This test is designed to help you prepare for the CRCST exam by assessing your knowledge of key concepts, procedures, and best practices in sterile processing.
The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as infection control, decontamination, sterilization methods, instrumentation, and regulatory standards.
Take your time, read each question carefully, and choose the best answer.
Good luck!
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Request InfoSterile Processing Technician Certification (CRCST) Practice Test
Congratulations - you have completed Sterile Processing Technician Certification (CRCST) Practice Test.
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Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1 |
What is the primary purpose of sterile processing?
To clean surgical instruments | |
To ensure patient safety by providing sterile equipment | |
To organize operating rooms | |
To dispose of medical waste |
Question 2 |
Which of the following is the first step in the sterile processing cycle?
Sterilization | |
Decontamination | |
Packaging | |
Inspection |
Question 3 |
What is the recommended temperature range for enzymatic cleaners used in decontamination?
70°F–85°F | |
100°F–140°F | |
150°F–180°F | |
200°F–212°F |
Question 4 |
Which of the following is NOT a type of sterilization method?
Steam sterilization | |
Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization | |
Ultrasonic cleaning | |
Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization |
Question 5 |
What is the minimum exposure time for steam sterilization at 270°F (132°C)?
3 minutes | |
10 minutes | |
15 minutes | |
30 minutes |
Question 6 |
Which of the following is a biological indicator used to monitor sterilization?
Chemical indicator tape | |
Bacillus stearothermophilus | |
pH test strips | |
Autoclave log sheets |
Question 7 |
What is the purpose of a chemical indicator in sterilization?
To confirm the presence of microorganisms | |
To verify that sterilization conditions were met | |
To clean surgical instruments | |
To monitor humidity levels |
Question 8 |
Which of the following is a common cause of sterilization failure?
Proper packaging | |
Adequate steam penetration | |
Overloading the sterilizer | |
Correct temperature and pressure |
Question 9 |
What is the recommended relative humidity level for ethylene oxide sterilization?
20%–40% | |
40%–60% | |
60%–80% | |
80%–100% |
Question 10 |
Which of the following instruments is classified as critical?
Blood pressure cuff | |
Surgical scalpel | |
Stethoscope | |
Bedpan |
Question 11 |
What is the purpose of a lumens brush during cleaning?
To polish instruments | |
To remove debris from inside tubes and channels | |
To test for leaks | |
To apply lubricant |
Question 12 |
Which of the following is a recommended practice for handling contaminated instruments?
Wear gloves and a face shield | |
Rinse instruments in cold water immediately | |
Use bare hands to sort instruments | |
Store instruments in open trays |
Question 13 |
What is the maximum acceptable soil level on instruments before sterilization?
0% | |
5% | |
10% | |
20% |
Question 14 |
Which of the following is a characteristic of a Class III medical device?
Low risk to the patient | |
Moderate risk to the patient | |
High risk to the patient | |
No risk to the patient |
Question 15 |
What is the purpose of a Bowie-Dick test?
To check for air removal in steam sterilizers | |
To monitor ethylene oxide levels | |
To test the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaners | |
To measure water hardness |
Question 16 |
Which of the following is a common use for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization?
Metal instruments | |
Heat-sensitive devices | |
Glassware | |
Textiles |
Question 17 |
What is the recommended shelf life for a sterile package stored in a controlled environment?
7 days | |
30 days | |
6 months | |
Event-related |
Question 18 |
Which of the following is a key component of an infection control program?
Regular staff training | |
Weekly cleaning of floors | |
Monthly instrument inspections | |
Annual equipment calibration |
Question 19 |
What is the primary function of a washer-disinfector?
To sterilize instruments | |
To clean and disinfect instruments | |
To package instruments | |
To inspect instruments |
Question 20 |
Which of the following is a recommended practice for labeling sterile packages?
Use permanent markers | |
Include the date of sterilization | |
Write the patient’s name on the package | |
Use abbreviations to save space |
Question 21 |
What is the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)?
To provide information on chemical hazards | |
To track instrument usage | |
To monitor sterilization cycles | |
To record employee training |
Question 22 |
Which of the following is a common cause of instrument corrosion?
Proper drying | |
Use of neutral pH detergents | |
Exposure to saline solutions | |
Regular maintenance |
Question 23 |
What is the recommended air exchange rate for a decontamination area?
5 air changes per hour | |
10 air changes per hour | |
15 air changes per hour | |
20 air changes per hour |
Question 24 |
Which of the following is a characteristic of a semi-critical instrument?
Contacts sterile tissue | |
Contacts mucous membranes | |
Contacts non-intact skin | |
Does not contact the patient |
Question 25 |
What is the primary purpose of a pre-vacuum sterilizer?
