Which States Require Sterile Processing Certification? (2026)
Updated
Quick answer
Seven states require sterile processing technicians to be certified by law: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Delaware and Minnesota (Minnesota's law applies to people hired after December 31, 2027). Most accept either CRCST or CSPDT and give new hires 18 months to 3 years to get certified. HSPA lists Florida, Oregon and South Carolina as states with active legislation.
States with certification laws
| State | Law | Credentials accepted | Time to certify after hire | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | N.J.A.C. 8:43G-8.2 (hospital licensing regulation) | A national sterile processing certification recognized by the state health department | 3 years | Not specified |
| New York | Public Health Law §2824 (effective January 1, 2015) | CRCST, CSPDT or a substantially equivalent credential | 18 months | 10 hours a year |
| Connecticut | Public Act 15-11 (effective January 1, 2016) | CRCST or CSPDT | 2 years | 10 hours a year |
| Tennessee | T.C.A. §68-11-239 (hires from January 1, 2017) | CRCST or CSPDT | 2 years | 10 hours a year |
| Pennsylvania | Act 80 of 2020 | CRCST or CSPDT | 18 months | 10 hours a year |
| Delaware | HB 279 (effective January 1, 2023) | CRCST or CSPDT | 18 months | Check the statute |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. §148.781 (hires after December 31, 2027) | CRCST, CSPDT, CER or CFER | 24 months | 10 hours a year |
Always confirm current requirements with the state and your employer; laws and regulations change.
States with legislation in progress
HSPA lists Florida, Oregon and South Carolina as states with active certification legislation. Massachusetts has had bills introduced (such as H.2200) but no law has passed.
What if my state doesn't require it?
Even without a state law, many hospitals require certification within a set time after hire, and certified technicians are typically preferred for hiring and promotion. See how to become a sterile processing technician.
Getting certified in time
With an 18-month or 2-year deadline, you have time, but don't leave the exam to the end. One failed attempt costs a 6-week wait and another $140. Take a free CRCST practice test to see how close you are.
FAQ
- Which states require sterile processing certification?
- New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Delaware and Minnesota (for hires after December 31, 2027).
- Does New York require CRCST?
- New York's Public Health Law §2824 requires central service technicians to hold CRCST, CSPDT or a substantially equivalent credential within 18 months of hire and complete 10 hours of continuing education a year.
- Does Massachusetts require sterile processing certification?
- Not yet. Bills have been introduced, but no law has passed.
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