Quick answer: HSPA certification exams, including the CRCST, are only given at Prometric test centers, and they run year-round. Search Prometric's test center locator by your ZIP code to find the nearest one. You must get your exam application approved by HSPA first; only then can you schedule a date.
How CRCST testing works
Unlike college courses with one final exam date, the CRCST is a professional certification test with continuous scheduling. That means no single "test day" where everyone sits for it at once. Once HSPA approves your application, you pick a day and time at whichever Prometric center works best for you, as long as seats are open. There are Prometric centers in most mid-sized US cities, so the majority of candidates can test within a reasonable drive of home.
The catch that trips people up: you cannot just book a seat whenever you feel like it. HSPA reviews your eligibility first. If you try to schedule before that approval comes through, you will be turned away. Get the application in early, use the waiting period to study, and then lock in your preferred date the moment approval lands.
The four-step path from application to exam day
Tap each step to see what to do:
1. Get HSPA approval first
- Submit your CRCST exam application through HSPA at myhspa.org.
- HSPA reviews your eligibility. This takes some processing time, so do not wait until the last minute.
- After approval, HSPA sends you scheduling instructions. Keep that email; it contains what you need to book.
2. Find your closest Prometric test center
- Use the Prometric test center locator on prometric.com and search by ZIP code or city.
- Look up drive time, parking, and the center's address before you commit to a date.
- Prometric runs hundreds of centers across the US, so most candidates have more than one option within a comfortable drive.
3. Book your seat
- Choose a date and time using the scheduling tool in your HSPA approval instructions.
- Book early for the best selection. Centers fill up around graduation seasons and before Sterile Processing Week in October.
- Save your confirmation number. You will need it on test day.
4. Exam day
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID with a signature, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
- If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you will not be admitted and you will lose the appointment.
What if the nearest center is far away?
Rural candidates sometimes face a 60 to 90 minute drive. If that is you, plan the logistics like a project: confirm the exact address the night before, budget for traffic and parking, and consider driving in the evening before if it is an early appointment. A long drive on exam morning adds stress you do not need. The test itself is demanding enough without arriving flustered.
Can I take the CRCST online from home?
No. As of now, HSPA administers all its exams exclusively at Prometric test centers. There is no at-home remote proctoring option. This surprises some candidates who are used to online course exams, but it is actually consistent with most professional healthcare certifications, which keep testing in controlled, secure environments.
Study while HSPA processes your application
Use the waiting period to get sharp. Our practice simulator covers all CRCST exam domains with coaching-style feedback on every question.
Start Practicing See PricingFrequently asked questions
Where can I take the CRCST exam near me?
HSPA certification exams, including the CRCST, are only administered at Prometric test centers. They are offered year-round, and you can search for the closest Prometric center by ZIP code on Prometric's test center locator.
Can I take the CRCST exam online from home?
No. HSPA exams are administered in person at Prometric test centers only. There is no at-home or remote proctoring option for the CRCST exam.
Do I need HSPA approval before I can schedule my exam?
Yes. You cannot schedule your CRCST exam until HSPA has reviewed and approved your exam application. Once approved, you receive scheduling instructions that let you book a date at any Prometric test center.
Are there specific dates when the CRCST exam is offered?
No fixed test windows. HSPA exams are available throughout the year at Prometric centers, so you pick a date that fits your schedule, subject to seat availability at your chosen center.
What should I bring to the Prometric test center on exam day?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID with a signature, such as a driver's license or passport. Arrive at least 30 minutes early; if you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you will not be admitted.
How far in advance should I schedule my CRCST exam?
Book as soon as HSPA approves your application if you want first choice of dates. Popular centers fill up, especially around graduation seasons, so give yourself several weeks of lead time.