Study guide
What the CRCST exam costs
HSPA lists the CRCST exam and each retake at $140, paid to HSPA. What the fee covers, what it does not, and how it differs from the cost of any study product.
Last reviewed November 4, 2026
$140 an attempt
HSPA's CRCST page lists the initial exam at $140 and each retake at $140. The fee covers application processing and one attempt at a Prometric site. Cancellation rules are in the handbook: requests within 30 days are refunded minus a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Read the current handbook before you pay, because fees move.
CRCST Practice's prices are for practice access only: Sprint is $19 for 7 days, and the 90-day plan is $39. None of those fees pay HSPA, and none of them register you for the exam. The money-back guarantee on the $39 plan refunds the CRCST Practice fee, not the $140.
Try five questions
Five original questions. Answer each one to see the explanation and its public source. The full bank has 491.
Professional Development and Human Relation Skills
For full CRCST certification, the 400 hands-on hours must fall within which period?
Common questions
Does the hospital pay the exam fee?
Sometimes. That is an employer policy, not an HSPA rule. Ask your educator before you assume it.
Is CRCST Practice's $39 the exam fee?
No. $39 is 90 days of practice access. The exam fee published by HSPA is a separate $140 charge.