CSIS (CBSPD) - Surgical Instrument Specialist

The Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS) certification is designed for professionals specializing in the maintenance, sterilization and management of surgical instruments. This certification, offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), demonstrates proficiency in handling, cleaning and storing surgical instruments, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for surgical procedures.

Eligibility

Must hold a valid Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification from the CBSPD and meet one of the following:

• Pass a surgical instrument processing or surgical technology course (70%+) and complete 12 months of full-time work or part-time equivalent performing surgical instrument processing

  • Instructor and manager verification required

• Complete 24 months of full-time or part-time equivalent work in operating room instrument processing

  • Manager verification required

• Complete 24 months of surgical instrument sales or service

  • Employer verification required

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: $128

Exam Format

The CSIS exam contains 100 questions and candidates have 2 hours to complete the computerized exam. To pass, candidates must earn a scaled score of 70 or higher. Topics covered on the exam include:

• Care of Surgical Instruments (6%)

• Identification of Surgical Instruments by Proper Name (34%)

• Components, Assembly and Configuration of Individual Sets (6%)

• Instrument Inspection and Safety Testing (36%)

• Loaner/Implant Sets and Components (8%)

• Ethics (10%)

Candidates receive pass/fail results immediately after completion of the exam. Those who pass receive their certificates with ID numbers through the mail within 6 weeks of the last exam window.  Candidates who fail receive notice of their score and a diagnostic report showing subject areas of weakness. They may register to retake the entire exam but must pay the full exam fee again. Candidates may take the exam as many times as they wish but not within the same exam window.

Application Process

• Submit paper application and mail it in for processing

  • Applications can’t be completed online

• Await email or postcard with information on scheduling exam

• Schedule to take the exam within the 1-week window

CSIS certification holders must renew their credentials every 5 years. Applicants achieve recertification through retesting or continued work in the profession and/or continuing education (CE). All renewal applications must be received by the CBSPD office at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the current certification. If you fail to recertify, you must retake and pass the CSIS exam to get recertified.

Renewal Fees

• $125 paid by money order

• $128 paid by credit card

• Fees contain a $50 nonrefundable administrative fee

• $50 extra charge for expedited renewal service

Renewing the CSIS certification requires 100 continuing education units (CEUs), with a Certificate of Excellence sent to those who complete 120 CEUs. All CEUs must be pre-approved by the CBSPD or have a valid CBSPD approval code. Any CEUs not meeting these requirements won’t be considered and may result in certification not being renewed.

• Candidate Bulletin

• Recertification Packet

• Continuing Education Protocols

• Study Guide: $20, plus $10 if being shipped via USPS Priority Mail

The CBSPD also offers the following certifications:

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

• Ambulatory Surgery Technician (CASSPT)

• Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER)

• Certified in Sterile Processing Management (CSPM)