The Sterile Processing Technician certificate program is a distant learning program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for entry-level work as a sterile processing technician. Potential Students must have access to a laptop or desktop to successfully complete the Sterile Processing Technician Course. The program focuses on basic sterile processing concepts and professional proficiencies. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency of skills through completion of 400 hours hands-on work experience or achieve a passing grade of 70 or higher after completion of the Sterile Processing Technician program, as well as successful completion of the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam administered through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or The S.P.D. Technician Certification exam administered through The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), exams developed to measure the understanding of general sterile processing and infection prevention topics and indicates that the student is competent to perform the role of a sterile Processing Technician. Students will be responsible for setting up and obtaining the 400 hours of hands-on training or having place of employment sign off on hands on hours. Graduates of the Sterile Processing Technician program will be required to recertify annually or every five years through completion of continuing education requirements. Students are encouraged to purchase membership through AORN who provides guidelines for perioperative practice. A membership can be purchased at aorn.org. The student rate is $20.00.