SPD TECHNICIAN EXAM OUTLINE

1. Roles and Responsibilities (18% of Exam)

• Knowledge of potential workplace hazards (e.g., wet floors, electrical outlets, EtO, fumes, body fluids, microorganisms, sharps, medical waste).
  
• Knowledge of ergonomic considerations and body mechanics.
  
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to sterile processing functions (e.g., Safety, Infection Control, Disaster, MSDS, incident reports).
  
• Knowledge of federal, state and local guidelines, standards and regulations (e.g., OSHA, FDA, CDC, EPA).
  
• Knowledge of professional standards and ethics related to patient and employee confidentiality.
  
• Knowledge of professional standards related to personal hygiene and dress codes.
  
• Knowledge of requirements for traffic control.
  
• Knowledge of function and workflow of the sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of requirements for following device manufacturer's instructions for processing.

2. Life Sciences (9% of Exam)

• Knowledge of microbiology related to cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing.
  
• Knowledge of factors in disease transmission (e.g., blood, skin, air).
  
• Knowledge of various chemical agents to reduce or eliminate microbial growth.
  
• Knowledge of modes of cross contamination.
  
• Knowledge of types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus, prions).
  
• Knowledge of microbial growth conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity).
  
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology.
  
• Knowledge of relationship between instrument type and types of tissue and body structure.
  
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
  
• Knowledge of body's defenses against infection.
  
• Knowledge of procedures for handling CJD contaminated supplies and equipment.

3. Decontamination (20% of Exam)

• Knowledge of types of chemicals and their uses (e.g., detergents, disinfectants, enzymatics, germicides).
  
• Knowledge of characteristics of chemicals (e.g., concentration, pH, expiration date, level of disinfection, contact time).
  
• Knowledge of disposal methods of biohazardous substances, chemicals and medical waste.
  
• Knowledge of Standard Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment.
  
• Knowledge of operation of decontamination equipment (e.g. washer/sterilizer, washer/decontaminator, sonic).
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's instructions for use of chemicals.
  
• Knowledge of methods of cleaning, disinfecting and decontaminating instruments and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of factors affecting decontamination (e.g., water temperature, loading procedures, water impurities, opening and disassembling).
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's instructions for care and handling of instrumentation.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations regarding operation, maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting of departmental and patient care equipment.
  
• Knowledge of basic care and handling of instruments and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of processes for loaner instrumentation.

4. Preparation and Handling (17% of Exam)

• Knowledge of instrument terminology and anatomy (e.g., jaws, shanks, box locks, rings).
  
• Knowledge of types and functions of instruments (e.g., endoscopic, power, microsurgical, robotic).
  
• Knowledge of types of instrument construction (e.g., finish, composition).
  
• Knowledge of basic principles of packaging.
  
• Knowledge of characteristics of packaging materials in relationship to sterilization methods.
  
• Knowledge of inspection and testing procedures for instruments and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of linen pack and tray construction (e.g., size, shape, density, weight).
  
• Knowledge of processing requirements for instruments and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of methods of monitoring sterilization (e.g., integrators, chemical and biological indicators).
  
• Knowledge of configuration of various instrument sets.
  
• Knowledge of types of sterilizers and methods of sterilization (e.g., gas plasma, peracetic acid, EtO, dry heat, steam).

5. Sterilization (22% of Exam)

• Knowledge of sterilization cycles and parameters (e.g., time, temperature, concentration, steam under pressure, humidity).
  
• Knowledge of operation testing and monitoring of sterilizers.
  
• Knowledge of purpose, interpretation and documentation of sterilization printouts, charts, biological indicators, chemical indicators and chemical integrators.
  
• Knowledge of loading and unloading criteria and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of documentation procedures for lot number, date and load contents.

6. Sterile Storage, Inventory Management and Distribution (14% of Exam)

• Knowledge of recall procedures for medical/surgical supplies.
  
• Knowledge of factors that affect shelf life (e.g., moisture, damage).
  
• Knowledge of storage requirements and shelving design (e.g., humidity, air exchange, placement).
  
• Knowledge of stock rotation (e.g., FIFO).
  
• Knowledge of sterility maintenance covers.
  
• Knowledge of tamper evident seals.
  
• Knowledge of different types of inventory management.
  
