CHL Practice Test
Updated for September 2026What changed for the HSPA CHL exam in 2026
- New CHL exam launches December 15, 2026. HSPA is replacing the current CHL exam: the last day to sit the current version is September 23, 2026, a discounted pilot exam runs October 1–15, 2026 ($98, applications were due September 15, 2026), no CHL testing is offered October 16–December 14, 2026, and regular testing of the updated exam resumes December 15, 2026. (source)
- New eligibility rules from October 2026. Candidates must hold a current CRCST credential AND meet one of three options: 12 months full-time (2,080 hours) of Sterile Processing experience, 12 months (2,080 hours) in a leadership role, or an associate's degree or higher. Applications under the old CRCST-only rule stopped being accepted on September 1, 2026. (source)
- Current CHL holders must re-document eligibility by October 1, 2027 through an online attestation plus supporting documents (experience verification form or diploma/transcript) at dashboard.myhspa.org; this is a one-time step and does not change the annual renewal cycle. (source)
- Exam format (2026 Certification Handbook): 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored + 25 unscored pretest), 3 hours, computer-based at Prometric test centers, English only; you get 120 days after approval to schedule and test. Pass/fail is shown on screen at the test center and emailed within 48 hours; HSPA does not publish percentage scores (Angoff criterion-referenced passing point). (source)
- Fees: the CHL application fee is $140 (initial and retake), which covers processing and one in-person Prometric attempt; HSPA membership is not required and there is no separate non-member price. Cancellations within 30 days are refunded minus a $25 processing fee. (source)
- Updated content outline (revised August 2025, updated January 2026): four sections weighted Planning and Decision Making 25%, Organizing 23%, Leading 29%, Governing and Compliance 23%. (source)
- Study references: the updated exam is built on HSPA's Sterile Processing Leadership Manual (5th edition) and Sterile Processing Technical Manual (9th edition), plus ANSI/AAMI ST79 and AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice; the handbook lists the Leadership Manual 4th edition (2024) for the current exam. (source)
- Renewal: CHL is renewed every year with 6 CE credits on management/supervisory topics plus current CRCST status and a $50 annual renewal fee (one fee covers all HSPA certifications you hold; $60 with membership). (source)
Last verified: September 17, 2026 against the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certification pages, the 2026 Certification Handbook and the 2026 CHL Exam Content Outline.
The Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) designation is a key step for professionals aiming to advance into management roles within central sterile supply departments. It requires a solid foundation in both technical sterilization knowledge and broader leadership competencies.
If you are searching for a CHL practice exam, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the CHL exam topics in order.
CHL Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Change M...
CHL Exam Questions covering - Certified Healthcare Leader Change Management Principles. Master CHL Test concepts for certification prep.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Communic...
Free CHL Practice Test featuring - Certified Healthcare Leader Communication and Relationship Building. Improve your CHL Exam score with mock test prep.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Document...
CHL Mock Exam on - Certified Healthcare Leader Documentation and Record Keeping. CHL Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Financia...
CHL Test Prep for - Certified Healthcare Leader Financial Planning and Budgeting. Practice CHL Quiz questions and boost your score.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Healthca...
CHL Questions and Answers on - Certified Healthcare Leader Healthcare Ethics and Regulations. Free CHL practice for exam readiness.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Healthca...
CHL Mock Test covering - Certified Healthcare Leader Healthcare Quality Management. Online CHL Test practice with instant feedback.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Inventor...
Free CHL Quiz on - Certified Healthcare Leader Inventory and Supply Management. CHL Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Staff Ma...
CHL Practice Questions for - Certified Healthcare Leader Staff Management and Engagement. Build confidence for your CHL certification exam.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Workflow...
CHL Test Online for - Certified Healthcare Leader Workflow and Process Design. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CHL - Certified Healthcare Leader Workforc...
CHL Study Material on - Certified Healthcare Leader Workforce Planning and Development. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CHL Change Management Principles
Free CHL Test covering Change Management Principles. Practice and track your CHL exam readiness.
CHL Communication and Relationship Building
CHL Exam Questions covering Communication and Relationship Building. Master CHL Test concepts for certification prep.
CHL Documentation and Record Keeping
Free CHL Practice Test featuring Documentation and Record Keeping. Improve your CHL Exam score with mock test prep.
CHL Financial Planning and Budgeting
CHL Mock Exam on Financial Planning and Budgeting. CHL Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CHL General Practice
CHL Test Prep for General Practice. Practice CHL Quiz questions and boost your score.
CHL Healthcare Ethics and Regulations
CHL Questions and Answers on Healthcare Ethics and Regulations. Free CHL practice for exam readiness.
CHL Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Pl...
CHL Mock Test covering Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Planning. Online CHL Test practice with instant feedback.
