A colonoscope is left untouched after a procedure. Which problem does CDC's advisory committee say immediate pre-cleaning helps to prevent?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Essential Steps, 1. Pre-cleaning. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 1: Microbiology and Infection Control.
A gastroscope touches mucous membranes but does not enter sterile tissue. Where does the CDC guideline place it, and what is the least it must receive?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 3.b. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 1: Microbiology and Infection Control.
High-level disinfection of a heat-sensitive endoscope can be expected to destroy all microorganisms, with one stated exception. What is it?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Disinfection of Healthcare Equipment, Reprocessing of Endoscopes. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 1: Microbiology and Infection Control.
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Microbiology and infection control, continued
How does the CDC guideline describe a biofilm?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Disinfection and Sterilization, Biofilms. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 1: Microbiology and Infection Control.
In the chain of infection, what is the reservoir of an infectious agent?CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 1, Section 10: Chain of Infection, Reservoir. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 1: Microbiology and Infection Control.
Which organisms does the CDC guideline say were repeatedly identified in infections transmitted by gastrointestinal endoscopy?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Disinfection of Healthcare Equipment, Reprocessing of Endoscopes. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 1: Microbiology and Infection Control.
Endoscope purpose, design and structure 5
A scope goes in through the urethral opening to view the bladder's interior. What is this procedure called?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Endoscopy, Why the Test is Performed. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 2: Endoscope Purpose, Design and Structure.
After use, where on a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope does the CDC guideline say the highest levels of bioburden are found?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Disinfection of Healthcare Equipment, Reprocessing of Endoscopes. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 2: Endoscope Purpose, Design and Structure.
Besides its long narrow channels, which part of a duodenoscope does the FDA single out as a challenge to reprocess?FDA, Information about Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs) and FDA's Evaluation, Validating AER Reprocessing Effectiveness. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 2: Endoscope Purpose, Design and Structure.
Which design feature does the FDA list as prone to retaining debris and biological material?FDA, Factors Affecting Quality of Reprocessing, Device Design. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 2: Endoscope Purpose, Design and Structure.
Which flexible endoscope is threaded through the mouth, throat and stomach into the top of the small intestine for ERCP?FDA, Infections Associated with Reprocessed Duodenoscopes. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 2: Endoscope Purpose, Design and Structure.
Work area design 6
A separate room is used for manual cleaning of endoscopes. What air pressure should it have relative to adjoining spaces?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Physical Setting, 3. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 3: Work Area Design.
Chemicals that are hazardous to the eyes are used in the reprocessing room. Where should the eyewash station NOT be placed?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Physical Setting, 6. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 3: Work Area Design.
OSHA's guide on glutaraldehyde cites a minimum room air exchange rate where disinfection is performed. What is it?OSHA, Best Practices for the Safe Use of Glutaraldehyde in Health Care (OSHA 3258-08N), General Room Ventilation. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 3: Work Area Design.
What is the purpose of a "one way" work flow in an endoscope reprocessing area?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Physical Setting, 2. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 3: Work Area Design.
Where should the endoscope reprocessing area be, in relation to the room where procedures are performed?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Physical Setting, 1. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 3: Work Area Design.
Which sink arrangement does CDC's advisory committee call for in the reprocessing area?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Physical Setting, 5. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 3: Work Area Design.
Endoscope processing steps 16
A bronchoscope fails its leak test. What does the CDC guideline say to do with it?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.a. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
A test strip shows a reused high-level disinfectant is below its minimum effective concentration. What is done with the solution?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.aa. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
After high-level disinfection the channels are rinsed with water. What follows the water rinse?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.t. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
For an endoscope that requires leak testing, when is the leak test performed?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Essential Steps, 2. Leak Testing. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
For duodenoscopes, how does the FDA recommend the cleaning cycle of an automated endoscope reprocessor be used?FDA, Information about Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs) and FDA's Evaluation, Validating AER Reprocessing Effectiveness. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
How is an endoscope placed in a high-level disinfectant for manual disinfection?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.s. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Reusable biopsy forceps break the mucosal barrier. After mechanical cleaning, how are they processed between patients?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.i. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
What may the visual inspection of a flexible endoscope after manual cleaning require?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Essential Steps, 4. Visual Inspection. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
When an endoscope is placed in an automated endoscope reprocessor, why are all channel connectors attached as the maker instructs?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.ae. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Which exposure does the CDC guideline give as an example for 0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde used as a high-level disinfectant?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.q. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Which of these is not FDA-cleared as a high-level disinfectant and should not be used to reprocess endoscopes?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Disinfection of Healthcare Equipment, Reprocessing of Endoscopes. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
While brushing the channels of an endoscope, when does the CDC guideline say to stop?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.d. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Why are enzymatic cleaners discarded after each use?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.f. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Why are the channels purged with forced air after the alcohol flush?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.u. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Why does CDC's advisory committee call manual cleaning the most critical step in the disinfection process?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Essential Steps, 3. Manual Cleaning. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Why does the FDA say a device processed with a liquid chemical sterilant cannot be assured to be sterile?FDA, Liquid Chemical Sterilization, Liquid Chemical Sterilization. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 4: Endoscope Processing Steps.
