Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the course and what to do after the course.
Before Taking the Course
Yes! Because all lectures are recorded, you can join even after the start date and quickly catch up by watching previous sessions. Many of our successful graduates have started mid-session. or you can join our Self Paced Course which has everything Available NOW no waiting for LIVE lecture because everything is pre-recorded.
Register Here
Our comprehensive program prepares you for both the CSPDT certification (through CBSPD) and the CRCST certification (through HSPA). Our course completion certificate satisfies the educational requirements needed to qualify for these certification exam.
No prior healthcare experience is required. Our program is designed for both complete beginners and those with healthcare backgrounds who want to specialize in Sterile Processing.
Sterile Processing Technicians are in high demand nationwide. Graduates can find employment in hospitals, surgery centers, dental facilities, and other healthcare settings with average salaries ranging from $41,000 to $79,000 annually depending on experience, certification, and location.
After the Orientation,
Our program runs for 8 weeks with one 2-hour class session per week.
We offer a hybrid format. Students in the Chicago area can attend in person at our facility (1706 E 75TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60649), while others can participate fully online via live sessions and recordings. or you can join our Self Paced Course which has everything Available NOW no waiting for LIVE lecture because everything is pre-recorded.
Students need to purchase the HSPA Sterile Processing Technical Manual and Workbook separately (not included in tuition). We provide a direct purchase link during onboarding.
>>>>Purchase Your Books Here!<<<<<
We offer several flexible payment options:
>One-time payment: $1,100 (best value)
>Bi-weekly payment plan: 4 payments of $325
>Weekly payment plan: $165 per week
>Try Week 1 for FREE before committing to the full program
See all the options here:
https://sevyspd.com/pricing-plans
During the Course
All sessions are recorded and made available within 24 hours. You can review missed material at your convenience and still keep up with the program.
Students have access to instructor support via email and can ask questions during live sessions. We also have a dedicated support team available by phone (855-738-9773) from M-F 7AM – 7PM CST / Saturday 10AM – 5PM / Sunday Closed or email ([email protected]).
Assignments are submitted through our online learning platform. Grades and feedback are typically provided before the next class session.
Yes! Because all lectures are recorded, you can join even after the start date and quickly catch up by watching previous sessions. Many of our successful graduates have started mid-session.
Yes, you’ll maintain access to all course materials and recordings for reference during your certification preparation and job search.
After the Course
Upon successful completion of our program, you’ll receive a certificate that qualifies you to take the CSPDT certification exam through CBSPD. For the CRCST certification through HSPA, you can take the exam and receive provisional certification, then complete the required 400 hours of hands-on experience within 6 months to obtain full certification.
There are two main certifications recognized in the sterile processing field:
1. CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) through CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution)
2. CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) through HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)
While neither certification is universally required in all states (only six states currently mandate certification), most healthcare employers prefer or require candidates to hold at least one of these certifications for employment and advancement.
We recommend taking the CSPDT exam first since it doesn’t require the 400 hours of hands-on experience that the CRCST requires. The CSPDT can be obtained immediately after completing a qualifying course like Sevy SPD’s program, allowing you to enter the field more quickly. Once employed, you can then earn the required 400 hours of hands-on experience for your CRCST certification.
CSPDT (CBSPD): $128 per exam attempt
CRCST (HSPA): $140 per exam attempt
These fees are paid directly to the certifying organizations and are separate from your Sevy SPD course tuition.
While our 91% first-time pass rate is excellent, we provide additional support and resources for students who need to retake the exam. The comprehensive foundation you receive in our program gives you the tools needed for success.
For additional questions, please contact us at 855-738-9773 or [email protected].
CSPDT (CBSPD):
You may retake the exam as often as needed
You cannot retake in the same exam window (exams are offered quarterly in February, May, August, and November)
Each retake requires a new application and full fee payment
CRCST (HSPA):
You must wait a minimum of 6 weeks between exam attempts
You can submit your retake application immediately, but your eligibility will begin 6 weeks after your last exam date
Each retake requires a new application and full $140 fee payment
Both CSPDT and CRCST certifications are valid for 5 years. Recertification can be achieved through continuing education credits or retaking the exam. We provide guidance on meeting these requirements after course completion
While we don’t directly provide these hours, our program prepares you to pass the provisional certification exam, making you a stronger candidate for entry-level positions where you can earn your required hours. Our certification prep helps you stand out to employers.
While we don’t offer formal placement services, we provide career guidance, resume preparation assistance, and interview coaching. Our program’s reputation and the high demand for SPD techs have resulted in an 85% job placement rate for our graduates.
Yes! You can earn $100 for each person you refer who enrolls in our program, up to $1,000 total.
Simply email [email protected] to request your personal referral code.
State-by-State Sterile Processing Certification Requirements FAQ
General Questions
No. Currently, only six states (Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee) require certification for sterile processing technicians by law. However, most employers nationwide prefer or require certification regardless of state requirements.
The two most widely recognized certifications are:
CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM)
CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) from CBSPD
Both certifications are nationally recognized and valid in all 50 states.
Yes. Even in states without legal requirements, certification typically leads to better job opportunities, higher pay, and greater career advancement potential. Most healthcare facilities prefer certified technicians for quality and safety standards.
States With Certification Requirements
As of 2025, six states have enacted laws requiring certification:
Connecticu
Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Connecticut requires certification from either HSPA (CRCST) or CBSPD (CSPDT), plus 10 hours of continuing education annually. Those employed before January 1, 2016, are exempt from certification requirements.
Delaware requires technicians to obtain certification within 18 months of being hired at a hospital or freestanding surgical center.
New Jersey requires certification within three years of employment. Technicians using ethylene oxide also need a special license from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.
New York requires certification as a registered central service technician within 18 months of hire. Technicians also need at least one year of experience in the field during the previous four years or must be working under a certified supervisor
Pennsylvania requires certification at time of hire or within 18 months of being hired. Ten hours of continuing education are required annually.
Tennessee allows technicians to work without certification, provided they earn that accreditation within two years of hire. Ten hours of continuing education are required annually.
States With Pending Legislation
As of 2025, three states have pending legislation:
Florida
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Florida’s proposed legislation would follow similar patterns to other states, requiring certification either before hiring or within a specified timeframe after employment.
Massachusetts’ proposed legislation would require certification and 10 hours of continuing education annually, similar to requirements in other northeastern states.
Minnesota’s proposed legislation would require certification upon hire or within 18 months of being hired as a central service technician.
High-Demand States Without Certification Requirements
While not legally required, most healthcare facilities in these states still prefer or require certification for employment and advancement. Major healthcare centers in these states often have internal policies requiring certification
Illinois does not legally require certification, but the Chicago/Naperville/Elgin area has one of the highest employment levels for sterile processing technicians in the nation, and most employers prefer certified technicians.
Texas does not legally require certification, but most healthcare facilities still require or prefer it. Texas has several active SPD professional organizations that promote certification.
California does not legally require certification, although legislation has been proposed in the past. Most employers, particularly in major healthcare centers, still require or strongly prefer certified technicians.
Starting Your Career in Sterile Processing
Complete a comprehensive sterile processing training program like Sevy SPD’s 8-week course, which prepares you for both CRCST and CSPDT certification exams regardless of your state’s requirements.
Yes. Both CRCST and CSPDT certifications are nationally recognized and will transfer to any state. You simply need to be aware of and comply with any additional state-specific requirements.
For more information about specific state requirements or to prepare for a career in Sterile Processing, contact Sevy SPD at 855-738-9773 or visit www.sevyspd.com.