CER Certification/Practice Test

CER Practice Test

Practice questions for the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor exam — scope anatomy, HLD procedures, leak testing, and quality monitoring.

CER Exam Focus Areas

The CER exam tests specialized knowledge that goes far beyond general sterilization. You need to understand the unique challenges of flexible endoscope reprocessing:

Scope channel anatomy (air/water, suction, biopsy, elevator wire)

Pre-cleaning protocols at point of use

Leak testing procedures and interpretation

Manual cleaning with channel brushes and enzymatic detergent

High-level disinfection chemistry and contact times

Automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) operation

Drying, storage (vertical hanging), and transport

Documentation, traceability, and culture surveillance

Sample CER Questions

Question 1

Before manual cleaning, what must be performed IMMEDIATELY after a flexible endoscope is removed from the patient?

A.High-level disinfection

B.Leak testing

C.Bedside pre-cleaning (wiping and suctioning)

D.Channel brushing

Bedside pre-cleaning must occur immediately after the procedure. This includes wiping the insertion tube with enzymatic solution and suctioning/flushing all channels. This prevents biofilm formation from dried bioburden, which becomes much harder to remove if left to dry.

Question 2

A leak test on a flexible endoscope should be performed:

A.After high-level disinfection

B.Before manual cleaning, while fully submerged

C.Only if damage is visually suspected

D.After the scope has dried completely

Leak testing must be performed BEFORE manual cleaning, with the scope fully submerged in water. The scope is pressurized, and the technician watches for a stream of bubbles indicating a breach. Cleaning a damaged scope can force fluid into the internal components, causing irreparable damage.

Question 3

The minimum contact time for high-level disinfection with 2.4% glutaraldehyde at 25°C is:

A.10 minutes

B.20 minutes

C.45 minutes

D.12 hours

Glutaraldehyde at 2.4% concentration requires 20 minutes of contact time at 25°C (77°F) to achieve high-level disinfection. Lower temperatures require longer contact times. Always follow the specific HLD solution's IFU, as products vary.

Key Resources for CER Prep

AAMI ST91:The primary standard for flexible endoscope reprocessing — know its requirements thoroughly.

Scope manufacturer IFUs:Olympus, Pentax, and Fujifilm each have specific reprocessing instructions.

SGNA Position Statements:The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses provides reprocessing guidelines.

FDA MedWatch alerts:Review past device safety communications related to endoscope contamination events.

Build your foundation first

CER requires active CRCST certification. Start with our core practice test if you haven't earned your CRCST yet.

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