Sterile processing technicians are the backbone of surgical and medical care with the important task of ensuring that every tool, piece of equipment, and surface is ready for medical care in a sterile environment.
It’s not just about cleaning—it’s the precise science of decontamination and sterilization that prevents infections and complications in patients.
That sounds pretty important, right?
You might be surprised to see how many states don’t require certification to start working in the field.
In this article, we’ll navigate the requirements for a Sterile Processing Technician certification by state, as regulations can differ significantly.
The information provided below is accurate as of late 2024, but please note that the bulk of states without requirements will still likely have employers who expect certification in hand or in progress.
In addition, legislation could change, requiring licensing for this important job.
Certification is required to work in the sterile processing field in six states, with three states in the process of passing legislation. However, all 50 states offer the opportunity for certification.
States Requiring Certification for Sterile Processing Technicians
Let’s take a look at the six states that require sterile processing technicians to have a certification before working in the field.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, House Bill 5913 went into effect on January 1, 2016. This law put sterile processing technicians under the job title Central Service Technicians.
Those who were in the role before the law went into effect are exempt from the law.
For everyone else, there are the following requirements.
- Certification from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc.
- At least 10 hours of continuing education each year in practice.
Healthcare providers, interns under supervision, and other specialized employees are exempt from these requirements.
The Connecticut Sterile Processing Association is a great resource for learning more about sterile processing technician jobs in the state.
Delaware
The Diamond State also implemented similar regulations through House Bill 279 in January 2023.
Central Service Technicians must have certification within 18 months of being hired at a hospital or freestanding surgical center.
Get in touch with the Delaware Healthcare Sterile Processing Association to learn more.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s laws for Central Service Technicians, another name for sterile processing technicians, state that certification is required within three years of employment.
In addition, employees who use ethylene oxide will need a license from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Those working in sterile processing in New Jersey will also be tested annually by a supervisor.
The law also goes into great detail about processes required in the sterile processing section of the facility.
Organizations that can help you find out more details are the New Jersey Healthcare Central Service Association and the Mid-Atlantic CS Association.
New York
The sterile processing law in New York also requires certification as a registered central service technician, sterile processing, or distribution technician.
If a certificate is not held at the time of hire, the employee has 18 months to earn a certification.
Potential hires need to have at least a year of experience in the field during the previous four years.
Students and interns can work in the sterile processing field provided a certified employee is overseeing their work and the work does not extend outside the educational requirements.
At least 10 hours of continuing education is required annually.
Sterile processing groups in New York:
- Central New York Health Care Central Service Professionals
- New York City Association for Central Service Professionals
- Western New York Association for CS Professionals
Pennsylvania
The Central Service Technician and Surgical Technologist Regulation Act of 2020 requires that anyone providing sterile processing needs to have a certification or must earn one within 18 months of being hired.
In tandem with other states, 10 hours of ongoing education are required each year of employment.
Contact the Central Service Association of Western Pennsylvania or the Keystone State Association of Sterile Processing Professionals to learn more.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, sterile processing technicians can work without certification, provided they earn that accreditation within two years of hire.
Again, 10 hours of ongoing education are required to keep the job.
Visit the River City Association of Sterile Processing Group to get in touch with any questions.
States with Pending Legislation for Sterile Processing Techs
Florida
The Sunshine State had two bills that worked through the state senate that would’ve placed more requirements on certification for sterile processing, but both were removed from consideration as late as 2022.
The proposed requirements were pretty standard compared to the certification requirements of the other states.
Get in touch with the Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators to find more people in the field.
Massachusetts
Proposed requirements for sterile processing technicians were going around the Massachusetts State House but haven’t been passed.
The rules would be similar to those of other states that have passed legislation, with certification required and 10 hours of additional annual education.
Join the Massachusetts Sterile Processing Association (MSPA) to follow the legislative process or lobby for change.
Minnesota
The law in Minnesota would require certification upon hire or within 18 months of hire as a central service technician (aka sterile processing technician). As with all the others, the 10 hours of ongoing education annually appears standard.
States With No Certification Requirements for Sterile Processing Techs
Alabama
We start in Alabama, where the legislature or local governments have passed no certification requirements. To help you stay on top of the topic or learn more about certification options, follow the Alabama Sterile Processing Association on Facebook.
