Consumer Information
Sterile Processing and Distribution Technology
The below information applies to all states and Washington, D.C.
Qualifies students for initial or additional state license:
- There is no Ohio state license; international certification is available.
Licensure required as a prerequisite:
- No licensure is required in Ohio; international certification is available.
Licensing board approval:
- No state board because there is no state license.
Leads to national certification or credential:
There are two options to gain an entry-level credential in SPD:
- After 240 clinical hours - Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician (CSPDT)
- After 400 clinical hours - Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
National certification exam:
These two organizations offer international certification examinations:
- The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) - offers the Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician examination (CSPDT)
- Healthcare Sterile Processing Association - offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician examination (CRCST)
Programmatic accreditation:
- This program is not accredited.
Field experience: online or on-ground?
- The clinical component of the program at Cuyahoga Community College is an in-person requirement and provides 240 hours of clinical experience. 240 clinical hours are required to sit for the CSPDT exam. Please check with your prospective school to see what the clinical component of the program entails.
National professional association/organization: