CBSPD Passing Score 2026: Scaled Score of 70 Explained
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
The CBSPD technician exam has a passing scaled score of 70. It is a scaled score, not 70 percent correct: CBSPD converts raw scores so that results mean the same thing on every form of the test.
The CBSPD passing score is a scaled score of 70. The technician (CSPDT) exam has 150 questions, 125 scored and 25 pretest, and you get 3 hours. A scaled 70 is not the same as getting 70 percent of the questions right.
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What a scaled 70 means
CBSPD gives the reason in its candidate bulletin. The exam exists in more than one form, and the forms are not always equally hard. A raw count of correct answers would mean different things on an easy form and a hard one, so CBSPD converts each form's raw score to a scale. Each form has its own raw-to-scale conversion. In CBSPD's words, the easier the questions, the more of them you have to answer correctly to reach a given scaled score.
A scaled score of 70 or above is reported as a pass. Below 70 is a fail. The bulletin does not say how many correct answers that takes on any form.
What you will see after the exam
- In the United States, you get an official pass or fail at the end of the exam. You report to the proctor to receive it.
- If you pass, no numeric score is reported. CBSPD calls the exam a minimum competency test, not one meant to rank scores above the passing point. Certificates are mailed within 6 weeks of the last day of the exam window.
- If you fail, you receive your score and a diagnostic report by content area. CBSPD says pass or fail is not decided area by area.
How the cut score is set
CBSPD describes a committee process. Committee members take the exam on a computer, then rate each question on how well the average applicant could answer it. The cut score meeting happens within 7 to 10 days of the exam administration. A contracted psychometrician analyzes the ratings along with candidate data, such as the average education level of candidates and their familiarity with taking exams, and the CBSPD Board of Directors approves the result.
The exam in numbers
| Content area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Decontamination and Disinfection | 19% |
| Sterilization | 18% |
| Preparation and Handling | 16% |
| Roles and Responsibilities | 13% |
| Sterile Storage, Inventory Management and Distribution | 11% |
| Life Science | 9% |
| Ethics | 8% |
| Patient Care Equipment | 6% |
The fee is $135, and convenience fees may apply. The exam is computer-based at PSI testing centers, given in English in the United States. The credential lasts five years.
Testing windows and retakes
CBSPD tests in one-week windows rather than year-round. The 2026 windows are February 2-7, May 4-9, August 3-8 and November 2-7. The next is February 1-6, 2027, with an application deadline of January 26, 2027. If you fail, you register again, pay the full fee and retake the whole exam. There is no limit on attempts, but you cannot take it more than once in the same window.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CBSPD passing score 70 percent?
No. CBSPD states a passing scaled score of 70. It is a scaled score, and CBSPD does not publish a percent-correct equivalent.
Will I find out my exact score if I pass?
No. CBSPD reports no numeric scores for passing candidates. Failing candidates do receive their score.
How many questions are on the CBSPD technician exam?
There are 150: 125 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions.
Can I retake the exam in the same window?
No. CBSPD does not allow the same exam more than once in an exam window.
Official sources
- CBSPD: SPD Technician Certification Exam (CSPDT)
- CBSPD: Technician Candidate Bulletin, November 2026 (PDF)
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.