Alaska
In Alaska, we found that there are no formal state-mandated licensing requirements specifically for sterile processing technicians. As of this publication, it appears there is no plan to require certifications in the near future.
Alaska does have one of the highest salaries for a sterile processing technician, which could make getting a certificate that much more lucrative. At the same time, Alaska employs among the fewest sterile processing technicians in the nation.
Arizona
The Grand Canyon State looked at legislation for certification under the sterile processing umbrella as recently as 2010, but amid the same controversy that kept some other states from passing the law, it also fell apart in a committee.
The Pacific West Sterile Processing Association oversees several western states, including Arizona.
Arkansas
The Natural State only has a law that requires the layout of sterile processing rooms to allow for the flow of contaminated material to a sterile environment.
No requirements exist for sterile processing technicians at the state level.
Arkansas Healthcare Central Service Professionals
California
California is another state that discussed sterile processing certification requirements in the ’00s but never made it law.
As a Western state, you can learn more about potential legislation through the Pacific West Sterile Processing Association.
Colorado
A bill worked its way through the Colorado legislature in 2020, but no progress has been made since. It appears the pandemic likely stalled the process.
The requirements would be similar to other state laws, including certification required at the time of hire or within 18 months. Employees could take the certification exam as many times as necessary.
The Rocky Mountain Chapter for Healthcare Central Service Professionals can help you learn about the progress of the legislation.
Georgia
The only requirement in Georgia for sterile processing technicians, at least by law, is that “The sterile processing service shall be staffed by qualified personnel.”
Team up with the Georgia Central Service Professional Association to become part of the organization.
Hawaii
There are no legal requirements to be hired as a sterile processing technician in Hawaii.
However, hospitals and healthcare facilities are at liberty to require certification as a condition of hire.
Join the Pacific West Sterile Processing Association to be on your way to a job in the Aloha State.
Idaho
Idaho is another state that doesn’t have laws pertaining to the sterile processing profession. However, certification is always recommended in the competitive job market.
The HSPA Pacific Northwest Chapter is a great place to start learning more about the nearly 500 jobs in sterile processing in Idaho.
Illinois
Employers in Illinois might require a certification in sterile processing, but state laws don’t.
It’s worth noting that the Chicago/Naperville/Elgin area of Illinois has the third-highest employment level for sterile processing technicians and other medical equipment preparers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The Chicago Association of Healthcare Central Service Personnel
- Illinois/Eastern Missouri Central Service Organization
Indiana
The Hoosier State has no requirements for sterile processing technicians, but the Central Indiana Chapter can help you learn why certification is important for finding the best career path.
Iowa
No laws in Iowa require certification for sterile processing techs, but I found something that will help anyone considering the field in this state.
The Gap Program helps financially for anyone who pursues a career in a high-demand area, and sterile processing technician is one of those jobs.
Get in contact with the Central Service Association of Iowa, Inc. for more career guidance.
Kansas
Kansas law doesn’t mention any requirements for sterile processing technicians.
In fact, the lack of training in the sterile processing field led to the creation of a program at Washburn University in 2022.
Kentucky
Kentucky is another state where sterile processing certification laws don’t exist.
However, that shouldn’t deter anyone from seeking certification due to the likelihood that a hospital or healthcare facility will require it.
Professionals can also join the Kentuckiana Chapter.
Louisiana
You can get a john in sterile processing in Louisiana without certification.
At the same time, the legislative branch does think highly of the career. In 2020, a week in October was designated as Sterile Processing Week.
Maine
“Ayuh” (that means “yes” in Maine), you can get a job as a sterile processing technician in Maine without certification.
In fact, Maine has the second-highest concentration of jobs in the field, according to BLS May 2023 data.
The Northern New England Chapter oversees Maine and connecting states.
Maryland
The closest Maryland gets to sterile processing requirements is in compound pharmacies, but even that focuses mostly on the proper personal protective equipment being worn.
The Maryland Association of Sterile Processing Professionals can help with any questions you have about the career landscape there.
Michigan
In Michigan, the only law about sterile processing technicians involves the workspace. Access is limited to only employees working in a sterile environment.
