CFER - Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor

The Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) certification is for individuals working in a sterile processing department specifically sterilizing and reprocessing flexible endoscopes. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) offers this exam, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Eligibility

Exam candidates must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible to take the CFER exam:

• Complete 12 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours working in SPD processing flexible endoscopes 

  • Must include verification signed by a manager on the exam application

• Complete an Endoscope Processing course with a minimum of 16 hours and a grade of 70 or higher and 6 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours in a related clinical healthcare profession performing endoscopy activities in an endoscopy setting

  • Must include a copy of the certificate and grade from the course instructor and employment verification signed by a manager on the exam application

• Complete an Endoscopy Processing course with a minimum of 8 hours and a grade of 70 or higher and 6 months of experience processing flexible endoscopes 

  • Must include a copy of the certificate and grade from the course instructor and employment verification signed by a manager on the exam application

• Previous experience as a sales representative for GI/Endoscopy for 12 months

  • Must include employment verification signed by a manager on the exam application

Cost: $128 - Convenience fees may apply

Exam Format

The CFER certification exam includes 100 scored questions and takes 2 hours to complete. Applicants must earn a scaled score of 70 to pass. Topics on the exam include:

• Scopes and Accessories for Endoscopic Procedures

• Handling and Cleaning of Scopes and Accessories 

• Reprocessing of Scopes and Accessories

• Rules, Regulations and Safety

• Documentation

• Life Science

• Ethics 

Test Dates

The CFER exam has a 1-week testing window 4 times a year, generally in early February, May, August, and November. Applicants can register to take the exam anytime within any 1-week window, based on availability at their selected testing site. Check the CBSPD website for current exam dates and application deadlines.

Application Process

Online applications aren’t available; all applications must be mailed.

• Print the paper application

  • Available on CBSPD website a month before the admission deadline

• Check application heading to confirm it’s the right exam

• Fill out, sign and date page one of the application

• Check one applicable eligibility requirement on page two

• Have a manager or HR representative sign and verify eligibility, if applicable

• Include copy of transcript or certificate of completion from the instructor for any SPD training courses taken

• Pay the application fee with a money order or business check or include debit or credit card information

  • Personal checks aren’t accepted

• Send the application and required documents to: 

CBSPD
1392 Hwy 22, Ste 1
Lebanon, New Jersey 08833

• CBSPD sends applicants a postcard or an email with scheduling information

• Contact CBSPD immediately if confirmation hasn’t arrived 7 days before the exam window

The initial certification is valid for 5 years. Before expiration, candidates must download a recertification packet from the CBSPD website. CBSPD must receive completed packets at least 30 days before certification expiration.

• Pay for recertification applications by money order, certified check, business check, or credit card

  • Cost: $125 if paying by money order or $128 if paying by credit card

• Mail recertification applications, required documents, and payment to: 

CBSPD
1392 Hwy 22, Ste 1
Lebanon, New Jersey 08833

• Allow up to 6 weeks for review

To recertify, CFERs must earn 100 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during the five-year certification cycle. They can accumulate CEUs through employment and ongoing education. CFERs who submit 20 additional CEUs over the required 100 receive a Certificate of Excellence.

CFERs can earn a maximum of 10 points per year for work. Employment credits are as follows:

• Full-time employment accumulates 10 CEUs per year

• Part-time accumulates 5 CEUs per year

• Per diem (at least 3 days per month) accumulates 3 CEUs per year

The recertification packet must include a letter from a manager, supervisor, or HR representative to verify employment.

The remaining CEU hours must be accumulated via education pre-approved by CBSPD, with a valid CBSPD code, and related to sterile processing. Education can’t be duplicated over a 5-year certification cycle. The recertification packet must include proof of education. Applicants receive detailed CEU information when they download their CEU Information Packet. They may also view the Inservice Resources offering pre-approved programs.

• CBSPD offers approved study guides for $20

• For SPD courses, refer to CBSPD’s course list

Other certifications offered by CBSPD include:

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technicians (CASSPT)

• Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM)

• Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)

Certifications offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) include:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)

• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)