One of the first questions people ask about sterile processing is simple: what does it cost to get certified? Here’s an honest breakdown of every piece, so there are no surprises.
The short answer
Getting CRCST-certified generally has three costs: your training program, the exam fee, and course materials. Depending on the path you choose, most people spend somewhere between $800 and $2,800 all in — with self-study at the low end and in-person training at the high end.
1. Training program
This is the biggest and most flexible cost, because you choose the format:
- Online self-study — $700. Self-paced, instant access, the most affordable way to get certified from anywhere. See self-study →
- Live virtual class — $1,850. Instructor-led over Zoom on a set schedule, 16 weeks per cohort. See virtual →
- In-person — $2,500. Hands-on classroom training in the Philadelphia region with the strongest path to a hospital internship, 16 weeks. See in-person →
All three prepare you for the same CRCST exam on the HSPA 9th Edition. Payment plans are available on the cohort programs.
2. The exam fee
The CRCST exam fee is paid separately to HSPA (the certifying body) and is typically around $130, often bundled with a first-year membership. Fees are set by HSPA and can change, so confirm the current amount when you register.
Aseptic Technical Solutions is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with HSPA. Exam and membership fees are paid directly to HSPA.
3. Course materials
Your program should include the lessons, quizzes, and practice tests you need. At ATS, materials are built in — AI voice-guided lessons, quizzes, and practice exams — so you’re not hunting for a separate textbook to pass.
What about the hospital experience?
The CRCST also has a hands-on experience requirement. You don’t pay tuition for that — it’s supervised hours in a real environment. ATS provides hospital internship assistance to help you meet it, which can save you the cost and hassle of finding a site on your own.
Is it worth it?
For a credential that can be the difference between getting hired and getting passed over — and that’s now required by law in several states — the cost is modest compared to most healthcare training. Many students recover it quickly once they’re working.
Want to map out the most affordable path for your situation? Compare programs or grab the free Career Roadmap.