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Herzing University

Is the sterile processing certification exam hard?

According to HSPA, out of 8,056 CRCST exams taken in 2021, 75% passed the test. The exam is not a walk in the park! You’ll need to be well-prepared both academically and professionally to pass the exam and become certified.

The computer-based CRCST exam is 3 hours, containing 150 multiple choice questions testing your knowledge of cleaning, decontamination, disinfection, patient care equipment, sterilization process, and more.

Get educated, study hard, and you’ll be in the best possible position to pass the exam and become certified.

How can you go from sterile processing to surgical technologist?

Our sterile processing program is designed to transition easily into a surgical technology associate degree program. Knowledge and skills learned in a sterile processing diploma curriculum closely applies to similar roles and responsibilities as a surgical technologist.

Every state has their own requirements, but in general surgical technologists typically have greater minimum requirements for education and certification. Earning an associate degree in surgical technology is considered the preferred educational model for entry-level positions by the Associate of Surgical Technologists (AST).

If you live in New Orleans, you can transfer credit earned in our diploma program into an associate degree in surgical technology, currently offered at our New Orleans campus.