We hear you! We had the same problem over the years so we've created a comprehensive study guide (122 pages; 2nd edition) and 2 full mock exams (150 multiple choice questions each in the same style and format as the actual exam). We have over 30 years of experience in the field of sports nutrition and have now put all of these years into these study materials to help aspiring sports RDs achieve the CSSD credential.
Check out our store to see the sample pages that include the table of contents for the study guide and then 4 practice questions with answer key, content areas addressed and rationale. If after viewing the sample pages you decide this is what you need, excellent! We thank you for considering our Pro-Style Nutrition resources!
The Pro-Style Nutrition Study Guide For the CSSD Board Exam [Study Guide] is designed as a resource for individuals preparing to take the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) Board Certification Exam (CSSD Exam).
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The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) test from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) is part of the CRCST certification program designed to measure and recognize entry-level technicians to certify that they are capable of providing competent services as a central service/sterile processing technician.
The CRCST exam is one part of the overall certification process. In addition to passing the test, you must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience to be certified. That firsthand experience will play an important role in your test preparation. The CRCST test is taken on a computer at a testing center and costs $140 (as of March 2023).
You may be looking for an IAHCSMM practice test and only find information about HSPA practice tests. In January 2022, the IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management) was renamed HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association).
The CRCST exam has 150 multiple-choice questions. It covers 7 key areas of sterile processing, including cleaning, decontamination, disinfection, preparation, documentation, and sterilization. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass and take you a step further to an IAHCSMM CRCST certification.
In this section of the CRCST certification test, you will be given approximately 30 multiple-choice questions covering 11 different areas. The questions are designed to measure your understanding of the topic.
In this section of the IAHCSMM CRCST test, you will be given approximately 30 multiple-choice questions covering 10 different areas. The questions are designed to measure your understanding of the topic.
In this section of the IAHCSMM CRCST exam, you will be given approximately 15 multiple-choice questions covering 8 different areas. The questions are designed to measure your understanding of the topic.
In this section of the IAHCSMM CRCST test,, you will be given approximately 15 multiple-choice questions covering 2 different areas. The questions are designed to measure your understanding of the topic.
Passing the CRCST exam requires extensive hands-on experience, self-study, and/or taking IAHCSMM CRCST practice tests. After passing the test, you must also have either completed 400 hours of hands-on work or completed the 400-hours of service within 6 months of passing the exam to get your CRCST certification. However, if you have the experience but do not pass the CRCST test, you will not get your IAHCSMM CRCST certification. Therefore, it is vital that you push yourself to pass the test.
Considering the work experience that is required, paying attention while doing your work and not cutting corners is the most important preparation strategy. However, there are additional things you can do to supplement your knowledge and give yourself a better chance to pass the test.
After taking a CRCST practice test, you should be able to identify which areas you need to focus your study time on. This will give you a better sense of what you actually know, as opposed to just feeling confident about certain sections.
While this might seem silly, there is a skill to excelling at multiple-choice questions. You have less than a minute and a half per question, making it important that you quickly read through the questions and answer choices and make a fast determination.
If you fail the CRCST test, you can retake it as often as you want until you pass. You must apply using the retake application that comes with your examination report, wait 6 weeks between attempts, and pay $140 for each attempt.
There are 150 questions on the HSPA CRCST test. Of those questions, 125 count toward your score, and the other 25 are unscored. The unscored questions are randomly placed throughout the test, so you need to answer all 150 questions.
Your CRCST test results are given at the testing center. Results appear on the screen following your completion of a survey, and a notification is emailed to you as well. When you pass the test, you receive a certification package within two weeks of completing the exam.
This chart shows the Pass/Fail scores of CRCST test takers from 2015-2019. In 2019 the test had its highest pass rate, with 77% of test-takers passing. In contrast, the pass rate in 2016 was just 53%. Preparing for the test with as many CRCST practice tests as possible is bound to help you pass the test.
The CRCST test was developed by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) group, which was renamed in 2022 as HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association). It is one of several certifications offered by the organization. Other certifications are CIS, CEER, CHL, and CCSVP.
Biofilm is resistant to regular cleaning, disinfection, and even sterilization processes. Thus, when biofilm is present, the instrument should be immersed in an enzymatic cleaner (C) to break down the biofilm. Wiping with a dry cloth (A) is not effective in removing biofilm. Proceeding to the disinfection process (B) or covering with a sterilization wrap (D) while biofilm is still present can lead to ineffective sterilization and potential cross-contamination.
When a hinge instrument is not functioning correctly, the best course of action is to send the instrument for repair and continue packaging without it (C). Lubricating the hinge and continuing with packaging (A) would not address the underlying problem with the instrument. Replacing the instrument immediately (B) might not be an option if an exact replacement is not readily available. Ignoring the issue (D) could risk patient safety and procedural efficacy.
If a Central Service Technician discovers a discrepancy in sterilization records, they should report the discrepancy to the supervisor immediately (B). This is because any errors in sterilization records can have significant consequences for patient safety. Discarding the records (A) could eliminate important information. Correcting the discrepancy on their own (C) may not be appropriate without first discussing the issue with a supervisor. Ignoring the discrepancy (D) could also lead to adverse consequences if the issue is not resolved.
A positive BI indicates that the sterilization process was unsuccessful. In this situation, the technician should report the incident, quarantine the load, and reprocess all items (C) to ensure patient safety. Simply running the sterilization cycle again (A) or using a chemical indicator to confirm the result (D) would not adequately address the potential for non-sterile instruments. Discarding the BI (B) ignores a serious process failure.
While it may seem logical to take immediate action such as returning the instruments or sterilizing them, the first action should be to communicate directly with the staff member involved (D). This ensures that the person is made aware of the breach, understands the potential implications, and can take corrective action.
While all these factors are important, the safety and sterility of the environment (C) is the most critical when considering a location for sterile storage. Sterile storage areas must provide a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment that minimizes the risk of contamination.
While all parts of the ventilator should be cleaned and disinfected, submerging the entire ventilator in a disinfectant solution (B) could damage its electrical and mechanical components. Hence, this step should not be taken. All other steps (A, C, D) are necessary in the cleaning and maintenance process.
This carefully crafted course is geared to elevate your skills and boost your confidence in tackling the CRCST exam, a crucial stepping stone for anyone seeking a career in the Central Service department of healthcare facilities. Our program offers numerous invaluable tools and benefits:
If your plan involves beginning your academic journey at a community college and transferring to another institution before completing your degree, consider that you may be required to provide these test scores.
Please note that if your child requires testing accommodations, documentation must be submitted in advance to the College Board for the PSAT and SAT, and to ACT for the ACT exams. Please refer to the deadlines listed below.
The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT, offered once a year in October, typically to Juniors. For the 2024-2025 school year, Paul V. Moore High School will offer the PSAT on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, from 7:45 AM until around 11:00 AM. The PSAT will be digital. Students must bring their student-issued Chromebook fully charged on test day.
Board exam materials are not cheap so if you want to view sample pages before you buy, we have that for you too! We also have a full mock exam (150 multiple choice questions in the same style and format as the actual exam).
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