• Knowledge of distribution systems (e.g., case carts, par level, exchange cart, Just in Time Delivery, automated).
  
• Knowledge of receiving systems (e.g., corrugated boxes, breakout, containers).
  
• Knowledge of procedures for documenting supply and equipment charges.
  
• Knowledge of procedures for tracking usage of medical/surgical supplies, patient care equipment and specialty carts.

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT PROCESSOR EXAM OUTLINE

1. Decontamination of Surgical Instruments (30% of Exam)

• Knowledge of safety and infection control practices
  
• Knowledge of regulatory agency mandates and guidelines including OSHA, FDA, CDC, AAMI, EPA
  
• Knowledge of federal regulations regarding re-processing of single use devices
  
• Basic microbiology and bioburden reduction
  
• Types and uses of detergents, enzymatics, lubricants and environmental disinfectants
  
• Processing equipment's function and operation (e.g. washer decontaminator, washer/sterilizer, ultrasonic cleaner)
  
• Manufacturers' instructions for equipment and/or medical devices
  

2. Preparation and Packaging of Surgical Instruments (35% of Exam)

• Composition and finish or instruments (i.e. titanium, stainless steel)
  
• General and specialty instruments
  
• Anatomy of instruments (e.g. jaws, shanks)
  
• Inspection and testing of instruments and devices
  
• Functionality of instrumentation and equipment
  
• Components, assembly and configuration of individual sets
  
• Sterilization methods (e.g. steam, chemical, gas)
  
• High level disinfectants (e.g. glutaraldehyde)
  
• Instrument identification methods (e.g. etching, dipping)
  
• Characteristics of packaging materials (e.g. permeability, bacterial barrier)
  
• Wrapping techniques (e.g. envelope, square, peel packages)
  
• Tamper evident sealing techniques (e.g. locks, tape)
  
• Recommended labeling methodologies (e.g. non-toxic markers)

3. Sterilization of Surgical Instruments (25% of Exam)

• Lot control, tracking and record keeping for all devices processed
  
• Sterilization parameters (e.g. steam, chemical, gas)
  
• Sterilizer functions (e.g. printouts, graphs)
  
• Monitoring processes (e.g. biological, chemical)
  
• Federal regulations for sterilization methods (e.g. OSHA, FDA)
  
• Infection control practices (e.g. AAMI, AORN, APIC)
  
• Sterility maintenance concepts

4. General Knowledge of Surgical Instruments (10% of Exam)

• Problem solving (e.g. knowing where to get guidance)
  
• Critical thinking (e.g. analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information)
  
• Oral and written communication
  
• Establishing work priorities
  
• Interpersonal skills (e.g. listening, responsiveness)
  
• Team participation to promote positive patient and customer outcomes
  
• Conflict resolution
  
• Professional ethics and confidentiality
  
• Minimization of material consumption and waste
  
• Misuse and abuse of instrumentation
  
• New technology and continuing education opportunities
  
• Medical terminology

AMBULATORY SURGERY TECHNICIAN EXAM OUTLINE

1. Roles and Responsibilities (15% of Exam)

• Knowledge of the purpose of the Sterile Processing department
  
• Knowledge of the manufacturer's recommendations regarding operation, maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting of departmental equipment
  
• Knowledge of the basic care and handling of instruments and equipment
  
• Knowledge of potential workplace hazards
  
• Knowledge of ergonomic considerations and body mechanics
  
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures related to Sterile Processing functions
  
• Knowledge of federal, state and local guidelines, standards and regulations
  
• Knowledge of professional standards and ethics related to patient and employee confidentiality, personal hygiene and dress codes
  
• Knowledge of the continuous Quality Assessment programs
  
• Knowledge of health and safety related to environmental requirements

2. Life Sciences (10% of Exam)

• Knowledge of microbiology related to cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing
  
• Knowledge of the factors in disease transmission
  
• Knowledge of the modes of cross contamination
  
• Knowledge of types of microorganisms
  
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology
  
• Knowledge of the relationship between instrument type and types of tissue and body structure
  
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
  
• Knowledge of the body's defenses against infection
  
• Knowledge of microbial growth conditions
  
• Knowledge of the procedures for handling Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) contaminated supplies and equipment

