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.
Question 1
A package in sterile storage has an intact seal but a small tear in the corner of the wrapper. Is this item sterile?
- Yes, the seal is intact so the sterile barrier remains effective
- No - a tear in the packaging is a compromising event; the item must be reprocessed
- Yes, if the tear is less than 1 inch and not near the seal
- 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
Question 2
What is the correct donning sequence for decontamination PPE?
- Gloves → gown → face shield → shoe covers
- Gown → shoe covers → face protection → gloves
- Face shield → gloves → gown → shoe covers
- Shoe covers → gloves → gown → face shield
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Gown → shoe covers → face protection → gloves
Question 3
What is the exposure time for a WRAPPED load in a prevacuum steam sterilizer at 270°F (132°C)?
- 3 minutes
- 4 minutes
- 15 minutes
- 30 minutes
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - 4 minutes
Question 4
The killing mechanism of ethylene oxide (EtO) is:
- Oxidation of cellular components
- Alkylation of DNA and proteins
- Desiccation of cellular membranes
- Radiation damage to nucleic acids
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Alkylation of DNA and proteins
Question 5
Which of the following is an acceptable processing method for instruments contaminated with CJD prions?
- Standard gravity autoclave cycle at 270°F for 15 minutes
- Prevacuum autoclave at 134°C (273°F) for 18 minutes
- Soaking in glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes
- Standard ethylene oxide cycle
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Prevacuum autoclave at 134°C (273°F) for 18 minutes
Question 6
Which packaging material is NOT compatible with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization?
- Spunbond polypropylene pouches
- Non-woven polypropylene wrap
- Paper-plastic peel packs
- Tyvek sterilization containers
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C - Paper-plastic peel packs
Question 7
The Bowie-Dick test must be run:
- Weekly on any sterilizer
- Daily on prevacuum sterilizers
- Monthly during preventive maintenance
- Only after sterilizer repair
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Daily on prevacuum sterilizers
Question 8
An implant load must be QUARANTINED until:
- The surgeon approves its release
- The BI results are available and negative (no growth)
- 24 hours have passed since sterilization
- The chemical indicator is verified
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - The BI results are available and negative (no growth)
Question 9
If a glutaraldehyde solution fails the MEC test, the correct action is to:
- Add fresh concentrate to the existing solution to raise the concentration
- Discard the entire solution and prepare a fresh one
- Use the solution anyway for non-critical items
- Extend the soak time to compensate for reduced concentration
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Discard the entire solution and prepare a fresh one
Question 10
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?
- The facility policy since it was approved internally
- The manufacturer's IFU
- Whichever is more convenient
- The shorter time to improve turnaround
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - The manufacturer's IFU