyde) and sterilant chemicals (e.g., peracetic acid). (PPE, rinsing, disposal of chemicals, concentration, expiration date, level of disinfection, temperature, contact time).
- Documentation for HLD including items processed, MEC testing, QA testing of test strips, temperature of solution, etc.
- Standard Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment used in the Decontamination Area, donning and doffing PPE
- Operation, maintenance, and testing of decontamination equipment (e.g., washer/decontaminator, sonic lumen cleaners, cart washers, ultrasonic cleaners, etc.) Loading and unloading procedures for washers and sonics, positioning of devices; degassing of sonics, checking spray arms in washers, etc. Water quality testing and documentation of test results.
- Methods of sorting, cleaning, disinfecting, and decontaminating instruments, lumens, rigid container systems and equipment. Use, maintenance, and inspection of cleaning implements. Manual cleaning protocols. Processing of instruments used on chemotherapy agents.
- Factors affecting decontamination (e.g., procedures, water quality, water impurities, opening and disassembling instruments and devices). Frequency of changing of enzyme soak and sonic solutions. Dilution of detergents and cleaning agents.
- Protection of devices from re-contamination after high level disinfection.
- Basic care and handling of instruments and equipment during cleaning. Includes using gloves when instruments only sonic cleaned, TASS precautions.
02Sterilization
Topics
- Types of sterilizers and methods of sterilization (e.g., steam, gas plasma, EtO, dry heat, hydrogen peroxide-ozone, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide, etc.)
- Sterilization cycles and parameters for each sterilization methodology (e.g., time, temperature, concentration, steam under pressure, humidity). Sterility assurance levels.
- Quality assurance testing of sterilizers; includes Bowie-Dick tests, biological tests, leak tests, etc. Purpose, types, interpretation and documentation of sterilization printouts, charts, biological indicators, chemical indicators, and chemical integrators. Includes temp of incubators, documentation of biological and chemical indicators/integrators; signing and interpretation of sterilizer printouts, keeping records neat; saving records. Documentation of load contents and load information (e.g., time, temperature, cycle, etc.).
- Operation of sterilizers including loading and unloading criteria and procedures for all types of sterilization methods. Includes cooling of packs
- Lot control and record keeping for all methods of sterilization including documentation of load contents, date and lot number, etc. on sterilization log. Including types of lot control labels for all sterilization methods and time related versus event related labels.
- Procedures for wet packs (e.g., causes, resolution).
- Cleaning procedures for various sterilization equipment.
- Recall procedures for items sterilized within the facility or purchased from an outside manufacturer.
Learning objectives
- Types of sterilizers and methods of sterilization (e.g., steam, gas plasma, EtO, dry heat, hydrogen peroxide-ozone, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide, etc.)
- Sterilization cycles and parameters for each sterilization methodology (e.g., time, temperature, concentration, steam under pressure, humidity). Sterility assurance levels.
- Quality assurance testing of sterilizers; includes Bowie-Dick tests, biological tests, leak tests, etc. Purpose, types, interpretation and documentation of sterilization printouts, charts, biological indicators, chemical indicators, and chemical integrators. Includes temp of incubators, documentation of biological and chemical indicators/integrators; signing and interpretation of sterilizer printouts, keeping records neat; saving records. Documentation of load contents and load information (e.g., time, temperature, cycle, etc.).
- Operation of sterilizers including loading and unloading criteria and procedures for all types of sterilization methods. Includes cooling of packs
- Lot control and record keeping for all methods of sterilization including documentation of load contents, date and lot number, etc. on sterilization log. Including types of lot control labels for all sterilization methods and time related versus event related labels.
- Procedures for wet packs (e.g., causes, resolution).
- Cleaning procedures for various sterilization equipment.
- Recall procedures for items sterilized within the facility or purchased from an outside manufacturer.
03Preparation and Handling
Topics
- Instrument terminology and anatomy (e.g., jaws, shanks, box locks, rings).
- Types and functions of instruments (e.g., General, GYN, ENT, endoscopic, power, GU, Neuro, Orthopedics, Dental, Plastic, Cardiovascular, Thoracic, microsurgical, robotic). Identification of surgical instruments by proper name. How instruments are used (instrument use in specific types of surgery).
- Types of instrument construction (e.g., finish, composition).
- Basic principles of packaging and set configuration. Includes labeling of sets. Avoiding damage to sets. Labeling of packages, use of instrument air, use of tip protectors
- Use and characteristics of packaging materials in relationship to sterilization methods. Includes paper-plastic pouches, Tyvek pouches, woven and non-woven wraps, rigid containers, dust covers; inspection of packaging/containers
- Inspection and testing procedures for surgical instruments and equipment (including lap instruments). Documentation of insulation testing, frequency of testing.
- Tray construction (e.g., size, shape, density, weight) and configuration of instruments on sets.
- Methods and products used to monitor sterilization (e.g., integrators, chemical indicators) for trays, packs and rigid containers.
- Care, handling of instruments to include use of instrument lubricant, handling of implants, receipt of new instruments, storage of non-sterile instruments, etc.
- Tamper evident seals and package closures (e.g., sterilization tape, its application and use).
Learning objectives
- Instrument terminology and anatomy (e.g., jaws, shanks, box locks, rings).
- Types and functions of instruments (e.g., General, GYN, ENT, endoscopic, power, GU, Neuro, Orthopedics, Dental, Plastic, Cardiovascular, Thoracic, microsurgical, robotic). Identification of surgical instruments by proper name. How instruments are used (instrument use in specific types of surgery).
