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Free CRCST Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CRCST practice test to study every exam domain.

The CRCST exam has 150 questions and runs 3 hours.

These 10 free CRCST questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Registered Central Service Technician blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.

Domain 1: Roles and Responsibilities of Central Service Technicians

Question 1

A facility's written policy states that instruments should be soaked for 10 minutes, but the manufacturer's IFU specifies 20 minutes. Which should the technician follow?

  1. The facility policy since it was approved internally
  2. The manufacturer's IFU
  3. Whichever is more convenient
  4. The shorter time to improve turnaround
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - The manufacturer's IFU

Domain 2: Decontamination

Question 2

What is the correct donning sequence for decontamination PPE?

  1. Gloves → gown → face shield → shoe covers
  2. Gown → shoe covers → face protection → gloves
  3. Face shield → gloves → gown → shoe covers
  4. Shoe covers → gloves → gown → face shield
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Gown → shoe covers → face protection → gloves

Question 3

Which of the following is an acceptable processing method for instruments contaminated with CJD prions?

  1. Standard gravity autoclave cycle at 270°F for 15 minutes
  2. Prevacuum autoclave at 134°C (273°F) for 18 minutes
  3. Soaking in glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes
  4. Standard ethylene oxide cycle
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Prevacuum autoclave at 134°C (273°F) for 18 minutes

Question 4

If a glutaraldehyde solution fails the MEC test, the correct action is to:

  1. Add fresh concentrate to the existing solution to raise the concentration
  2. Discard the entire solution and prepare a fresh one
  3. Use the solution anyway for non-critical items
  4. Extend the soak time to compensate for reduced concentration
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Discard the entire solution and prepare a fresh one

Domain 3: Preparation and Packaging

Question 5

Which packaging material is NOT compatible with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization?

  1. Spunbond polypropylene pouches
  2. Non-woven polypropylene wrap
  3. Paper-plastic peel packs
  4. Tyvek sterilization containers
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Paper-plastic peel packs

Domain 4: Sterilization

Question 6

What is the exposure time for a WRAPPED load in a prevacuum steam sterilizer at 270°F (132°C)?

  1. 3 minutes
  2. 4 minutes
  3. 15 minutes
  4. 30 minutes
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 4 minutes

Question 7

The killing mechanism of ethylene oxide (EtO) is:

  1. Oxidation of cellular components
  2. Alkylation of DNA and proteins
  3. Desiccation of cellular membranes
  4. Radiation damage to nucleic acids
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Alkylation of DNA and proteins

Question 8

The Bowie-Dick test must be run:

  1. Weekly on any sterilizer
  2. Daily on prevacuum sterilizers
  3. Monthly during preventive maintenance
  4. Only after sterilizer repair
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Daily on prevacuum sterilizers

Question 9

An implant load must be QUARANTINED until:

  1. The surgeon approves its release
  2. The BI results are available and negative (no growth)
  3. 24 hours have passed since sterilization
  4. The chemical indicator is verified
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - The BI results are available and negative (no growth)

Domain 5: Sterile Storage and Distribution

Question 10

A package in sterile storage has an intact seal but a small tear in the corner of the wrapper. Is this item sterile?

  1. Yes, the seal is intact so the sterile barrier remains effective
  2. No - a tear in the packaging is a compromising event; the item must be reprocessed
  3. Yes, if the tear is less than 1 inch and not near the seal
  4. Only if it was sterilized within the last 30 days and stored properly
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - No - a tear in the packaging is a compromising event; the item must be reprocessed

The rest of the CRCST blueprint

The CRCST exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:

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