Key Points
- A sterile processing technician is a healthcare worker who sterilizes, assembles, and prepares surgical instruments to support infection control.
- Sterile processing technician training in California typically lasts 4 to 9 months, depending on the program.
- To become a sterile processing technician in California, you must complete a training program, gain hands-on experience, and pass a national certification exam like the CRCST or CSPDT.
- 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, also known as a central sterile processing technician works in a hospital's Sterile Processing Department (SPD). They are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, inspecting, and assembling surgical instruments and equipment. This role is critical for ensuring that surgeons and nurses have safe, sterile tools for every medical procedure, directly supporting patient safety and infection control.
Technicians typically work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics, where they follow strict procedures to prepare instruments accurately and efficiently.
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in California
Step 1: Enroll in a Sterile Processing Technician Training Program
Your first step is to complete a sterile processing technician program at a trade school or community college, which typically takes 4 to 9 months. These programs cover essential topics like microbiology, decontamination, sterilization methods, and surgical instrumentation. Many schools in California offer programs with built-in clinical hours, while others require you to arrange hands-on experience separately.
Explore sterile processing technician training programs on Dreambound to compare options near you.
Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience
Certification requires documented hands-on experience, which can be completed during or after your training program. Requirements vary by the certifying body:
- HSPA (CRCST): Requires 400 hours of hands-on experience. These hours must be broken down into specific tasks: 120 hours in decontamination, 120 hours in instrument preparation and packaging, 120 hours in sterilization and disinfection, 24 hours in storage and distribution, and 16 hours in quality assurance.
- CBSPD (CSPDT): Requires 12 months of full-time experience (or equivalent part-time hours) working in a sterile processing department.
Sterile Processing Technician classes near you in California:
Step 3: Pass a National Certification Exam
While California does not require a state license for sterile processing technicians, virtually all employers mandate national certification. The two most recognized certifications are:
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
Once certified, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics across California. The job outlook is strong, with state projections showing an 11.2% growth for medical equipment preparers between 2022 and 2032.
Search current sterile processing technician jobs in California in MyNextMove.
Understanding Certification Renewal: HSPA (CRCST) vs. CBSPD (CSPDT)
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
