Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) provides technical training in microbiology, sterilization, infection control, packaging and storage, and inventory management.

1. Successfully complete either the Purdue University Correspondence Course or an approved IAHCSMM course; and

2. Pass IAHCSMM Certification Examination with a 70% grade average; and

3. Maintain 12 points (subject to audit) and enclose with payment of certification/membership dues. (See below for details)
   

Requirements To Maintain CRCST Status

To maintain CRCST status, it is important to be updated on current trends in the field of Central Service. To apprise IAHCSMM of your knowledge and to renew your certification status you must accumulate 12 CRCST points, (as outlined below) on an Annual basis. Documentation to fulfill this requirement must be submitted only upon receipt of a notice of audit. Points and dues payment must then be submitted with the billing invoice for that year. These guidelines have been established to aid CRCST’s in fulfilling their annual CRCST Requirements.

CRCST RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The CRCST is responsible for maintaining appropriate records and documentation
2. Upon receipt of the billing invoice, the following materials should be forwarded to the IAHCSMM Headquarters office:
• Billing invoice (with address and/or name changes)
• Audit form with appropriate supporting documents indicating a 12 point submission
• Dues payment
3. CRCST points must be accrued on an annual basis
4. All points accrued must be attained between the dates of April (of the billing year) to April (of the following year). Example: current billing must have points accrued between April 1, 2005 and April 30, 2006
5. Failure to meet the CRCST requirements will cause forfeiture of status and reclassification as RCST (non-certified)
6. New members (i.e. joined organization within the current billing year) are responsible for one (1) point per month from the time of certification

POINT VALUES

1. A CEU is the equivalent of 10 contact hours. To recertify, a CRCST must submit 1.2 CEU or 12 contact hours/points
   
   
2. 1 Point per hour at Workshop/Seminar Attendance
   Attendance at a workshop, seminar or in-service where the topics relate directly to Central Service. Point
   assignment is made according to the length of the program (i.e. 1 point for each contact hour, ¼ point for each 15 minutes, etc.). Supervisor verification and/or copies of certificates (indicating point earnings) will serve as supporting documentation for attendance
   
   
3. 12 Points for College Course Completion
   Successful completion of a junior or secondary college course where the content relates directly to knowledge that can be applied to functions in the Central Service department. A copy of the final grade transcripts must indicate name and location of school, topic studied, dates attended, length of course and final grade of “C” or better
   
   
4. 1-12 Points for IAHCSMM Educational Seminar Attendance
   Attendance at any national IAHCSMM Educational Seminar may meet the minimum requirements for re-certification. Most seminars offer more than the 12 points need, and the attendees can choose which sessions will be most beneficial and meet the attendance point minimum. One (1) point per hour of attendance is offered at the Technical or Management Update, or One Day Attendees, held in conjunction with the national educational conference. A copy of certificate of attendance will be proof for point credit
   
   
5. 1-12 Points for Hospital Oriented In-Services
   One (1) point per contact hour will be awarded, provided proper supporting documentation of subject and dates of attendance is authorized and signed by a departmental supervisor. In-service instructors will be awarded one (1) point per contact hour of presentation of topics directly relating to Central Service
   
   
6. 2-12 Points for IAHCSMM/Purdue Self Study Lesson Plans
   Two (2) points will be awarded for successful completion of each lesson plan published in Communiqué or directly from Purdue University, with grading provided by Purdue University. A final grade sheet printed from Purdue University will serve as supporting documentation. If CRCST’s prefer to have a manager or supervisor grade the lesson plans, value would be one (1) point per lesson plan, and listed as in-services on the Audit Form.

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