3. Decontamination (25% of Exam)

• Knowledge of the function and workflow of the decontamination room
  
• Knowledge of the types of chemicals and their uses
  
• Knowledge of the characteristics of chemicals
  
• Knowledge of the disposal methods of biohazardous substances, chemicals and medical waste
  
• Knowledge of the Universal Standards and Personal Protective Equipment
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's instructions for use of chemicals
  
• Knowledge of the methods of cleaning, disinfecting and decontaminating instruments and equipment
  
• Knowledge of factors affecting decontamination
  
• Knowledge of instruments: (general surgical instruments & specialty instruments)

4. Preparation and Handling (20% of Exam)

• Knowledge of instrument terminology and anatomy
  
• Knowledge of the types and functions of instruments
  
• Knowledge of the types of instrument construction
  
• Knowledge of the basic principles of packaging
  
• Knowledge of the characteristics of packaging materials in relationship to sterilization methods
  
• Knowledge of testing and preventative maintenance procedures for instruments and equipment
  
• Knowledge of linen pack and instrument tray construction
  
• Knowledge of device manufacturer's processing requirements for instruments and equipment
  
• Knowledge of methods of monitoring sterilization

5. Sterilization (25% of Exam)

• Knowledge of the types of sterilizers and methods of sterilization
  
• Knowledge of sterilization cycles and parameters
  
• Knowledge of the operation and monitoring of sterilizers
  
• Knowledge of the purpose, interpretation and documentation of sterilization indicators and integrators
  
• Knowledge of recall procedures
  
• Knowledge of loading and unloading criteria and procedures
  
• Knowledge of documentation procedures for lot number, date and load contents

6. Sterile Storage and Distribution (5% of Exam)

• Knowledge of the factors that affect shelf-life
  
• Knowledge of storage requirements and shelving design
  
• Knowledge of stock rotation
  
• Knowledge of inventory systems
  
• Knowledge of distribution systems
  
• Knowledge of sterility maintenance covers
  
• Knowledge of tamper evident seals
  
• Knowledge of receiving procedures for handling medical supplies

FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPE REPROCESSOR EXAM OUTLINE

1. Infection Control (12% of Exam)

• Mechanisms of disease transmission
  
• Types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus, prions).
  
• Sterilization techniques
  
• Procedures for prevention of cross-contamination
  
• Disinfection stages/levels
  
• Biohazard removal and waste management protocols
  
• Levels of criticality for disinfection (Spaulding classification)
  

2. Reprocessing Techniques (13% of Exam)

• Inspection processes
  
• Scope functions and handling (Configuration/orientation)
  
• Cleaning techniques
  
• Applicable references and resources
  
• Accessories and cleaning techniques (e.g., water resistant caps, etc.)
  
• Protocols for changing solutions/brushes, etc.
  
• Air removal/pressure testing techniques
  

3. Standard Equipment for Endoscopic Procedures (19% of Exam)

• Equipment
  
• Scope components and handling
  
• Scope cleaning equipment
  
• Primary Equipment/Towers
  
• Automated endoscope washers
  
• Scope troubleshooting, testing and reporting to repair department
  
• Procedures for preparing scope for repair
  
• Accessory Supplies (e.g., snare, water bottles, pumps, suction, electrocautery, etc.
  
• Misc. Supplies
  
• Test strips and their shelf life
  
• General understanding of procedures and supply requirements
  

4. Chemicals (11% of Exam)

• Proper use and personal protection equipment and procedures
  
• Characteristics, use and handling of chemicals
  
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and where to locate information
  
• Exposure times and temperatures for proper use dilution rates
  
• Quality Assurance including testing

  5. Rules and Regulations (10% of Exam)

• Sources of information (e.g., manufacturers guidelines)
  
• Applicable rules and regulations
  
• SGNA Guidelines
  
• American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
  
• OSHA Rules
  
• The Joint Commission Standards

6. Safety (14% of Exam)

• Personal Protective Equipment and universal precautions
  
• Environmental safety standards
  
• Electrical safety procedures
  
• Latex allergies
  
• Equipment condition and handling safety
  
• Body mechanics and personal safety (ergonomics)
  
• Patient emergency equipment (location and operation)
  
• Emergency communication protocols
  

7. Basic Medical Competencies and Performance Standards (7% of Exam)

• Basic knowledge of medical procedures involving scopes
  
• Basic medical terminology
  
• Basic anatomy and physiology
  
• Lifting techniques

8. Recordkeeping (3% of Exam)

• Requirements and reasons for recordkeeping (accuracy)
  
• Process for creating and storing logs and records (Format, required information)

9. Specimen Handling (4% of Exam)

• Types of specimens
  
• Types of containers and fixatives (formalin, viral tubes, dissects, etc.)
  
