Sterile Processing Technician
Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a time you had to work quickly without cutting corners.
What they are checking: Whether they keep standards high under time pressure, since shortcuts here can cause infections.
You'll be working closely with surgeons, nurses and procedural staff. Tell me about a time you worked with a team that depended on you.
What they are checking: Whether they see themselves as a key partner in patient safety, not just a back-room job.
The schedule runs into the evening most days, ending at 7:30 p.m. How does that fit with the rest of your life?
What they are checking: Whether they can commit to the posted afternoon and evening hours reliably.
What would you do
While assembling a tray, you notice an instrument has a crack or rust spot. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they pull damaged instruments for repair instead of sending them back to a procedure.
A tray is missing one instrument and the procedure team needs it soon. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they find a real solution and communicate with the team instead of sending an incomplete set.
You see a coworker skip a step in the cleaning process because they're behind. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they will speak up for patient safety even when it's uncomfortable with a peer.
About the work
Walk me through the steps an instrument goes through from the moment it leaves a procedure until it's ready to use again.
What they are checking: Whether they understand the full cycle of decontamination, inspection, assembly and sterilization.
How do you know a sterilization load was successful?
What they are checking: Whether they understand biological, chemical and mechanical indicators and what to do if one fails.
How do you protect yourself when working in the decontamination area?
What they are checking: Whether they consistently wear the right PPE and follow safe handling of contaminated items.
Do you have a sterile processing certification, or are you working toward one?
What they are checking: Whether they have the training to follow sterilization standards or a plan to get it.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by SSM Health.