CSPM - Certified Sterile Processing Management

The Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) certification is for individuals in leadership or those looking to advance to a leadership role within a sterile processing department. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) offers the CSPM exam, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Eligibility

Candidates must have fulfilled one of the following requirements to be eligible to take the CSPM exam:

• At least 24 months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as an SPD Supervisor or Manager 

  • Must include employment verification signed by an HR representative on the exam application

• At least 24 months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in allied health and 24 months in SPD with completion of a course in Sterile Processing Management 

  • Must include employment verification signed by an HR representative on the exam application and the management course certificate

• At least 36 months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Technician or Lead Technician in SPD and completion of a course in Sterile Processing Management

  • Must include employment verification signed by an HR representative on the exam application and the management course certificate

Cost: $153 - Convenience fees may apply

Exam Format

The CSPM certification exam includes 100 scored questions and 20 unscored questions. It takes 2.5 hours to complete, and candidates need a scaled score of 70 to pass. Exam topics include:

• Human Resources Management

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Fiscal Management

• Rules and Regulations

• Life Sciences

• General Knowledge

Test Dates

The CSPM 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

• Once received, 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 paid before or $128 if paid after the date  listed in the candidate bulletin

• 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, CSPMs must earn 150 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each five-year certification cycle. They can accumulate CEUs through employment and ongoing education. CSPMs who submit 20 additional CEUs over the 150 required receive a Certificate of Excellence.

CSPMs can earn a maximum of 5 points per year for work. Employment credits are as follows:

• Full-time employment accumulates 5 CEUs per year

• Part-time accumulates 2.5 CEUs per year

The recertification packet must include a letter from the HR department or department supervisor 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.

• 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 Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER)

• 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)