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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

CRCST Practice Test: Check Your Sterile Processing Skills

Quick, free sterile processing quiz with exam-style questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Helen HigginsUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for CRCST practice test on sterile processing, infection control, equipment maintenance on dark blue background

This CRCST practice test helps you review sterile processing basics with timed, exam-style questions. Spot gaps, build speed, and track what to study next, then deepen your prep with the instrument reprocessing quiz, expand skills with the cis practice test, or focus on scopes in the CER practice test.

Which classification in the Spaulding system requires sterilization for items that enter sterile body sites or the vascular system?
Critical
Semi-critical
Environmental
Noncritical
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In a decontamination area, which PPE component is essential for protecting mucous membranes from splashes?
Face shield or goggles
Shoe covers only
Hair cover only
Cloth lab coat
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A Bowie-Dick test is designed to assess which performance parameter of a pre-vacuum steam sterilizer?
Water quality hardness
Sterilizer chamber temperature calibration
Load weight distribution
Air removal and steam penetration
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Which detergent type is most appropriate for cleaning protein-based soil from surgical instruments during manual cleaning?
Chlorine bleach
Abrasive cleanser
Enzymatic detergent
Dish soap with fragrance
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When assembling a set, hinged instruments should be placed in which position for steam sterilization?
Opened and unlocked
Opened and wrapped in latex bands
Closed and wrapped in adhesive tape
Tightly closed and locked
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Event-related sterility means items remain sterile until which condition occurs?
A fixed time of 12 months passes
A fixed time of 30 days passes
The sterilizer brand changes
Packaging integrity is compromised or proper storage conditions are not maintained
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What is the preferred water quality for the final rinse in instrument reprocessing to minimize spotting and residue?
Sterile water only
Deionized or reverse osmosis water
Distilled water with added salt
Tap water
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Steam sterilization at 132 C (270 F) in a dynamic air removal (pre-vacuum) cycle typically requires what minimum exposure time for wrapped instruments (unless IFU states otherwise)?
4 minutes
30 seconds
1 minute
10 minutes
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Which chemical indicator class provides information on exposure to all critical parameters of a sterilization process and is often used as an internal pack monitor?
Class 1 process indicator
Class 3 single-parameter indicator
Class 2 Bowie-Dick indicator
Class 5 integrating indicator
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What is the recommended maximum weight for a wrapped instrument set to promote effective sterilization and safe handling, unless the IFU states otherwise?
15 pounds (about 6.8 kg)
50 pounds (about 22.7 kg)
35 pounds (about 15.9 kg)
25 pounds (about 11.3 kg)
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Which low-temperature sterilization modality uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide and is incompatible with cellulose-based packaging?
Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma or VHP sterilization
Ethylene oxide sterilization
Ozone sterilization
Dry heat sterilization
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Ethylene oxide sterilization loads must be adequately aerated primarily to remove which hazard?
Radioactive contamination
Toxic ethylene oxide residues
Particulate soil
Residual moisture only
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For implant loads processed by steam, best practice requires using a biological indicator with a process challenge device and taking which action before releasing the load?
Release after the Bowie-Dick test passes
Release if the external indicator tape changes color
Release immediately after a Class 1 indicator changes
Quarantine the load until the BI result is negative
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For flexible endoscopes, which practice is critical immediately after point-of-use to prevent biofilm formation?
Wipe exterior and flush all channels with an enzymatic solution or water per IFU
Spray with alcohol and store
Delay cleaning for 24 hours
Seal in a dry bag for transport
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What is the primary purpose of a process challenge device (PCD) used with a BI in routine monitoring?
To represent the most challenging item in the load for sterilant penetration
To document operator initials
To cool the load faster
To reduce cycle time
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Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) should be limited to which situation?
Items with heavy bioburden that were not cleaned
Convenience to speed up turnover routinely
Routine processing of implantable devices
Urgent need when no replacement item is available and IFU allows
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Instruments with lumens should be prepared for low-temperature sterilization by performing which step per IFU?
Fill lumens with tap water
Seal both ends with tape
Use the correct lumen adapter or PCD and ensure dryness to prevent condensate
Insert cotton to absorb moisture
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Prion reprocessing for high-risk tissues may require which type of deviation from standard steam cycles per guidelines and IFU?
Extended or augmented steam cycle parameters and dedicated handling
Dry heat at room temperature
Shortened exposure times
Alcohol soaking only
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Statement: Items labeled single-use by the manufacturer may be reprocessed by a health care facility only if the facility follows validated FDA requirements and regulations.
False
True
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Statement: ATP testing of surfaces verifies sterility of instruments following steam processing.
False
True
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Study Outcomes

  1. Assess CRCST Exam Readiness -

    Use the free CRCST practice test to measure your understanding of key sterile processing topics and gauge your overall preparedness for the certification exam.

  2. Evaluate Sterilization Techniques -

    Analyze various sterilization methods and principles to ensure proper instrument decontamination and patient safety in line with industry standards.

  3. Identify Infection Control Measures -

    Recognize essential infection control protocols and best practices to minimize contamination risks during sterile processing procedures.

  4. Analyze Equipment Maintenance Protocols -

    Examine routine cleaning, inspection, and maintenance requirements for sterile processing equipment to uphold functionality and compliance.

  5. Interpret Instant Feedback for Improvement -

    Leverage the quiz's immediate results to pinpoint knowledge gaps, refine your study focus, and track progress over time.

  6. Apply Sterile Processing Concepts in Exam Scenarios -

    Reinforce your skills by tackling realistic practice questions that mirror CRCST exam formats and challenge your problem-solving abilities.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Standard Precautions & Spaulding Classification -

    Review the CDC's Spaulding system that categorizes instruments as critical, semi”critical, or non”critical based on patient risk; critical items must be sterilized because they enter sterile body sites. Mnemonic: "C”S”N" helps you recall this order. Expect similar scenarios on your CRCST practice test to reinforce these fundamentals.

  2. Steam Sterilization Parameters -

    Memorize the key AAMI ST79 guidelines: 121°C for 30 minutes (gravity displacement) or 132°C for 4 minutes (pre”vacuum) ensures effective kill. Think "30 - 121" and "4 - 132" to ace that sterile processing practice test question on time”temperature relationships. Pressure in psi (15 - 17 psi) is also vital to monitor for consistent results.

  3. Chemical & Biological Indicators -

    Differentiate Class 4 - 6 chemical indicators for sterilization monitoring and use Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological indicators to validate efficacy. A handy mnemonic is "Classy Bacteria" to link chemical and BI checks. You'll encounter these in iahcsmm practice test case studies on load control.

  4. Washer”Disinfector Maintenance & Water Quality -

    Follow ISO 15883 and AAMI recommendations for daily checks: verify water purity (18 - 22 megohm resistance), temperature profiles, and spray arm integrity. A simple check chart nightly keeps your sterile processing practice exam performance sharp. Consistent maintenance prevents instrument corrosion and bioburden accumulation.

  5. Packaging, Storage & Inventory Control -

    Master proper wrapping techniques, seal patterns, and FIFO (first”in, first”out) stock rotation to maintain sterility up to shelf”life. Use the "Double”Wrap”Seal" mnemonic to recall packaging steps under IAHCSMM guidelines. These procedures frequently appear on CRCST practice test quizzes, so practice until it's second nature.

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