Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist (CISS)
An industrial sterilization specialist is a person who understands the principles of sterilization process development, validation, control, and management as part of the manufacture of healthcare products.
CISS has expertise in the science of sterilization (including but not limited to microbiology, physics, and chemistry), knowledge of sterilization processing, quality management systems, risk management and regulatory requirements. The CISS program is a two-test process including a:
Sterilization core exam including 75 multiple- choice questions
A choice of one of the following specialty exams listed below:
1. Ethylene Oxide
2. Moist Heat
3. Radiation
The specialty exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
CISS Eligibility
Candidates must meet one of the following options to be eligible to sit for the CISS exams:
1. Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA in science or engineering field) AND 3 years of full-time, post baccalaureate work experience within the past 5 years in the appropriate exam specialty area.
2. Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) with 20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours of course work in microbiology or related field AND 3 years of full-time, post baccalaureate work experience within the past 5 years in the appropriate exam specialty area.
3. High school graduate with 20 academic credits awarded for participation in workshops sponsored by AAMI or other appropriate organizations in the sterilization area AND 7 years of full-time work experience within the past 10 years in the appropriate exam specialty area.
Individuals can take the core and specialty exam in the same testing window.