• Techniques for labeling, handling, storage and transportation

10. Ethical Standards (7% of Exam)

• Ethical professional issues and standards (SGNA ethical standards)
  
• Patient bill of rights
  
• Device failure reporting requirements (i.e. FDA and Safety Medical Device)
  
• Patient privacy rules (HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability)

SUPERVISOR EXAM OUTLINE

1. Fiscal Management (2% of Exam)

• Knowledge of financial reports, spreadsheets and graphs.
  
• Knowledge of basic math computation.
  
• Knowledge of operational needs, budget allocation and annual business plan for sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of capital budget requests.
  
• Knowledge of cost savings options.
  
• Knowledge of staffing requirements.

2. Human Resources Management (12% of Exam)

• Knowledge of areas of responsibility for jobs in sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of measurable competencies and/or performance standards.
  
• Knowledge of training resources (e.g., videos, manuals from manufacturers, self-study manuals, workbooks).
  
• Knowledge of sterile processing department training methods and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of staffing needs based work volume.
  
• Knowledge of employee evaluation and corrective action procedures.
  
• Knowledge of mediation techniques.
  
• Knowledge of employment law (e.g., EEOC, ADA).

3. Roles and Responsibilities (27% of Exam)

• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations that impact the department's operations (e.g., FDA, OSHA, Department of Health).
  
• Knowledge of scope for practice for sterile processing.
  
• Knowledge of development of policies and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of incident reporting procedures.
  
• Knowledge of patient regulations and employee guidelines regarding confidentiality.
  
• Knowledge of process improvement plans.
  
• Knowledge of departmental disaster and emergency contingency policies.
  
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment and resources necessary for an emergency.
  
• Knowledge of recall procedures (e.g., positive biological, manufacturer recalls).
  
• Knowledge of allocation of staff for optimal productivity.
  
• Knowledge of grievance procedures.
  
• Knowledge of techniques for customer service.
  
• Knowledge of device manufacturer's instructions for processing.

4. Life Science (10% of Exam)

• Knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology, microbiology and infection control as it relates to sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungus, virus, prions, spores) and how they are destroyed.
  
• Knowledge of basic factors in disease transmission (e.g., vectors, fomites, pathogens).
  
• Knowledge of agents to reduce microbial growth conditions.

5. Decontamination (9% of Exam)

• Knowledge of methods and processes of decontamination (e.g., manual versus mechanical).
  
• Knowledge of types of detergents, disinfectants and cleaning solutions and their actions (e.g., pH levels, concentration).
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for mixing chemicals used for decontamination.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for processing instrumentation and patient care equipment.
  
• Knowledge of operation of decontamination equipment.
  
• Knowledge of processing general and surgical instruments, equipment and supplies.

6. Preparation and Handling (14% of Exam)

• Knowledge of packaging materials and systems (e.g., peel pack, wrap, container).
  
• Knowledge of labeling methodologies (e.g., lot load, barcode).
  
• Knowledge of care, handling, inspection and functionality of surgical instruments.
  
• Knowledge of tray configuration.
  
• Knowledge of use and placement of internal and external chemical indicators and integrators.
  
• Knowledge of sterilization methodologies.

7. Sterilization (12% of Exam)

• Knowledge of methods and parameters of sterilization (e.g., steam, EtO, gas plasma) and associated monitoring controls.
  
• Knowledge of methods and products used to monitor and challenge sterilization processes.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for care of sterilization equipment.
  
• Knowledge of AAMI procedures for loading and unloading of sterilizers.
  
• Knowledge of documentation of sterilization processes.

8. Sterile Storage, Inventory Management and Distribution (14% of Exam)

• Knowledge of parameters for sterile storage.
  
• Knowledge of principles of stock rotation.
  
• Knowledge of types of inventory systems.
  
• Knowledge of procedures for distribution methods, frequencies and routes.
  
• Knowledge of methods for measuring and monitoring inventory performance.
  
