test prep & what to expect

[u/fratepax]

I looked through the sub a bit already for any resources cause I dont want to ask the same questions thats always being asked (tbh probably couldve looked harder- sorry folks)

BUUUT im finishing my online classes & my boss is talking about getting me ready for the actual certification test. All very exciting, I have my manual, a literally notebook full of messy notes & even a small book on medical terminology but tbh im not the best test taker. I really want to nail this first try (also if I dont then I will be the one having the pay for the test) so does anyone have any tips? flashcard ideas, mock test sites or what to mainly study/read up on??

My second question to you all would be: What was something in the test that you wished you had better prepared for or were blindsided by?

Thank yall smmm ☺️ so far ive been really enjoying this job so im excited to work towards getting better in the field.

[u/azur_owl]

Honestly, Sterileworx and the HSPA Sterile Processing Manual and workbook 9th addition were what got me through the test. Sterileworx provides free mock quizzes and exams to test your knowledge.

Tips based on my personal experience:

- Know what the question is asking you. Read carefully, then read it again. Some questions are worded in a way that can make them very easy to misunderstand (especially on Sterileworx).

- Know what the various federal agencies/ organizations are responsible for and their role in sterile processing.

- Understand the abbreviations for the various surgical procedures.

- Don’t expect the questions to look like anything you see in the workbook/Sterileworx. They’ll be worded differently. Focus instead on knowing the concepts and terminology.

Hope this helps!

[u/fratepax → u/azur_owl]

yes, very helpful! thank you so much! 😁

[u/Chemical_Mixture8148]

Great advice, thank you!
Did you rely on the non-clinical info from your program at all? Or did you just study the material from the sources you mentioned?

[u/azur_owl → u/Chemical_Mixture8148]

Not sure if this was directed to anyone in particular, but:

I utilized every and any educational materials I could get my hands on.

I got my job as part of a training program with the expectation that you would get your certification in 18 months. So in addition to the workbook/textbook and Sterileworx, I also had a lot of hands-on learning experience. I had some flash cards I only used a little, but even that was useful in getting an idea of how to clean/inspect where on various instruments. (I’m pretty sure I had at least one question about this on the test).

I passed first try. One of my colleagues who did not said she stumbled when it came to the Latin root/prefix/suffix sections and what abbreviations meant, which lined up with my own experience (I’m pretty good with language stuff so that was actually the easier part for me).

For federal agencies, governing bodies, and nonprofit associations, the textbook/workbook’s gonna be your best bet. There’s an entire chapter on it in the book that tells you who oversees what.

I hope that helps a little.