Free Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1In the chain of infection, which term identifies a disease-producing microorganism?

   1. A. Reservoir
   2. B. Pathogen
   3. C. Portal of entry
   4. D. Susceptible host

   Answer: B

   Explanation: CDC defines the microorganisms in this chain as "Disease producing, also called pathogens". A pathogen is the infectious agent, whereas the other terms describe its habitat, entry route, or host.

   Reference: Chain of Infection Components — Chain of Infection Components, Microorganisms

2. 2Which benefit of colonoscopy is diagnostic rather than therapeutic?

   1. A. Directly viewing the colon lining for abnormalities
   2. B. Removing a polyp with a snare
   3. C. Applying a clip to stop bleeding
   4. D. Injecting medication into a bleeding site

   Answer: A

   Explanation: ASGE says colonoscopy "lets your doctor examine the lining of your large intestine (colon) for abnormalities." The other options are endoscopic interventions rather than the diagnostic visualization asked for.

   Reference: ASGE Procedures and Treatments — Colonoscopy

3. 3How should an endoscope reprocessing area relate to the patient procedure area?

   1. A. Occupy a separate space
   2. B. Share the procedure room behind an open counter
   3. C. Use a decontamination alcove open to the procedure room
   4. D. Share a sink between patient care and reprocessing

   Answer: A

   Explanation: HICPAC states, "The reprocessing area should be in a space that is separate from the patient procedural area." This separates patient care from contaminated processing work.

   Reference: Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes — Physical Setting, item 1

4. 4During point-of-use care, how should the exterior of a used flexible endoscope be treated?

   1. A. Wiped with a soft lint-free cloth or sponge wetted with cleaning solution
   2. B. Wiped with a dry paper towel only
   3. C. Covered with a sterile drape without wiping
   4. D. Soaked in high-level disinfectant before any cleaning

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The HICPAC sample policy describes "washing the exterior surfaces of the endoscope with a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge saturated with the cleaning solution". It is a precleaning action.

   Reference: HICPAC Sample Policy Template: Reprocessing Flexible Endoscopes — Procedure Interventions, Precleaning

5. 5What hand protection does the HICPAC sample policy specify when handling a processed flexible endoscope?

   1. A. Clean, low-protein, powder-free latex or latex-free gloves
   2. B. Gloves used for handling the same scope before cleaning
   3. C. Bare hands after the processing cycle
   4. D. Heavy utility gloves still wet with detergent

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The policy says to "Wear clean, low-protein, powder-free, natural rubber latex gloves or latex-free gloves when handling processed flexible endoscopes."

   Reference: HICPAC Sample Policy Template: Reprocessing Flexible Endoscopes — Storing, page 5

6. 6Which pairing must reprocessing records preserve to support patient tracing after a suspected disinfection failure?

   1. A. Endoscope identifier and patient identifier
   2. B. Endoscope identifier and AER cycle identifier only
   3. C. Patient identifier and procedure-room identifier only
   4. D. Endoscope identifier and staff identifier only

   Answer: A

   Explanation: HICPAC states, "For all methods of reprocessing using HLD or sterilization, document endoscope and patient identifiers. Tracking is essential in the event of a disinfection failure."

   Reference: Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes — Documentation, page 4

7. 7Which cognitive change associated with fatigue could make a reprocessor more likely to miss a required step?

   1. A. Reduced attention or concentration
   2. B. Improved sustained attention
   3. C. Improved recall of process steps
   4. D. More reliable task switching

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NIOSH lists "Reduce attention or concentration" among the effects of fatigue. That effect can undermine attention to a multi-step procedure.

   Reference: Fatigue and Work — Overview, Fatigue can

8. 8Under the FDA duodenoscope culturing protocol, which organism is an example of a high-concern organism?

   1. A. Micrococcus species
   2. B. Bacillus species
   3. C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
   4. D. Coagulase-negative staphylococci

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The FDA lists "Pseudomonas aeruginosa" among high-concern organisms. The other named groups are in its low-concern examples, so the distinction depends on the protocol's classification.

   Reference: Duodenoscope Sampling and Culturing Protocols — Definitions, HIGH-CONCERN ORGANISM and LOW/MODERATE-CONCERN ORGANISM

9. 9An abnormal area is seen during colonoscopy. Which action allows diagnosis from a tissue specimen?

   1. A. Obtaining a biopsy through the endoscope
   2. B. Removing the area solely for treatment
   3. C. Washing the camera lens for a clearer view
   4. D. Insufflating the colon to improve visualization

   Answer: A

   Explanation: ASGE says a device can be passed through the scope "to obtain a tissue sample for testing". A biopsy supplies tissue for diagnosis; the other actions either treat or aid visualization without obtaining a specimen.

   Reference: ASGE Colonoscopy — Colonoscopy, polyps or other abnormalities

10. 10What direction should the work flow follow through the endoscope reprocessing area?

    1. A. Clean work back into contaminated work
    2. B. Contaminated work toward clean work
    3. C. Alternating directions after each case
    4. D. Any direction if the same sink is used

    Answer: B

    Explanation: HICPAC recommends a "one way" work flow that "separates contaminated work spaces from clean work spaces." Movement toward clean work avoids carrying soiled devices back into completed stages.

    Reference: Essential Elements of a Reprocessing Program for Flexible Endoscopes — Physical Setting, item 2