What Is the Passing Score for the CRCST Exam?
The passing score for the CRCST exam is 72%. With 125 scored questions on the exam, you need to answer at least 90 questions correctly to pass. The remaining 25 questions are unscored pilot questions that do not count toward your final result — but you won't know which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts.
How the CRCST Exam Is Scored
The CRCST exam is administered by HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association), formerly known as IAHCSMM. Here is how the scoring works:
- Total questions: 150
- Scored questions: 125
- Unscored pilot questions: 25
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Passing score: 72% (approximately 90 correct out of 125 scored)
- Score report: Available immediately after computer-based testing
Your score report breaks down your performance by domain, so even if you don't pass, you'll know exactly which sections to focus on before retaking.
The 7 Domains and Their Exam Weights
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Departmental Considerations | 15% |
| Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection | 21% |
| Preparation & Packaging | 21% |
| Sterilization Process | 21% |
| Sterile Storage, Transport & Inventory Management | 9% |
| Patient Care Equipment & Distribution | 5% |
| Professional Development & Human Relation Skills | 8% |
The top three domains — Decontamination, Prep & Pack, and Sterilization — account for 63% of the exam. If you focus your study time here, you maximize your chances of passing.
What Happens If You Fail the CRCST Exam?
If you don't reach the 72% passing score:
- You receive a domain-level score report — this shows exactly which sections you struggled with
- You can re-register and retake the exam — HSPA does not impose a waiting period between attempts
- You pay the exam fee again — currently $140 USD per attempt
- Use your score report strategically — target the specific domains where you scored lowest
Many candidates pass on their second attempt by using their score report to guide focused study in their weak areas.
How to Know If You're Ready to Pass
Before your exam date, aim to consistently score above 80% on full-length practice exams. This gives you a buffer above the 72% threshold and accounts for test-day nerves.
Key indicators you're ready:
- Scoring 80%+ on full mock exams
- No single domain below 65%
- Comfortable with sterilization parameters, Spaulding Classification, and decontamination workflow
- Reviewed all biological indicator organisms and chemical indicator classes
Tips to Hit 72% or Higher
- Focus on the high-weight domains first — Decontamination, Sterilization, and Prep & Pack together are 63% of your score
- Don't skip Professional Development — it's 8% and often overlooked, but easy points
- Practice with timed exams — 3 hours for 150 questions is about 72 seconds per question
- Review every wrong answer — understanding why you got something wrong is more valuable than just doing more questions
- Use the Weak Areas Drill — target your lowest-scoring domains in the final week before your exam
Official Resources
- HSPA CRCST Exam Registration & Requirements — Official exam fees, eligibility, and content outline
- CDC Disinfection and Sterilization Guidelines — Key reference for sterilization domain questions