CRCST Renewal & CEU Requirements
Keep your certification current: understand renewal cycles, CE credit requirements, and how to maintain your credential.
CRCST Renewal at a Glance
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Your certification is valid for exactly 5 years from the date it's issued
CE Credits Required
12 credits
Total continuing education credits needed per 5-year renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$50–$100
Varies by membership status; members get lower rates
Application Window
Up to 90 days before expiration
When you can submit your renewal application
The 5-Year Renewal Cycle
Your CRCST certification is valid for exactly five years from the date of issuance. When your expiration date approaches, you must renew to keep the credential active.
1Year 1–4: Maintain Employment & Earn CE Credits
Throughout your certification period, stay current in your field and accumulate continuing education credits.
- •Work in sterile processing (no requirement to stay employed, but industry experience is valuable)
- •Earn CE credits through approved sources
- •Track all CE activities and maintain documentation
2Last 90 Days Before Expiration: Submit Renewal Application
HSPA allows renewal applications to be submitted up to 90 days before your certificate expires.
- •Compile your 12 CE credits documentation
- •Complete CRCST renewal application (online via HSPA portal)
- •Pay renewal fee ($50 for members, $100 for non-members)
- •Submit all documentation to HSPA for processing
3Processing & New Certificate
HSPA reviews and approves your renewal, issuing a new certificate.
- •HSPA processes renewal applications within 2–4 weeks
- •You receive new certificate with 5-year expiration date
- •Your credential remains active without interruption if submitted on time
CE (Continuing Education) Credit Requirements
12 CE Credits Required Per Cycle
What this means: You must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education during your 5-year certification period to renew.
- •That's 2.4 credits per year on average – very manageable
- •Can earn all 12 in the final year if needed
- •Credits must be from HSPA-approved CE sources
Approved CE Sources
HSPA-Approved CE Activities
- HSPA webinars and conferences
- Healthcare facility in-house training
- Online CE courses (approved providers)
- Professional publications and journals
- Quality improvement initiatives at work
- Professional certifications (related disciplines)
What Typically Counts
- •Live conferences: 1 credit per hour
- •Online courses: 1 credit per instructional hour
- •Facility workshops: As documented by employer
- •Journal reading: Often accepted with documentation
Always verify acceptability with HSPA before taking a course or activity
Tracking & Documenting Your CE Credits
How to Keep Track
- 1.HSPA CE Tracker Tool: Use the official HSPA online portal to log credits as you earn them
- 2.Spreadsheet: Create your own tracking document with dates, activities, and credits
- 3.Save Certificates: Keep digital/physical copies of CE completion certificates
- 4.Organize Records: Maintain organized files by year and CE source
Documentation Requirements
When renewing, you'll need to provide proof of your 12 CE credits:
- •Certificate of completion or attendance records
- •Detailed description of CE activity (date, topic, hours, provider)
- •Confirmation that sources are HSPA-approved
- •Documentation should cover your entire 5-year cycle
Renewal Fees & Costs
HSPA Member Renewal
$50
Renewal fee (member rate)
- • Must maintain HSPA membership ($100/year)
- • Significant savings vs. non-member rate
- • Additional member benefits included
Non-Member Renewal
$100
Renewal fee (non-member rate)
- • Double the member rate
- • No HSPA membership required
- • Consider joining HSPA to save money on renewal
Tip: If you're not an HSPA member, strongly consider joining before renewal. At $100/year membership, you break even on the first renewal ($50 savings vs. $100 non-member fee).
What Happens If Your Certification Lapses
Consequences of Not Renewing
- ✗Your CRCST credential becomes inactive
- ✗Cannot claim CRCST certification on your resume or credentials
- ✗Some employers may no longer accept you in CRCST-required roles
- ✗Salary and benefits may be affected
If You Need to Reinstate Certification
If your CRCST expires, you can reinstate it, but it's more difficult:
- •Contact HSPA about reinstatement procedures
- •May require additional CE credits or re-examination
- •Additional fees may apply
- •Easier approach: Renew on time before expiration
Best Practice: Renew Early
HSPA allows applications up to 90 days before expiration. Plan to submit your renewal 60–90 days before your certificate expires to ensure your new credential arrives with no gap in coverage.
Learn More About CRCST
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