Key Points

• A sterile processing technician is a healthcare worker who sterilizes, assembles, and prepares surgical instruments to support infection control and patient safety.
• Sterile processing technician training in California typically lasts 4 to 12 months, depending on the program.
• To become a sterile processing technician in California, you must complete a sterile processing technician program, gain hands-on experience, and pass a certification exam such as CRCST or CBSPD.
• The average sterile processing technician salary in California is $64,820 per year, according to BLS (2024).

What is a Sterile Processing Technician?

A sterile processing technician — sometimes called a central sterile processing technician or sterile processing tech — works in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD). They clean, sterilize, and inspect surgical instruments, assemble trays, and operate sterilization equipment. Their work ensures surgeons and nurses have safe, sterile tools for every procedure.

Technicians typically work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics. They follow strict infection control procedures and support operating rooms by preparing instruments accurately and efficiently.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in California

Step 1: Enroll in a sterile processing technician training program

Start by completing a sterile processing technician program at a trade school or community college. Training usually takes 4 to 12 months and includes coursework in microbiology, decontamination, sterilization methods, surgical instrumentation, and infection control. Many programs also include hands-on lab practice using sterilization equipment.

Some sterile processing technician schools in California include built-in clinical hours, while others require you to complete your experience separately.

Explore sterile processing technician training programs on Dreambound to compare options near you.

Step 2: Get hands-on experience (clinical hours)

Hands-on experience is required for certification. Requirements vary depending on the certification you choose:

• CRCST (HSPA) requires 400 hours of hands-on experience.
• CBSPD (CSDT) requires 12 months of full-time SPD experience or a combination of coursework and supervised hours.

Clinical experience may be completed during your sterile processing technician school program or after graduation. This experience teaches decontamination, sterilization, tray assembly, and instrument inspection in real SPD settings.

Sterile Processing Technician classes near you in California:

• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Los Angeles
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in San Francisco
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in San Diego
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Sacramento
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in San Jose
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Bakersfield
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Fresno
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Stockton
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in San Bernardino/Riverside

Step 3: Pass a certification exam (CRCST or CBSPD)

California does not require a state license for sterile processing technicians, but employers expect national certification. Two widely accepted certifications include:

CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) – HSPA

• Requires 400 hours of hands-on experience
• 150-question exam
• Focuses on sterilization, decontamination, tools, and infection control

CBSPD (CSDT) – CBSPD

• Requires 12 months of experience or equivalent training
• 125-question exam plus pre-test items
• Accepted by hospitals and surgery centers throughout California

Certification must be renewed with continuing education.

Step 4: Apply for sterile processing technician jobs in California

Once certified, you can apply for sterile processing technician jobs across the state. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty clinics regularly hire technicians due to California’s large healthcare system and high surgical volume.

Search current sterile processing technician jobs in California in MyNextMove.

Renewal and Recertification

CRCST (HSPA) Renewal

• Renew annually
• Submit 12 CE credits every year
• Pay a $50 renewal fee or $60 with HSPA membership
• All CE credits must relate to sterile processing or infection control
• Renewal must be completed by the end of your anniversary month
• CEUs can be earned through lesson plans, hospital in-services, webinars, and podcasts
• No paper certificates mailed. Print your updated certification online

Learn more about CRCST renewal

CSPDT (CBSPD) Recertification

• Certification is valid for 5 years
• Submit 100 CEUs (technician level) or 150 CEUs (supervisory/managerial level)
• CEUs must be earned during the 5-year certification cycle
• Employment can count:
  • Full-time: 10 CEUs per year
  • Part-time: 5 CEUs per year
  • Per diem (minimum 3 days/month): 3 CEUs per year
  • Max 50 CEUs total from employment over 5 years
• Recertification packet must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration
• Cost: $125 (money order) or $128 (credit card)
• Processing takes 30–45 days
• Submitting 20 extra CEUs earns a Certificate of Excellence

Learn more about CBSPD recertification