CSPT Practice Test

Comprehensive resources and mock exams for the PTCB Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Certification.

📊 Complete CSPT Mock Exams

🎯 Domain-Specific Drills

📚 CSPT Exam Guide & Info

1. What is the CSPT Exam?

The Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) exam is an advanced certification offered by the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board). It validates a technician's specialized knowledge in sterile compounding, aseptic technique, and USP standards.

Credential: CSPT (Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician)

2. Eligibility Requirements

To sit for the CSPT exam, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Active CPhT: You must hold an active PTCB CPhT certification in good standing. (ExCPT is not accepted).
  • Training Pathway: Complete a PTCB-recognized Sterile Compounding Training Program.
  • OR Experience Pathway: Have 1 year of full-time sterile compounding experience within the last 3 years.
  • Competency Assessment: Within 12 months of passing the exam, you must submit a Competency Attestation Form signed by a qualified supervisor verifying your hands-on skills.

3. Exam Format & Fees

Total Questions75 Scored + 10 Unscored
Time Limit2 Hours
FormatMultiple Choice
Passing ScoreScaled Score ~300-400 (Official details vary)
Exam Fee$79
Renewal Fee$69 Annually

4. Syllabus Breakdown (The 5 Domains)

The CSPT exam is rigorous and heavily focused on safety and technique. The blueprint is divided into 5 domains:

Domain 1: Regulations (25%)

  • USP <797> & <800>
  • Facility design (ISO classes, Pressure)
  • CDC, FDA, & State Board rules

Domain 2: Aseptic Technique (40%)

  • Garbing & Hand Hygiene
  • Hood Cleaning & Disinfection
  • Sterile Compounding Tasks: Vials, Ampules, TPNs
  • Hazardous Drug Handling (CSTDs)

Domain 3: Math & Calculations (20%)

  • Flow Rates & Drip Rates
  • Dilutions & Alligation
  • Concentration & Electrolyte Math
  • TPN Calculations

Domain 4 & 5: QA & Disposal (15%)

  • Environmental Monitoring (Air/Surface)
  • Sterility & Endotoxin Testing
  • Labeling & BUDs
  • Hazardous Waste Disposal

5. Why is the CSPT Exam Difficult?

The CSPT exam is considered high difficulty because it tests application-level knowledge, not just memorization. You must understand:

  • Complex Workflows: Knowing the exact order of cleaning a hood or garbing is critical.
  • Strict Standards: Memorizing specific ISO classes, air change requirements, and BUDs for different risk levels is mandatory.
  • Safety: A single error in sterile compounding can be fatal, so the exam has zero tolerance for safety gaps.

6. Certification Maintenance

Once certified, you must maintain your credential to stay active:

  • Annual Renewal: CSPT certification must be renewed every year.
  • CE Requirements: You must complete 5 hours of sterile compounding-specific Continuing Education (CE) annually.
  • CPhT Status: You must maintain your primary CPhT certification in good standing.