Sterile processing certification · Minnesota

Get CRCST-certified in Minnesota — from home.

Minnesota law requires central service technicians to be certified — and the grandfather window closes December 31, 2027. ATS online self-study gets you certified on your own schedule, no local school required.

Start self-study — $700

The Minnesota requirement. Under Minnesota Statute 148.781, a hospital or surgical center may only employ a central service technician who holds one of four credentials — CRCST, CER, CSPDT, or CFER — or who was already employed as a technician on or before December 31, 2027. Technicians hired without a credential get 24 months from their hire date to earn one, and all qualifying technicians must complete ten hours of continuing education a year. Source: Minnesota Statute 148.781 — Central Service Technician Law

No school nearby? You don’t need one.

In-person training is famously scarce here — one of the state’s few central-service programs is described as “the only one of its kind in the 5-state area.” For most Minnesotans, getting certified means studying online.

Why it’s worth it in Minnesota

With the grandfather cutoff approaching, Minnesota hospitals are increasingly hiring certified technicians now — earning your CRCST early puts you ahead of the requirement instead of racing a 24-month clock after you're hired.

100% online, self-paced CRCST preparation
Instant access — start the same day you enroll
AI voice-guided lessons, quizzes, and practice tests
Private student community and free course-retake guarantee

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$700 self-study

Everything you need to prepare for the CRCST in Minnesota — yours the moment you enroll.

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Questions, answered

Sterile processing in Minnesota

Does Minnesota require sterile processing certification?

Under Minnesota Statute 148.781, a hospital or surgical center may only employ a central service technician who holds one of four credentials — CRCST, CER, CSPDT, or CFER — or who was already employed as a technician on or before December 31, 2027. Technicians hired without a credential get 24 months from their hire date to earn one, and all qualifying technicians must complete ten hours of continuing education a year.

Can I get certified in Minnesota online?

Yes. Our online self-study program lets you prepare for the CRCST entirely online, on your own schedule, from anywhere in Minnesota — no commute, no waiting for a cohort.

What certification do I need?

Minnesota recognizes the CRCST (HSPA) or CSPDT (CBSPD). ATS self-study prepares you for the CRCST on the HSPA 9th Edition. ATS is an independent provider and is not affiliated with HSPA.

How fast can I start?

Immediately — self-study is instant-access. Enroll and your full course library unlocks right away.

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