CRCST vs CBSPD: Which Sterile Processing Certification Should You Get First
If you're entering sterile processing or trying to move up in the field, you've likely come across two certifications: the CRCST and the CBSPD. Both are recognized. Both carry weight with employers. But they are not the same, and choosing the wrong one first can cost you time and money.
This guide breaks down both certifications clearly so you can make the right call for where you are in your career right now.
What Is the CRCST?
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is issued by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). It is the most widely recognized sterile processing certification in the United States and is required by law in several states including New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee.
To sit for the CRCST exam, candidates must complete 400 hours of on-the-job experience in a sterile processing or central service department. There is no formal degree requirement. The exam covers decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, storage and distribution, and department management.
The exam costs $139 for IAHCSMM members and $199 for non-members. It is administered online through Proctortrack.
What Is the CBSPD?
The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician and Sterile Processing and Distribution credential is issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). The CBSPD offers several credentials, but the primary one for technicians entering the field is the Certified in Sterile Processing and Distribution (CSPD).
To qualify for the CBSPD exam, candidates must have at least one year of full-time experience (or equivalent part-time hours) in sterile processing. This makes it a later-stage credential for most people compared to the CRCST.
The CBSPD exam fee is $225. The exam is also available online and covers similar core competency areas.
Key Differences at a Glance
The CRCST has a lower experience threshold (400 hours vs. one full year), making it accessible earlier in your career. The CRCST is also required by statute in more states, which gives it an edge for anyone job-hunting across state lines. Employer job postings request the CRCST more frequently, particularly in hospital systems that reference IAHCSMM guidelines in their hiring criteria.
The CBSPD, however, is well-respected in its own right and carries strong recognition particularly in ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient facilities. Some employers list both as acceptable and may pay a premium for candidates holding either.
Which One Should You Get First?
Get the CRCST first. It has the lower entry bar, it's required in more states, and it shows up in more job postings. If you're in the process of accumulating your 400 hours, you can begin studying immediately and sit for the exam as soon as you qualify.
After you're working and have a full year of experience under your belt, adding the CBSPD is a legitimate differentiator, especially if you're targeting specialty roles or supervisory positions where dual certification signals depth.
State Certification Requirements
Several states now mandate sterile processing certification as a condition of employment:
Always verify current state requirements with your state's Department of Health, as regulations change.
Bottom Line
CRCST first. CBSPD second when your experience qualifies you. Holding both puts you in a strong position for advancement, travel assignments, and higher pay. Employers hiring for lead and supervisor roles increasingly prefer candidates who have demonstrated the commitment of dual certification.
Browse current sterile processing jobs that list certification requirements on SterileJobs.com.
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Written by Matthew Sorensen Executive recruiter, healthcare talent acquisition executive, and founder of SterileJobs.com. Matthew has 15+ years placing candidates in sterile processing and healthcare roles, authored four books on hiring, and hosted the Hired podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% of career podcasts worldwide. Learn more about Matthew →