Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

PTCB / Credentials / Certification / Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Take the next step in your career and demonstrate your expertise in compounded sterile preparation practice.

INTRO

Many pharmacy technicians are responsible for sterile compounding, the preparation of medications in a sterile environment to prevent contamination. Becoming a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician^® (CSPT^®) demonstrates a CPhT’s knowledge and skill as a specialized pharmacy technician as well as their commitment to the role they play in ensuring medication safety.

Preparing CSPs, commonly referred to as sterile compounding, requires unique knowledge and skill that is above and beyond the standard for CPhTs. CSPs are administered via routes that cause immediate effects for patients, and may also contain hazardous ingredients. CSPs therefore generally carry a higher risk than non-sterile medications or preparations. CSPTs practice under a licensed pharmacist in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home infusion centers, and other compounding facilities. The legal scope of practice for CSPTs is the purview of individual State Boards of Pharmacy.

Earning the CSPT Certification provides the opportunity to be recognized by your employer and colleagues for successfully meeting PTCB’s rigorous requirements for this advanced credential.

APPLY NOW RENEW

PREPARE & APPLY

Prepare

Please note: On November 1, 2023, the CSPT Exam was republished with updated content that reflects the recent revision to USP <797>.

Access these test resources before your exam date to ease your nerves and help you prepare for success.

CSPT Exam Content Outline
Review the content outline which lists knowledge areas required on the exam.

CSPT Exam Medications List
Review the list of medications referenced in the CSPT exam.

CSPT Exam Reference List
Many external references are available that may be useful to individuals preparing for the CSPT exam.

Pearson VUE Tutorial
The Pearson VUE tutorial provides a preview of the testing experience and functionality for PTCB exams.

Online Testing Requirements Overview
This quick video explains the requirements and policies for online proctored testing.

Eligibility Requirements

Are you eligible to earn your PTCB CSPT Certification?

To apply to become a CSPT, a candidate must be an active PTCB CPhT and qualify under one of the following pathways:

Pathway 1: Completion of, or enrollment in, a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program for the CSPT Program AND one year of full-time continuous compounded sterile preparation (CSP) work experience.

Pathway 2: Three years of full-time continuous compounded sterile preparation (CSP) work experience within the last 8 years.

Learn more about CSPT eligibility requirements.

View PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Programs for the CSPT Program

CSPT Application Fee	$50*
CSPT Exam Fee	$149
Total Fees	$199

*Nonrefundable one-time fee required per one-year CSPT Candidacy Window

View education/training and CSPT savings opportunities.

Apply & Schedule

To apply:

Log into your existing PTCB Account.
Apply for CSPT Certification through the link in your PTCB Account.
Once your application for CSPT candidacy is approved, you will receive an email granting you a one-year Candidacy Eligibility Window and an authorization to schedule. During this one-year period, you must complete the following requirements:

- Submit the CSPT Competency Attestation Form completed by a qualified supervisor.
- Schedule, take, and pass the CSPT Exam. After receiving your authorization to schedule email, you have 90 days to schedule and take the exam. The CSPT Exam is administered through online proctored testing and in-person at more than 1,400 Pearson Professional Centers nationwide, including more than 100 military bases.

Learn more about the CSPT Competency Attestation Form.

GET CERTIFIED

About the Exam

The CSPT Exam is a computer-based exam with 75 multiple-choice questions: (60 scored questions and 15 unscored questions). Unscored questions are randomly placed throughout the exam and are not identified.
Be prepared to commit 2 hours for the exam (5-minute tutorial, 1 hour and 50-minute exam, and 5-minute post-exam survey).
Your unofficial exam result will be presented on the screen immediately following the post-exam survey. You will also receive a printed copy of the unofficial exam result at the test center. Official exam results will be posted to your PTCB Account within three weeks.

Exam Day Requirements

When you schedule your exam, you may choose to take your PTCB exam at a Pearson VUE test center or online from your own computer under the virtual supervision of a live proctor.

Arrive at the designated Pearson VUE test center 30 minutes prior to your appointment. If you are testing online, check-in 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Bring an approved form of identification that matches your name as it appears on your PTCB Account. You will not be allowed to take the exam without proper identification.
Prior to your exam day, be sure to review more details about what to expect and important information about online testing requirements in our Help Center.

Testing Accommodations

Candidates who require testing accommodations must request these accommodations during the application process. Accommodations that are reasonable and consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided by PTCB at no additional cost to candidates. Learn more.

AFTER THE EXAM

Scoring

The passing scaled score for the CSPT is 1,400. The range of possible CSPT scores based on the exam outline is 1,000 to 1,600. Preliminary score reports presented on screen following your exam are typically an indication of your performance, but they are not official or final. Official score reports are typically available in your PTCB Account within three weeks of your exam date. PTCB cannot expedite the processing of exam results or certification information. Preliminary score reports presented on screen following your exam are typically an indication of your performance, but they are not official or final. Official score reports are typically available in your PTCB Account within three weeks of your exam date. PTCB cannot expedite the processing of exam results or certification information.

If you pass the exam, your certification status can be verified through PTCB Certification Verification.

Certificates

When you are granted certification, your certificate will be available to download through your PTCB Account.

Digital Badges

Upon earning your certification, you will receive an email invitation from the Credly Platform via badge@ptcb.org with instructions for claiming your badge and setting up your account.

This digital badge will contain information describing your certification, including how you earned it. You can display the badge in your email signature, electronic files of a resume, and on social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Renew

CSPTs are required to recertify every year to maintain their credential. Learn more.

DOCUMENTS

Quick access to additional documents you may need during your PTCB certification or recertification process. Download the necessary documents and submit the completed forms as required.