Live entry-level listings
We flag a listing as entry-level when its title says trainee, apprentice, "will train", non-certified, entry level, or level I (Tech I, Technician I or II). Listings without those words may also accept new techs, so read the requirements on any posting near you: 465 listings in total
How to get certified with no experience
| Route | What you need | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CRCST, provisional | Pass the exam first, then document 400 hands-on hours (paid or volunteer) within 6 months, or the certification is revoked | Source: HSPA: Can I take the CRCST exam before I've completed my 400 hours? |
| CSPDT, course route | Complete a sterile processing technician training course with a passing grade of 70 or higher | Source: CBSPD: SPD Technician Certification Exam (CSPDT) |
| Trainee job | Hired uncertified; in states that require certification you then have 18 months to 3 years to pass, depending on the state | State rules |
HSPA recommends securing a place to complete your hours before you test provisionally, and does not provide placement itself. A trainee job solves both problems at once. Sources: HSPA: Can I take the CRCST exam before I've completed my 400 hours?, HSPA: CRCST certification
What entry-level SPD jobs pay
BLS does not publish pay by experience level. Its 10th and 25th percentile wages for medical equipment preparers are $17.50 and $19.13 an hour (May 2025). The 10 entry-level listings above that show hourly pay have a median of $26.91. State figures are on salary by state. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, 31-9093 Medical Equipment Preparers (occupation profile)
Getting ready
- Read how to become a sterile processing technician for the full path and costs.
- Prepare for the interview with questions mapped to the real task list: interview questions.
- Know the 400-hour breakdown so you can ask a manager how the department will sign off your hours.
Sources
- HSPA: Can I take the CRCST exam before I've completed my 400 hours?
- HSPA: CRCST certification
- CBSPD: SPD Technician Certification Exam (CSPDT)
- HSPA: Legislative certification issues (state map)
- BLS OEWS May 2025, 31-9093 Medical Equipment Preparers (occupation profile)
- SterileShift job data: 585 live sterile processing openings collected from public hospital and staffing-agency career sites, Oct 21, 2026. How we collect it.
SterileShift is not affiliated with HSPA, CBSPD or the BLS. Rules, fees and dates change: confirm on the official sites before you apply or pay for anything.