Free practice test

Sterile Processing Technician Practice Test

Check what you know about the sterile processing technician job with 15 free questions and instant explanations.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
About this practice test

15 multiple-choice questions on sterile processing technician knowledge, safety and vocabulary. Submit to see your score and explanations, or open any question’s answer as you go. Nothing is saved or shared.

Question 1 of 15Which step must happen before sterilization?
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Answer: Thorough cleaning. Items must be clean before they can be sterilized.

Question 2 of 15A biological indicator contains:
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Answer: Bacterial spores. BIs contain resistant spores to prove the sterilizer killed microbes.

Question 3 of 15How should hinged instruments be placed for sterilization?
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Answer: Open. Hinges should be open so steam reaches all surfaces.

Question 4 of 15IFU means:
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Answer: Instructions for use. Manufacturer instructions for use guide cleaning and sterilization.

Question 5 of 15Which CRCST requirement is correct?
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Answer: 400 hours of hands-on experience. HSPA requires 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience.

Question 6 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A strip or tape that changes color when sterilization conditions are met.”
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Answer: Chemical indicator. Chemical indicator: A strip or tape that changes color when sterilization conditions are met.

Question 7 of 15What does “Count sheet” mean?
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Answer: A list of every instrument that belongs in a tray.. Count sheet: A list of every instrument that belongs in a tray.

Question 8 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A steam sterilizer.”
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Answer: Autoclave. Autoclave: A steam sterilizer.

Question 9 of 15What does “Case cart” mean?
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Answer: A cart of instruments and supplies prepared for a specific surgery.. Case cart: A cart of instruments and supplies prepared for a specific surgery.

Question 10 of 15Which term matches this definition: “The number of microorganisms on an item.”
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Answer: Bioburden. Bioburden: The number of microorganisms on an item.

Question 11 of 15What does “IUSS” mean?
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Answer: Immediate-use steam sterilization, used only when there is no other option.. IUSS: Immediate-use steam sterilization, used only when there is no other option.

Question 12 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Cleaning and disinfecting items to make them safe to handle.”
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Answer: Decontamination. Decontamination: Cleaning and disinfecting items to make them safe to handle.

Question 13 of 15What does “Bowie-Dick test” mean?
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Answer: A daily test that checks air removal in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers.. Bowie-Dick test: A daily test that checks air removal in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers.

Question 14 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A test containing bacterial spores that confirms a sterilizer killed microbes.”
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Answer: Biological indicator (BI). Biological indicator (BI): A test containing bacterial spores that confirms a sterilizer killed microbes.

Question 15 of 15What does “Point-of-use cleaning” mean?
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Answer: Wiping and moistening instruments right after use, before transport.. Point-of-use cleaning: Wiping and moistening instruments right after use, before transport.

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