To reduce cycle time | |
To increase humidity levels | |
To decrease temperature | |
To eliminate the need for packaging |
Question 26 |
Which of the following is a recommended practice for loading a sterilizer?
Place heavy items on top | |
Overlap packages to save space | |
Arrange items to allow steam penetration | |
Mix different types of instruments in one load |
Question 27 |
What is the purpose of a biological monitoring service?
To test the effectiveness of sterilization | |
To clean instruments | |
To package instruments | |
To inspect instruments |
Question 28 |
Which of the following is a common use for peracetic acid sterilization?
Metal instruments | |
Heat-sensitive devices | |
Glassware | |
Textiles |
Question 29 |
What is the recommended temperature for storing sterile packages?
50°F–60°F | |
60°F–70°F | |
70°F–80°F | |
80°F–90°F |
Question 30 |
Which of the following is a key principle of the aseptic technique?
Minimizing contamination | |
Maximizing airflow | |
Using tap water for cleaning | |
Wearing jewelry during procedures |
Question 31 |
What is the purpose of a peel pouch in sterile processing?
To store contaminated instruments | |
To package single instruments for sterilization | |
To clean instruments | |
To test sterilization effectiveness |
Question 32 |
Which of the following is a common cause of wet packs after sterilization?
Proper drying time | |
Overloading the sterilizer | |
Correct water temperature | |
Adequate steam quality |
Question 33 |
What is the recommended pH range for detergents used in sterile processing?
1–3 | |
5–7 | |
8–10 | |
12–14 |
Question 34 |
Which of the following is a recommended practice for handling sharps?
Dispose of sharps in regular trash | |
Use a puncture-resistant container | |
Recap needles before disposal | |
Store sharps in open trays |
Question 35 |
What is the primary purpose of a traffic control system in sterile processing?
To separate clean and dirty areas | |
To increase workflow efficiency | |
To reduce staff training | |
To monitor sterilization cycles |
Question 36 |
Which of the following is a characteristic of a non-critical instrument?
Contacts sterile tissue | |
Contacts mucous membranes | |
Contacts intact skin | |
Does not contact the patient |
Question 37 |
What is the purpose of a leak test for flexible endoscopes?
To check for holes or damage | |
To clean the endoscope | |
To sterilize the endoscope | |
To package the endoscope |
Question 38 |
Which of the following is commonly used for dry heat sterilization?
Metal instruments | |
Heat-sensitive devices | |
Glassware | |
Textiles |
Question 39 |
What is the recommended concentration for enzymatic cleaners?
1%–2% | |
5%–10% | |
15%–20% | |
25%–30% |
Question 40 |
Which of the following is a recommended practice for inspecting instruments?
Use a magnifying glass | |
Inspect only after sterilization | |
Ignore minor defects | |
Skip inspection for frequently used instruments |
Question 41 |
What is the primary purpose of a sterilization wrap?
To protect instruments during transport | |
To allow steam penetration during sterilization | |
To clean instruments | |
To test sterilization effectiveness |
Question 42 |
Which of the following is a common cause of staining on instruments?
Proper cleaning | |
Use of distilled water | |
Exposure to hard water | |
Regular maintenance |
Question 43 |
What is the recommended practice for handling damaged instruments?
Continue using them | |
Repair them in-house | |
Remove them from service | |
Dispose of them in regular trash |
Question 44 |
Which of the following is a key component of a quality assurance program?
Regular staff training | |
Weekly cleaning of floors | |
Monthly instrument inspections | |
Annual equipment calibration |
Question 45 |
What is the purpose of a sterilization log?
To track instrument usage | |
To record sterilization cycles | |
To clean instruments | |
To package instruments |
Question 46 |
Which of the following is a recommended practice for storing sterile packages?
Store on the floor | |
Store in a clean, dry area | |
Store in direct sunlight | |
Store in open shelves |
Question 47 |
What is the primary purpose of a water quality test in sterile processing?
To ensure proper cleaning | |
To monitor sterilization cycles | |
To test instrument functionality | |
To package instruments |
Question 48 |
Which of the following is a common cause of instrument pitting?
Proper drying | |
Use of neutral pH detergents | |
Exposure to saline solutions | |
Regular maintenance |
Question 49 |
What is the recommended practice for handling biohazardous waste?
Dispose of it in regular trash | |
Use a puncture-resistant container | |
Store it in open trays | |
Ignore it |
Question 50 |
Which of the following is a key principle of ergonomics in sterile processing?
Minimizing contamination | |
Maximizing airflow | |
Reducing physical strain on workers | |
Using tap water for cleaning |
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect.
There are 50 questions to complete.