Format
| Part | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CRCST exam | 150 | 180 minutes |
Passing and requirements
Computer-based, 150 multiple-choice questions in three hours at a Prometric testing center. 125 of the 150 questions are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions (HSPA Certification Handbook, January 2026). HSPA does not publish a passing score; candidates also need 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience (within six months of passing for provisional certification).
What's on it
Common questions
How many questions are on the real CRCST exam?
150 multiple-choice questions in three hours at a Prometric testing center.
Do I need my 400 hours before I take the exam?
No. You can test first and get provisional status, then complete your 400 hands-on hours within six months.
Is the free mock exam really free?
Yes. No account and no card. You get your score, a breakdown by domain and an explanation for every question.
Which edition do you follow?
HSPA's current content outline (revised November 2023) and the 9th edition of the technical manual.
More about the CRCST
- CRCST practice test
- How to pass the CRCST: a 6-week plan
- The 400 hours, explained
- Renewal and CE credits
- CRCST vs CBSPD
- How to become a sterile processing technician