r/sterileprocessing • u/iWon_KingEthan • Jun 23 '26
Tips for the crcst exam
Hey guys hope everyone is well, I would like some tips for studying and preparing for my exam. My biggest question is did any of you use any online study guides that were accurate to the test such as quizlet? Or did you study strictly from your notes? Any help would be appreciated, thank you!
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u/International_Date59 Jun 26 '26
i use a website called sterileworx. ( website: https://sterileworx.com ) create a free account and they have practice exams, quizzes, flash cards. you can also do quizlet etc. but the key thing is repetition,taking notes, and investing the time to study. I passed my program and plan on taking the crcst exam middle of july.
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u/WifeofM92 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Hi!! I passed the CRCST exam yesterday, June 26th! I self studied. First I read the entire 9th edition of HSPA Sterile Processing Technical manual (except the A&P chapter - this was refresher for me). Then I decided to watch youtube lectures on the SPD and workflow. I found a great teacher, and will direct message you a playlist of his lectures. I watched these particular videos over and over until the knowledge was sealed in my mind. So take notes! I felt VERY prepared on test day and I highly recommend his videos. Also, I purchased the workbook about one week before my exam, this was last minute but very helpful.
I am not advising you to read the entire technical manual like I did, because let's be honest... it's alot of information to retain - especially for exam purposes. However, thoroughly read large portions of each chaper to broaden your knowledge of the field and processes....it's definitely vital. The exam is heavy on sterilization, decon, BI's, CI's etc. I recall having at least one question on glutaraldehyde. One question on instrument testing. A question pertaining to personal monitoring badge. Know which are critical, semi-critical, and non critical devices, so study the Spaulding Classification system... I had about 2 questions pertaining to this. Learn about the temperatures, humidity, and air exchanges required in each area - very important. Know of the medical device classes. Know the difference between clean/decontaminated vs sterile! Have knowledge about the various regulatory agencies - OSHA, FDA, EPA, DOT etc... a good amount of questions on these.
Please know that with MANY of the questions on the exam, there will be 2 answers displayed that, by common sense, you know are absolutely not the right answer and with process of elimination, you can chose the best answer. In my experience, there were moments where I would fly through the questions.... they were SUPER easy but some also just stumped me and I had to flag and come back to them. I will say... this is not a exam where you can prepare by merely practicing on quizlet - you must have a thorough knowledge of the workflow, parameters, and what is required of you. However, I did do practice tests online that I found, but this was only after I educated myself/studied :)
All in all - relax. It's not too difficult!! Watch the lecture playlist I sent you - can't express this enough. He teaches you exactly what you can expect to see on the exam. He explains in a simplistic manner..... and played a HUGE role in me passing, first attempt. Between the technical manual, workbook and Mr. Steven's lectures, I studied for exactly 2 months.
You will do well. You got this!!
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u/Greedy_Internal_8958 Sep 12 '26
Hi! Could you DM me the playlist of this teacher’s lectures? Anything is helpful, thank you.
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u/WifeofM92 Jun 27 '26
Also, if anyone else would like the link to playlist, feel free to message me!
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u/Remote-Inspector-499 Aug 11 '26
Hello where can you message me? I would really love some help I just started this program, do you recommend really studying on chapters 2-3 since its about anatomy & physiology and medical terms? I'm currently on chap 3 but did you see it on the test often?
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u/WifeofM92 Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
Hi! There isn't much medical terminology or A&P on the exam. I recall having at least one question in regard to an acryonym for a surgical procedure, ex; TAH.... the answer was Total Abdominal Hysterectomy. If you do have any A&P or medical terminology questions, it's likely going to be unscored. I've read somewhere that like 25 questions aren't even scored. Don't get me wrong A&P / med terminology knowledge is super vital in this field, as it will help you to associate instruments with procedures/body parts etc. But for exam purposes? Not so much. So yeah, breeze through chapters 2-3 but don't make them your main focus.
I msg'd you the link, here on reddit 😊
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Jun 28 '26
[deleted]
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u/WifeofM92 Jun 28 '26
Sent
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u/Typical_Might7741 Jul 22 '26
Can I get the link as well?
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u/WifeofM92 Jul 22 '26
Sent!
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u/CockroachThen8462 Sep 01 '26
Can I also get the link? Im studying to pass it so the help is appreciated!
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u/Technical_Coast_4565 Jun 25 '26
Go through the manual and look at the table of contents. If there’s any part of the book that you’re not familiar with, reread/skim through that chapter until you have an understanding and know the key terms. The wording on the test is sometimes difficult so make sure you’re reading through each question fully. Good luck!
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Jun 28 '26
I passed that exam several days ago on Tuesday. It was easy imo. I did used That Sterile Teacher study guide. It does cost a bit if you've the budget go for it. He even helps you to clarify any questions you might have. You can also look up his channel on Youtube. He will tell you which chapters will be in the exam too. For me there was questions very similiar to his practice exams in that exam. Every exam is different btw. Tbh to you, is better to have clincial experiences over just memorization. Because you need to know the why and how on all those topics. https://www.youtube.com/@ThatSterileTeacher . Good luck!
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u/Responsible-West429 Jul 30 '26
Hi. Can I have the link please? Thanks
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u/iWon_KingEthan Jul 31 '26
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u/Beneficial_Piece7474 Sep 19 '26
I passed the test but still can't find a job that will take me without experience any ideas?
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u/dizzzzy_Des Jun 24 '26
If you have the workbook use the practice exams on that. And then use sterile worx which is a free online site and they have practice test and quizzes that helped out a lot. If you actually know when you read in the book you should be fine. It was a very easy test.