Become a Sterile Processing Tech, 100% Online 

Yes! Preppy certification programs are offered through Auburn University, our accredited university partner. When you complete your program, you'll receive a university-issued Certificate of Completion from Auburn OPCE. The curriculum is built to align with HSPA standards, so graduates are prepared to apply for the CRCST certification exam.

The program is 100% self-paced, so you can move at your own speed. Most students finish in about 3–6 months, but you’ll have up to a full year of access to the program if you want to take your time.

All required course materials are included with your enrollment: — interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and assignments.

Have questions about the materials for your specific program? Just reach out. We’re happy to help!

Preppy is the training program. The CRCST is the certification exam administered by HSPA. 

Many students choose Preppy because it gives them a structured, flexible, and affordable way to learn the fundamentals and walk into that exam prepared. Here's what sets Preppy apart:

• Structured, 100% online and self-paced training that fits around your life

• Curriculum aligned with HSPA guidelines to prepare you for the CRCST exam

• A Certificate of Completion from Auburn University OPCE, our accredited nonprofit university partner

• Included learning materials with interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and assignments

• Affordable pricing with flexible payment options

• Job-readiness support to help you take your next step after completing the program

Not at all. Preppy's Sterile Processing Tech program is built for beginners and walks you through everything step-by-step, from the basics of sterilization to certification exam prep.

Certification exam fees aren’t included. Keeping exam costs separate helps us keep the program as affordable as possible, so that there are no hidden fees and you don’t have to take out student loans.

After you complete the program, you'll have access to Preppy's job-readiness support. That includes resume guidance, interview prep resources, and job-search support to help you move forward with confidence. You may also receive guidance to help connect with employers hiring for sterile processing roles, depending on your location and availability.

HSPA offers two pathways to the CRCST certification:

The first is the full certification, which requires 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing environment. This pathway typically makes more sense for someone who is already working in healthcare and has access to those hours.

The second is the provisional certification. This is the pathway most Preppy students take. In both cases, you need to pass the CRCST exam to earn your certification.

After completing Preppy's program, you'll be prepared to sit for the exam and apply under the provisional pathway.

Once you earn your provisional CRCST, you can use our job-readiness support to help you find a role in sterile processing. When you're on the job, you'll complete your 400 required hours. Within six months, you can submit those hours to HSPA and convert your provisional certification into your full CRCST.

It's a practical, straightforward path, and it's exactly how most people get started in this field.