Handling, transport and storage 8
A cabinet is used to hang processed flexible endoscopes. What must its size allow?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Essential Steps, 6. Storage. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
A soiled endoscope was placed in its carrying case by mistake. What does the CDC guideline say about the contaminated case?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Disinfection of Healthcare Equipment, Reprocessing of Endoscopes. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
Endoscopes left on movable carts can cause confusion about whether they were processed. What does the CDC guideline call for?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.ah. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
How often are the water bottle used for flush solution and its connecting tube sterilized or high-level disinfected, at the least?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.x. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
Suction valves are removed and cleaned with the endoscope. If the valves are heat stable, how are they then processed?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.c. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
What does CDC's advisory committee say about the longest time an endoscope may be stored before it must be reprocessed again?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Unresolved Issues, 2. Endoscope Storage Interval. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
What does the CDC guideline say about the carrying case that came with an endoscope?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.ai. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
When may processed flexible endoscopes be stored horizontally?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Essential Steps, 6. Storage. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 5: Endoscope Handling, Transport and Storage.
Tracking, repair and system maintenance 5
A damaged endoscope that may be contaminated with blood is to be shipped for repair. What does OSHA require before shipping?OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv). Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 6: Endoscope Tracking, Repair and System Maintenance.
Which item belongs in the log kept for each endoscopic procedure?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.y. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 6: Endoscope Tracking, Repair and System Maintenance.
Which records of endoscopes and reprocessing equipment does CDC's advisory committee say a program maintains?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Documentation, 5. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 6: Endoscope Tracking, Repair and System Maintenance.
Which reuse life does the CDC guideline give as an example for ortho-phthalaldehyde?CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), Summary of Recommendations, Recommendation 7.aa. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 6: Endoscope Tracking, Repair and System Maintenance.
Why are the procedure end time and the start time of manual cleaning recorded?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Documentation, 3. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 6: Endoscope Tracking, Repair and System Maintenance.
Human factors 4
A step of high-level disinfection was skipped on a scope that was then used. Who reviews the event, by CDC's advisory committee?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Disinfection/Sterilization Breach or Failure, 1. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 7: Human Factors That Impact Endoscope Systems.
A technician holds an endoscope reprocessing certification. What does CDC's advisory committee say about competency checks for that technician?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Administrative, 3.f.2. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 7: Human Factors That Impact Endoscope Systems.
Besides at hire and periodically, when does CDC's advisory committee say staff competency is performed?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Education, Training, and Competencies, 4. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 7: Human Factors That Impact Endoscope Systems.
Why should patient scheduling and staffing levels be adequate, by CDC's advisory committee?CDC, Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (HICPAC, 2016), Administrative, 3.d. Outline: HSPA CER Exam Content Outline (revised May 2022), Section 7: Human Factors That Impact Endoscope Systems.
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the seven sections of the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) Exam Content Outline of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (revised May 2022, https://myhspa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CER_Exam_Content_Outline.pdf, linked from https://myhspa.org/certification/certification-overview/certified-endoscope-reprocessor-cer/, read 2026-10-07), in its weights of 12, 10, 12, 32, 16, 10 and 8 percent. The bank holds 6, 5, 6, 16, 8, 5, 4 questions in that order. Every fact was read on 2026-10-07 in the public page the question names: the CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), the CDC advisory committee's Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes (2016), FDA pages on reprocessing, OSHA standards and publications, and MedlinePlus. The paid manual and the private standards the owner lists as references were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This free certified endoscope reprocessor practice test has 50 questions of our own on HSPA's CER exam. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), formerly IAHCSMM.
Read the full guide
What the exam covers
HSPA's CER Exam Content Outline, revised May 2022 and read October 7, 2026, has seven sections: microbiology and infection control 12%, endoscope design 10%, work area design 12%, processing steps 32%, handling, transport and storage 16%, tracking and repair 10% and human factors 8%.
How the bank is split
The 50 questions follow those weights: 6, 5, 6, 16, 8, 5 and 4. Exam mode asks 25 in 30 minutes, the pace of 150 questions in three hours.
Where the facts come from
Mostly two CDC documents: the disinfection and sterilization guideline and the advisory committee's essential elements of a reprocessing program for flexible endoscopes. FDA and OSHA pages give the rest. The paid manual and private standards were not used.
Exposure times here are the CDC guideline's examples. On the job, the product label and the maker's instructions rule.
Questions and answers
Is this an IAHCSMM CER practice test?
Yes. IAHCSMM took the name Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) in 2022, and the CER is its endoscope reprocessing credential. The questions follow HSPA's current outline.
How many questions are on the CER exam?
150 multiple choice questions in three hours, by HSPA's certification handbook of January 2026. 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions.
What score do you need to pass the CER exam?
HSPA prints no percent. Its handbook says pass or fail is decided by the number of scored questions answered correctly, against a passing point set by the Angoff procedure.
Are these real CER exam questions?
No. HSPA's handbook prohibits copying or disclosing its exams. All 50 are our own, written from public CDC, FDA and OSHA pages, and none repeats or rewords an item of the exam or its manual.