• Knowledge of departmental needs for supplies and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of methods for patient charge recovery, tracking and record keeping for equipment and medical devices.
  
• Knowledge of receiving procedures.
  
• Knowledge of par levels of medical/surgical supplies, equipment and specialty carts.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for preventative maintenance of patient care equipment.

MANAGER EXAM OUTLINE

1. Fiscal Management (8% of Exam)

• Knowledge of financial reports, spreadsheets and graphs.
  
• Knowledge of basic math computation.
  
• Knowledge of operational needs, budget allocation and annual business plan for sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of capital budget requests.
  
• Knowledge of cost savings options.
  
• Knowledge of staffing requirements.

2. Human Resources Management (12% of Exam)

• Knowledge of areas of responsibility for jobs in sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of measurable competencies and/or performance standards.
  
• Knowledge of training resources (e.g., videos, manuals from manufacturers, self-study manuals, workbooks).
  
• Knowledge of sterile processing department training methods and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of staffing needs based work volume.
  
• Knowledge of employee evaluation and corrective action procedures.
  
• Knowledge of mediation techniques.
  
• Knowledge of employment law (e.g., EEOC, ADA).
  
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

3. Roles and Responsibilities (28% of Exam)

• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations that impact the department's operations (e.g., FDA, OSHA, Department of Health).
  
• Knowledge of scope for practice for sterile processing.
  
• Knowledge of development of policies and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of incident reporting procedures.
  
• Knowledge of patient regulations and employee guidelines regarding confidentiality.
  
• Knowledge of process improvement plans.
  
• Knowledge of departmental disaster and emergency contingency policies.
  
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment and resources necessary for an emergency.
  
• Knowledge of recall procedures (e.g., positive biological, manufacturer recalls).
  
• Knowledge of allocation of staff for optimal productivity.
  
• Knowledge of grievance procedures.
  
• Knowledge of techniques for customer service.
  
• Knowledge of device manufacturer's instructions for processing.

4. Life Science (9% of Exam)

• Knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology, microbiology and infection control as it relates to sterile processing department.
  
• Knowledge of types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungus, virus, prions, spores) and how they are destroyed.
  
• Knowledge of basic factors in disease transmission (e.g., vectors, fomites, pathogens).
  
• Knowledge of agents to reduce microbial growth conditions.

5. Decontamination (10% of Exam)

• Knowledge of methods and processes of decontamination (e.g., manual versus mechanical).
  
• Knowledge of types of detergents, disinfectants and cleaning solutions and their actions (e.g., pH levels, concentration).
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for mixing chemicals used for decontamination.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for processing instrumentation and patient care equipment.
  
• Knowledge of operation of decontamination equipment.
  
• Knowledge of processing general and surgical instruments, equipment and supplies.

6. Preparation and Handling (11% of Exam)

• Knowledge of packaging materials and systems (e.g., peel pack, wrap, container).
  
• Knowledge of labeling methodologies (e.g., lot load, barcode).
  
• Knowledge of care, handling, inspection and functionality of surgical instruments.
  
• Knowledge of tray configuration.
  
• Knowledge of use and placement of internal and external chemical indicators and integrators.
  
• Knowledge of sterilization methodologies.

7. Sterilization (9% of Exam)

• Knowledge of methods and parameters of sterilization (e.g., steam, EtO, gas plasma) and associated monitoring controls.
  
• Knowledge of methods and products used to monitor and challenge sterilization processes.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for care of sterilization equipment.
  
• Knowledge of AAMI procedures for loading and unloading of sterilizers.
  
• Knowledge of documentation of sterilization processes.

8. Sterile Storage, Inventory Management and Distribution (13% of Exam)

• Knowledge of parameters for sterile storage.
  
• Knowledge of principles of stock rotation.
  
• Knowledge of types of inventory systems.
  
• Knowledge of procedures for distribution methods, frequencies and routes.
  
• Knowledge of methods for measuring and monitoring inventory performance.
  
• Knowledge of departmental needs for supplies and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of methods for patient charge recovery, tracking and record keeping for equipment and medical devices.
  
• Knowledge of receiving procedures.
  
• Knowledge of par levels of medical/surgical supplies, equipment and specialty carts.
  
• Knowledge of manufacturer's recommendations for preventative maintenance of patient care equipment.