Sterile Processing Technician Certification

PURPOSE
The Sterile Processing Technician credential is designed to document the essential competencies needed to work in the Sterile Processing Department or Central Processing Department of a hospital or surgery center where surgical instruments and patient care devices and equipment are decontaminated, cleaned, disinfected, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed for use.

AUDIENCE
This credential documents competencies associated with entry-level sterile processing technicians who are important members of the sterile processing team working within the scope of practice of state law and hospital policy.

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN WORKPLACE TASKS:

• Use knowledge of surgical instrumentation and patient care devices to fulfill surgical packages and trays per the surgeon’s preference sheet.
• Process surgical instruments and devices per the manufacturer’s instructions and following established aseptic techniques.
• Process moveable patient equipment for patient care.
• Properly store and manage inventory in the sterile processing setting.
• Use proper medical terminology to communicate with the sterile processing team.
• Follow established infection control protocols in all area of the sterile processing department.

EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Number of Questions in Exam: 100
Total Time: 120 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)