- Types of instrument construction (e.g., finish, composition).
- Basic principles of packaging and set configuration. Includes labeling of sets. Avoiding damage to sets. Labeling of packages, use of instrument air, use of tip protectors
- Use and characteristics of packaging materials in relationship to sterilization methods. Includes paper-plastic pouches, Tyvek pouches, woven and non-woven wraps, rigid containers, dust covers; inspection of packaging/containers
- Inspection and testing procedures for surgical instruments and equipment (including lap instruments). Documentation of insulation testing, frequency of testing.
- Tray construction (e.g., size, shape, density, weight) and configuration of instruments on sets.
- Methods and products used to monitor sterilization (e.g., integrators, chemical indicators) for trays, packs and rigid containers.
- Care, handling of instruments to include use of instrument lubricant, handling of implants, receipt of new instruments, storage of non-sterile instruments, etc.
- Tamper evident seals and package closures (e.g., sterilization tape, its application and use).
04Roles and Responsibilities
Topics
- Potential workplace hazards (e.g., wet floors, Fires, electrical outlets, EtO, fumes, body fluids, microorganisms, sharps, latex allergy, medical waste).
- Ergonomic considerations and body mechanics.
- Policies and procedures related to sterile processing functions (e.g., Safety, Infection Control, Disaster, incident reports, QA).
- Federal, state, and local guidelines, standards, and regulations (e.g., OSHA, FDA, CDC, EPA). Includes quarantine of implants, SDS, medical and biohazardous waste
- Professional standards related to personal hygiene and dress codes.
- Function and workflow/traffic flow of the sterile processing department.
- Processes for loaner instrumentation.
- Compliance with manufacturer’s instructions for use (includes chemicals, instrument cleaning, assembly, and sterilization equipment)
- Procedures for handling CJD contaminated instruments, supplies and equipment.
- Signs and symbols in IFUs and packaging.
Learning objectives
- Potential workplace hazards (e.g., wet floors, Fires, electrical outlets, EtO, fumes, body fluids, microorganisms, sharps, latex allergy, medical waste).
- Ergonomic considerations and body mechanics.
- Policies and procedures related to sterile processing functions (e.g., Safety, Infection Control, Disaster, incident reports, QA).
- Federal, state, and local guidelines, standards, and regulations (e.g., OSHA, FDA, CDC, EPA). Includes quarantine of implants, SDS, medical and biohazardous waste
- Professional standards related to personal hygiene and dress codes.
- Function and workflow/traffic flow of the sterile processing department.
- Processes for loaner instrumentation.
- Compliance with manufacturer’s instructions for use (includes chemicals, instrument cleaning, assembly, and sterilization equipment)
- Procedures for handling CJD contaminated instruments, supplies and equipment.
- Signs and symbols in IFUs and packaging.
05Sterile Storage, Inventory Management and Distribution
Topics
- Factors that affect shelf life (e.g., packaging materials, moisture, damage, excessive handling).
- Storage requirements and shelving design (e.g., environmental conditions -humidity, air exchange, placement).
- Stock rotation (e.g., FIFO).
- Inventory management in sterile storage.
- Distribution systems (e.g., case carts, code carts, specialty carts).
- Receiving systems (e.g., corrugated boxes, breakout, containers).
- Procedures for tracking usage and location of specialty carts.
Learning objectives
- Factors that affect shelf life (e.g., packaging materials, moisture, damage, excessive handling).
- Storage requirements and shelving design (e.g., environmental conditions -humidity, air exchange, placement).
- Stock rotation (e.g., FIFO).
- Inventory management in sterile storage.
- Distribution systems (e.g., case carts, code carts, specialty carts).
- Receiving systems (e.g., corrugated boxes, breakout, containers).
- Procedures for tracking usage and location of specialty carts.
06Life Science
Topics
- Microbiology related to cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing, including biofilm
- Factors in disease transmission and modes of cross transmission (e.g., blood, skin, air). Body’s defenses against infection, handwashing
- Types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus, prions).
- Microbial growth conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity).
- Basic anatomy and physiology.
Learning objectives
- Microbiology related to cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing, including biofilm
- Factors in disease transmission and modes of cross transmission (e.g., blood, skin, air). Body’s defenses against infection, handwashing
- Types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus, prions).
- Microbial growth conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity).
- Basic anatomy and physiology.
07Ethics
Topics
- Compliance with regulatory standards, best practices, procedures and/or guidelines that impact on patient, employee or environmental safety, reporting instances of non-compliance.
- Professional behavior (e.g., non-compliance with dress code; disruptive behavior; theft; willful damage to equipment/property).
Learning objectives
- Compliance with regulatory standards, best practices, procedures and/or guidelines that impact on patient, employee or environmental safety, reporting instances of non-compliance.
- Professional behavior (e.g., non-compliance with dress code; disruptive behavior; theft; willful damage to equipment/property).
08Patient Care Equipment
Topics
- Collection, processing, and reassembly of patient care equipment. Tracking usage and location of patient care equipment.
- Disinfection, storage, and distribution of patient care equipment
- Types of patient care equipment and their use.
Learning objectives
- Collection, processing, and reassembly of patient care equipment. Tracking usage and location of patient care equipment.
- Disinfection, storage, and distribution of patient care equipment
- Types of patient care equipment and their use.
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