Get in touch with the Michigan Society of Healthcare Central Service Professionals to join the conversation.
Mississippi
Mississippi is another state that has no legal certification requirements for sterile processing technicians.
Missouri
The only requirements in Missouri for sterile processing are about the layout and equipment required in the sterile area. No certification standards have been set.
Montana
While having certification in Montana to be a sterile processing technician is recommended, there are no laws that require certification before being hired or within a certain timeframe after being hired.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s law only requires that sterile processing be done “in accordance with current standards of practice.”
Get involved with the Nebraska Sterile Processing Association if you want to learn more about the job opportunities statewide.
Nevada
In Nevada, anyone serving food needs to have a Food Handler’s license, but nothing of the sort is in place for sterile processing technicians.
The Pacific West Sterile Processing Association oversees this region.
New Hampshire
You can join the Northern New England Chapter to get involved with other sterile processing professionals, but you won’t be required by law to have a certificate upon hire in any job.
New Mexico
Another state without requirements for sterile processing technicians is New Mexico.
North Carolina
North Carolina does not have state requirements for becoming a sterile processing technician.
Feel free to join the North Carolina Association for Hospital Central Service Professionals to get in touch with colleagues.
North Dakota
My research shows there has never been legislation to require certification for sterile processing technicians in North Dakota.
As noted earlier, that doesn’t mean hospitals won’t require certification.
Ohio
The Mid-Ohio Central Service Professionals (MOCSP) is lobbying for legislation to require certification for sterile processing technicians.
However, as of late 2024, there is no legal requirement.
Here is contact information if you want to join that lobbying effort:
- Buckeye Central Service Association
- Mid-Ohio Central Service Professionals
- Northeast Ohio Central Service Association
Oklahoma
The only Oklahoma laws about sterile processing impact the location and access points, not the certification for workers.
The Oklahoma Central Service Association is the best way to get involved with other professionals.
Oregon
Oregon has no laws that require sterile processing technicians to have a license upon hire or within a certain period after being hired.
The HSPA Cascade Chapter can emphasize the benefits of becoming certified.
Rhode Island
A bill that would have put legal requirements on sterile processing technicians was removed from consideration by the sponsor of House Bill 7812 in March 2024.
That means Rhode Island has no requirements for sterile processing techs.
The Northern New England Chapter is the group to contact to get involved in that area.
South Carolina
No regulations are in place in South Carolina that require sterile processing technicians to have certification or ongoing training.
Join up with the South Carolina Association of Hospital Central Service Professionals to explore career potential.
South Dakota
South Dakota is another state with no formal requirements by law on sterile processing professionals.
Texas
The sterile processing laws in Texas deal with the construction, drainage, and monitoring of the process. It doesn’t address certification requirements.
Here are a few organizations in the field statewide:
- DFW Chapter of HSPA
- Houston Sterile Processing Professionals Alliance
- South Texas Association of Sterile Processing Services
Utah
You can get a sterile processing tech job in Utah without legal requirements, as no laws are on the books that require a certain level of experience or certification.
Find information about the job potential here through the Utah Mountain West Chapter.
Vermont
You don’t need a license or certification to get a sterile processing position in Vermont, at least not from a legal perspective.
Virginia
Virginia doesn’t require certification for sterile processing technicians. In fact, the legislature doubled down on this in 2016, updating Hospital Licensure Regulations to state, “…so sterile processing services can be provided in a manner that meets local capabilities rather than having minimum requirements that may go beyond what is needed in small hospitals.”
Sterile processing organization in Virginia:
Washington
In Washington (state), laws specifically address sterile processing room setups, airflow, and exits, but not employee details.
No certification is required in Washington beyond what an employer might recommend or expect.
Contact the HSPA Pacific Northwest Chapter to join.
West Virginia
You won’t find any state-specific laws about requirements for sterile processing technicians in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Organization of Central Services can provide updates or information on any specific questions you might have.
Wisconsin
While Wisconsin doesn’t have legal documents to require certification for sterile processing technicians, the Department of Health Service does “strongly recommend” it.
Interested in a Wisconsin sterile processing job? Contact the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals.
Wyoming
The Cowboy State does not require sterile processing technicians to have certification or be working toward certification.