CHL Healthcare Quality Management
Free CHL Quiz on Healthcare Quality Management. CHL Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
CHL Inventory and Supply Management
CHL Practice Questions for Inventory and Supply Management. Build confidence for your CHL certification exam.
CHL Law and Ethics
CHL Test Online for Law and Ethics. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CHL Patient Safety and Risk Management
CHL Study Material on Patient Safety and Risk Management. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CHL Performance Improvement and Data Analy...
Free CHL Test covering Performance Improvement and Data Analytics. Practice and track your CHL exam readiness.
CHL Staff Management and Engagement
CHL Exam Questions covering Staff Management and Engagement. Master CHL Test concepts for certification prep.
CHL Workflow and Process Design
Free CHL Practice Test featuring Workflow and Process Design. Improve your CHL Exam score with mock test prep.
CHL Exam Flashcards
Quick review for key Certified Healthcare Leader concepts.
💼What is the primary role of a Central Service Leader?
To manage the daily operations of the sterile processing department and ensure patient safety through proper sterilization.
START CHL PRACTICE TEST💰What does ROI stand for in financial management?
Return on Investment, a measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of a number of different investments.
REVIEW CHL QUESTIONS📜Which agency regulates workplace safety?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards.
TRY CHL MOCK EXAM👥What is a key component of effective communication?
Active listening, which involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said.
GET CHL EXAM PREP🏥What is the Joint Commission?
A non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.
ACCESS CHL STUDY GUIDE📉What is a variance in budgeting?
The difference between the planned budget amount and the actual amount spent or received.
PRACTICE CHL TEST NOWCertified Healthcare Leader Study Guide
Our CHL study guide breaks down the essential components of the exam. From understanding the CHL certification requirements to mastering the core competencies, this guide covers what you need to know.
CHL Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
How to Become a Certified Healthcare Leader
The path to becoming a Certified Healthcare Leader involves specific steps. Most candidates start as technicians and gain experience before pursuing CHL preparation.
- Obtain CRCST - You must hold a valid Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential.
- Gain Experience - For applications from October 2026 you must also meet one of three options: 12 months (2,080 hours) of Sterile Processing experience, 12 months (2,080 hours) in a leadership role, or an associate's degree or higher.
- Study CHL Materials - Review HSPA's "Sterile Processing Leadership Manual" (5th edition for the updated exam) and use a CHL study guide.
- Register with HSPA - Submit your application and pay the exam fee to HSPA.
- Schedule Exam - Book your testing appointment at a local Prometric center.
- Pass the Test - Complete the 150-question exam (125 scored) within 3 hours and meet HSPA's criterion-referenced passing point.
- Maintain Certification - Renew annually with 6 management-focused CE credits, current CRCST status and the $50 renewal fee.
What the CHL Practice Test Covers
A CHL practice test should mirror the HSPA exam: 150 multiple-choice questions, 125 of them scored, in a single 3-hour computer-based session at a Prometric test center. The updated CHL Exam Content Outline (revised August 2025, updated January 2026) has four sections: Planning and Decision Making (25%), Organizing (23%), Leading (29%), and Governing and Compliance (23%). Focus your practice sessions on Leading and Planning, which together carry more than half of the scored items, and use timed runs to build pacing.
Expect to invest between $300 and $600 total for your CHL certification, covering the exam fee and study materials. Many employers reimburse these costs.
CHL Career Opportunities
The Certified Healthcare Leader credential opens doors to various management roles within the sterile processing field.
CS Manager
Oversee the entire Central Service department, including staff, budget, and operations.
Sterile
Processing SupervisorManage shift operations and ensure technicians follow proper protocols.
CS Educator
Train new technicians and manage continuing education for the department.
Traveling CS Manager
Fill interim management roles at hospitals across the country on short-term contracts.
Vendor Consultant
Work with equipment manufacturers to train hospital staff on new sterilization technologies.
CHL Test Day Checklist
- ✓Two forms of ID
- ✓Exam confirmation email
- ✓Arrive 30 mins early
- ✓Review HSPA handbook
- ✓Leave electronics in car
- ✓Comfortable clothing
- ✓Know center location
- ✓Relaxation techniques
Ready to Lead?
Start your journey to becoming a Certified Healthcare Leader today. Take our free CHL practice test and evaluate your readiness for the HSPA exam.
CHL Renewal Requirements
CE Credits
6 Credits
Fee
$50/Year
Ensure you submit your renewal application and fee before the expiration date to avoid late fees or loss of certification. CE credits must be specific to leadership or technical management.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
CHL Questions and Answers
About the Author
Certified Professional Development Expert & Niche Certification Advisor
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of EducationDr. Alexandra Kim holds a PhD in Professional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). With 17 years of corporate training and professional certification advisory experience, she helps professionals navigate specialized, emerging, and cross-industry certification programs.